Barbara J. Vigil
District Court Judge
1st Judicial District --
Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, and Santa Fe Counties
Year: 2008
Evaluation: Judge Barbara Vigil received positive scores from court staff and resource staff (e.g. CASA volunteers, law enforcement officers, etc.). For example, the court staff rated her very highly for respecting all court employees, for respecting and cooperating with other judges, and for ensuring her personal staff is professional, productive and knowledgeable. The resource staff rated the judge highly for being courteous to all participants, being attentive to the proceedings, and for maintaining proper control over the proceedings. Her scores among attorneys are mixed. For instance, attorneys rate her positively for treating self-represented litigants fairly, maintaining proper control over the proceedings, and for having a dignified demeanor. However, attorneys gave her lower scores on issues such as avoiding prejudging the outcome of cases, treating all participants equally, and for her knowledge regarding substantive law and the rules of procedure and evidence. She showed a deep concern for the people who appear before her and she recognized the need to improve in these areas.
Experience & Education: Judge Vigil was appointed to the district judgeship in May 2000 and elected in November 2000. She presides over Children's Court and civil cases. Judge Vigil also serves as the presiding judge over the Juvenile Drug Court. Prior to her judgeship, she worked in private practice and as an Assistant Attorney General. Judge Vigil received her undergraduate degree from New Mexico State University and her law degree from the University of New Mexico.