Former district judge to provide campus counsel

The University of Colorado has named Kirk Samelson its managing senior associate with University Counsel for UCCS.

Samelson served as a district judge in Colorado’s 4th Judicial District for the past 12 years, five of them as chief judge. He handled civil, criminal, juvenile and domestic matters.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to join the staff at UCCS, a dynamic university that is playing an increasingly important role in Colorado,” Samelson said. “I appreciate the 12 years I spent on the bench, and wish my judicial colleagues the best in the future.”

Before becoming a judge, Samelson was a U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate and in private practice, including work as an associate professor of law at the Air Force Academy and an adjunct professor at Colorado College.

He received his undergraduate degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and his law degree from the University of Denver.

“We welcome Kirk to the UCCS family,” said UCCS Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak. “His experiences and connections, both to the legal community of our state and to the community of Colorado Springs, will serve UCCS well.”

Samelson replaces Jenny Watson-Willits who has accepted a legal position at CU Denver.