Colorado Governor Jared Polis has appointed Ryan L. Hess to serve on the Montrose County Court in Colorado’s 7th Judicial District, filling a vacancy created by a recent judicial promotion, according to the governor’s office.

The appointment is effective immediately and follows the elevation of the Honorable Laura E.H. Harvell to the 7th Judicial District Court.

Hess is the owner and attorney at the Law Office of R.L. Hess, where his practice focuses on civil, family and estate law. His prior experience includes service as a detective with the Montrose Police Department, a deputy district attorney in the 7th Judicial District, and an attorney at the Cannon Law Office.

He has also held elected and civic roles, including mayor of the City of Craig and a member of the Craig City Council. In addition, Hess previously operated Ryan Hess Mediation.

Hess earned a bachelor’s degree from Colorado Mesa University in 2008 and a Juris Doctor from Purdue Global Law School in 2020.

Colorado’s 7th Judicial District serves Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties.