First Asian American Woman appointed to the 18th Judicial District Court

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

Governor Jared Polis has appointed the first Korean American prosecuting lawyer, Judge Victoria E. Klingensmith, to the 18th Judicial District Court.

The vacancy was created by the retirement of the Honorable Cynthia D. Mares, who retired after serving for 23 years.

“It’s a dream come true,” said newly appointed Klingensmith. “I am still in disbelief.”

Since 2020, Klingensmith served as the senior chief deputy district attorney in the 18th Judicial District. In addition, she has taught at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law as an adjunct professor since 2018.

She earned her B.A. from the University of Denver in 2000. Then, she achieved her J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School in 2003, specializing in criminal law.

The value of giving back | Her interest in law started in high school. With a quiet demeanor, she did not like to call too much attention to herself but during a role-playing exercise she found her voice while questioning a witness and presenting closing arguments.

“I was completely surprised,” she admitted.

Her parents showed her how to give back to their community. Through their example, Klingensmith knew her work as an attorney would allow her to give a voice to Asian Americans.

“I’ve recognized how important it is and how impactful,” she said. “I hope I can be a role model and inspire the next generation to become lawyers and judges.”

Her personal mission is recruit- ing more Asians and Asian Americans to work in the district attorney’s office. It’s why she turned to teaching at the University of Denver. She shared that the district office is embracing the need for diversity, especially Asian Americans.

Career as a prosecutor | Her love for the legal field originates from her passion to help others. While Hollywood glamorizes the life of a lawyer in series such as The Practice, Law & Order, or Matlock, there’s still a lot of behind-the-scenes that the public might not be aware of.

She pointed out that court selection is not sexy for television. So, members of the public don’t realize how intense court selection could be pre-trial.

She acknowledges the importance of connecting with victims --- sometimes she may be working with a family that lost a child or a victim of domestic violence.

After jury members go through the trial process, she often witnesses a transformation.

“After living through a trial, jury members are vested in the community,” she observed.

Plans as a judge | Klingensmith’s appointment allows her to be part of the largest judicial district, covering the counties of Lincoln, Arapahoe, Elbert, and Douglas.

She believes her transition as prosecuting attorney into a judge will be smooth because she is “lucky to have known a lot of judges for decades, appearing before them in jury trials.”

“I am thrilled to represent the bench and can’t express enough how honored I am,” she said. Days after the announcement, “it gives me chills and goosebumps that I will serve the community.”

Outside of work | At 45, she is married to a police officer she met on a homicide scene. She is thrilled that her husband, an Aurora police officer, will be retiring soon.

“It is a hard profession,” she confessed about her husband’s career.

Having a challenging profession herself, she decompresses by participating in physical and outdoor activities such as running and hiking all over Colorado.

She also shared that she enjoys traveling and is currently planning a mother-daughter trip to visit South Korea.

“I love to see the world because it gives me a better appreciation of living in the US. It also helps me recenter and refocus my work,” she said.