Hon. Kurt A. Horton (Ret.) is a JAMS DENVER neutral.  JAMS Denver is a licensee office. Policies and procedures may differ between JAMS, Inc., and JAMS Denver. Please visit https://jamsdenver.com/ or contact Lisa Gaige at admindocs@jamsdenver.com or 303-534-1254 for information related to JAMS Denver. 

Hon. Kurt A. Horton (Ret.) presided over civil and criminal dockets for almost 10 years in the most populous judicial district in Colorado. Prior to his appointment, he practiced complex civil litigation, dealing with business disputes, professional liability matters and construction defect cases.

Judge Horton believes that mediation and arbitration are important opportunities for parties to resolve their disputes in a confidential and cost-effective manner that maximizes their control of the outcome and minimizes the stress and anxiety that often accompany going to court and having to testify.

Judge Horton is known for his patience and respectful demeanor, and recognizes that parties are usually most satisfied with a resolution in which they have personally and meaningfully participated.    

ADR Experience and Qualifications

• Pro Bono Legal Counsel, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (Digit Fund), 1994–1998

Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

• Member, Colorado Bar Association, 1980–present
• Professional Liability Committee, 2006–2008
• Rule 16 Subcommittee, 1998
• Rule 26 Subcommittee, 1998
• Member, Arapahoe County Bar Association, 2009—present
• Volunteer Judge, Various High School Mock Trial Competitions, 2009–2016
• Various Judicial Education Courses, National Judicial College, 2008

Background and Education

• Judge, Colorado’s 18th Judicial District Court, 2009–2018
• Civil Practice, 1981–2009
• Law Clerk, Honorable O. Hatfield Chilson, 1980–1981
• J.D., University of Denver College of Law, 1980
• Order of St. Ives
• B.A., University of Notre Dame, 1976