FORREST W. LEWIS, P.C.

Attorney at Law
1600 Broadway, Suite 1525
Denver, Colorado 80202
TELEPHONE: (303) 830-2190
FORREST W. LEWIS FACSIMILE: (303) 830-1466
POLLY ASHLEY, PARALEGAL FLEWISPC@AOL.COM

July 23, 2010

Supreme Court Nominating Commission

Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey, Ex Officio Chair
101 W. Colfax Avenue, Suite 800
Denver, Colorado 80202

RE: Hon. Robert Russel

Dear Commission Members:

To a blue-collar lawyer wading through the morning docket in the trial court, the
Supreme Court seems light years away. The feeling of distance notwithstanding, I see the
influence and guidance of the seven justices every day. The court sets not only law and policy
but a spirit which defines the entire justice system. I believe professional excellence, respect and
intellectual honesty must begin in the highest chamber and move down through the bar.

Because of this image of the Supreme Court, I am honored to write in support of the
application of Judge Robert Russel. I have known Judge Russel for many years. We were
adversaries in criminal cases when he worked for the Attorney General. We presented the
Criminal Law Update at the Judicial Conference for several years. This summer we co-taught a
course at the University of Denver Law School. We have discussed the law, our families, music,
literature and trout fishing over lunch, dinner and enough Starbucks coffee to float a kayak. I
know this man. He is a strong, good and honest man. He is a dedicated husband and father. He
is a good friend. He cares about his work and the people in his life.

I supported him in his application for the Court of Appeals. I feel really wise for doing
so. In a short time, he has risen to the top of the court in respect and excellence. His opinions
are some of the best work the court has put forth. He works very hard to make them so. He has
rejected my invitation for weekend outings on many occasions because he was working on
opinions he “needed to get out.”

At the risk of stating the obvious, Judge Russel is a legal scholar, an excellent writer and
a judicial role model. He is balanced. He is intellectually honest. He teaches at both Colorado
law schools emphasizing excellence, honesty and integrity. He teaches because he cares about
young lawyers and works to improve the profession.
 For reasons which have never been clear to me, I have been asked to write or speak in
support of many applications for judgeships over the past 30 years, from municipal courts to
federal courts. This one is the most important. I am passionate in my belief that we need Judge
Russel in this critical position at this critical time.

Respectfully,

s/Forrest W. Lewis

Forrest W. Lewis