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Samuel S. Vigil Appointed Next Chief Judge of Colorado’s 16th Judicial District
Description: Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez has appointed Judge Samuel S. Vigil as the next chief judge of the 16th Judicial District, serving Bent, Crowley, and Otero counties, following the retirement of Chief Judge Mark A. MacDonnell...
Samuel S. Vigil Appointed next Chief Judge of the 16th Judicial District
LA JUNTA, Colo. - Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez has appointed the Honorable Samuel S. Vigil to serve as the next chief judge of the 16th Judicial District (Bent, Crowley, and Otero counties).
Judge Vigil will replace the Honorable Mark A. MacDonnell, who was appointed as a district judge in 2013 and has served as chief judge since 2013. Chief Judge MacDonnell recently announced his upcoming retirement, effective June 30, 2026.
Judge Vigil was appointed to the district court bench in 2022. He previously worked as a Deputy District Attorney for the 16th Judicial District's District Attorney's Office and established a private practice in Las Animas, focusing on local government representation and representation of indigent parents through the Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel.
Judge Vigil also served as Bent County Attorney, City Attorney for the City of Las Animas, Special County Attorney for the Prowers County Department of Human Services, and as counsel to several Special Districts. Judge Vigil earned his law degree from Tulane University Law School.
"Chief Judge MacDonnell's commitment to justice, and to his community, has been an inspiration to many," said Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez. "We thank him for his years of honorable public service, including his leadership of the Chief Judge Council. I know Judge Vigil's years of experience in various roles throughout the 16th judicial district will prove invaluable as he assumes the position of chief judge."
Chief Judge Vigil will serve as the administrative head of the district, ensuring that the business of the courts is conducted efficiently and effectively. He will also sit as an alternate judge for the water court in Division 2 while continuing to preside over primary duties as a trial judge.
