Gov. Jared Polis has named Michael T. Kotlarczyk to the 20th Judicial District Court judge vacancy that will be left when Judge Bruce D. Langer retires on Oct. 12.

Kotlarczyk is a senior assistant attorney general in the Public Officials Unit, as well as an assistant solicitor general at the Colorado Attorney General’s office.

His practice includes trial and appellate litigation on behalf of the State of Colorado. Prior to his work with the state, Kotlarczyk held jobs at law firms and served as a law clerk for federal judges.

Kotlarczyk was one of three finalists reviewed for the job. Magistrate Elizabeth Kelley and Magistrate Thomas Ward were also named as finalists in the search to replace Langer. Kelley has served as a district court magistrate in Boulder County since 2023 and has a background in both private practice and public defense. Ward, named as a magistrate in 2023, has focused on providing pro bono and modest means representation for underserved communities.

Langer was named to the bench in September 2013 after working as a deputy district attorney and chief deputy district attorney with the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office for 18 years.

He previously was a reporter and editor at the Boulder Daily Camera.

Gov. Polis reviewed the finalists, following recommendations from a judicial nominating commission. Community members also submitted comments on the nominees during the selection process.