Judge Thomas W. Henderson: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Hon. Thomas W. Henderson is a judge for the 18th Judicial District Court of Colorado. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Jared Polis in March 2023, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. John Scipione (Ret.).

The 18th Judicial District includes Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties.

Prior to his appointment, Henderson was a shareholder at Burg, Simpson, Eldredge, Hersh & Jardine, P.C. since 1994. He joined the firm as an associate in 1987, and his areas of practice focused primarily on civil litigation involving insurance claims. Henderson chaired the Bad-Faith Insurance Division of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department and also negotiated agreements between policyholders and injured individuals.

Henderson received a B.A. in history from Whitman College in 1983. He went on to complete a J.D. at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law in 1987.

His memberships include the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, the American Association for Justice, the American Bar Association, the Denver County Bar Association, and the Arapahoe County Bar Association (past president).

Henderson was named co-chair of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association’s Business Interruption Task Force and served on the Board of Directors of the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center.

He was selected for inclusion in the Best Lawyers of America in Insurance Law (2013 to 2022) and was recognized as a People’s Choice Best Insurance Lawyer and as a Colorado Top Lawyer in Insurance by 5280 Magazine (2019 and 2020).

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, camping, climbing, and playing volleyball and golf. Henderson and his wife have two sons.

He has taught a law class at Arapahoe High School.