Hickenlooper Names Gabriel To Colorado Supreme Court

(Megan Verlee/CPR News)

Gov. John Hickenlooper announced his pick of Richard L. Gabriel to replace retiring Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregory J. Hobbs, Jr. Tuesday afternoon at the Colorado State Capitol.

Hobbs is retiring and his vacancy is effective Sept. 1.

“Richard Gabriel has been unfailingly dedicated to the law, community and his family,” Hickenlooper said. “He brings a strong background in commercial litigation and business law, which has been underrepresented on the Court. He’s currently a bright star on the Colorado Court of Appeals and will be an exceptional member of the Colorado Supreme Court.”

Prior to serving on the Court of Appeals, Gabriel was a private practice attorney in Denver and New York City. He graduated from Yale University and earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Hickenlooper picked Gabriel from three finalists chosen by the Supreme Court Nominating Commission earlier this month. The two others were Melissa Hart and David S. Prince.