EAGLE \u2014 Erik Johnson likes to think of himself as \u201cstreet lawyer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the kind of lawyer who works in the trenches. There is a kind of nobility to it and someone needs to do this work,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
For eight years now, Johnson has been practicing law in the community and earlier this month he was named municipal judge in Eagle.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome friend told me I should apply and I thought it would be a good fit at this time in my life and my career,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cI have been thinking about ways to serve this community I care about, and I am confident I am qualified to do the job. I think I can do some good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnson was born in Philidelphia and raised in eastern Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were close to large cities, but we were in the country,\u201d he said. His childhood days were spent fishing, canoeing and playing sports. But there was one other interesting hallmark of his boyhood years \u2014 brushes with \u201cThe Greatest.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMuhammed Ali had a training camp not far from where I grew up,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cHe was one of the most famous people in the world, but I didn\u2019t realize it at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Ali who Johnson came to know was a far different man than the brash boxer the world knew.<\/p>\n
\u201cAli was nothing like his public persona. That was all marketing. In person, he was quiet and thoughtful and kind. That is what I took away from meeting him,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
Ali\u2019s commitment to civil rights made an indelible impression on a young Johnson. At a very early age, he was contemplating the nuance of justice.<\/p>\n
“I was very bothered by injustice. Even as a teenager I attended lots of speeches, read many books and tried to meet activists. It took a long time before I was able to do something about it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
When it came time to enroll in college, Johnson started out in a pre-law program. But he eventually switched majors to political science and journalism and earned a teaching certification.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew I would have to go work immediately after school,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I taught school for one year, just outside of New York City. It was horrible.\u201d<\/p>\n
By this time, Johnson\u2019s parents had relocated to Colorado and he soon followed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started a logging company outside of Colorado Springs,\u2019 he said. \u201cThose were interesting, happy days. I was young and fit and free and making just enough money to do what I wanted to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
He eventually married and started a family. But the work-related dangers and uncertainty associated with his logging career weren\u2019t a good mix with family life. He decided to pursue his law degree and enrolled at the University of Denver.<\/p>\n
\u201cI worked full time and went to school at night. I can\u2019t say enough good about the program,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
At that time, DU allowed its students to try cases under the supervision of a trial lawyer and Johnson loved the work. Eventually, he joined a law practice located in Loveland.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think you can do this work unless you believe in it,\u201d Johnson continued. \u201cI believe that everyone deserves to be treated fairly. If they did the things that they are accused of, they need to be held accountable. But you need two equal, opposite sides to arrive at the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n
During his career, Johnson has argued cases before the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court. He figures he has won about half of his jury cases. \u201cIn baseball, I would be in the Hall of Fame,\u201d he joked.<\/p>\n
Johnson said his proudest professional moments have been at the conclusion of successful jury trials.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an indescribable moment to hear \u2018not gulity,’\u201d Johnson said. \u201cOf course it\u2019s equally bad to get the other outcome. But any adventure without risk is no adventure at all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnson\u2019s own adventure took an unexpected turn about a decade ago when he met his current wife, Ellen. It resulted in big changes both personally and professionally as he fell in love with a woman and a community<\/p>\n
A decade ago, Johnson was practicing law at a well-established firm in Loveland, but a change was in the air. While he and Ellen were dating, he discovered Eagle and was enchanted. After they were married eight years, ago, the couple decided to settle in Eagle.<\/p>\n
\u201cI owned an office building and had a larger practice in Loveland. But the partnership broke up as partners retired and we sold the building,\u201d he explained. \u201cI considered retiring, but I love Eagle and have great friends here so I choose to move my practice. Although it wasn\u2019t a smart move financially, I love it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnson said the change of scenery reignited his love of practicing law.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor 25 years, I did divorces and civil litigation and I have cut all those things out of my practice. I am not going to fight about money anymore,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
He now specializes in criminal justice and bankruptcy. \u201cI deal with a higher percentage of people who are in distress,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI really like my clients and I really like the judges and the courts up here.\u201d<\/p>\n
He is excited about his new opportunity to view the courtroom from the other side of the bench as Eagle\u2019s municipal judge.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to make sure people are treated fairly and held accountable,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cThese are people who are clearly in distress and my job will be to hold people strictly accountable for what they are doing. I hope to do it in such a way that they understand why they are going held accountable.\u201d<\/p>\n
In turn, Johnson knows he will get plenty of feedback \u2014 at the post office or grocery story \u2014 about the job he is doing \u201cI know, personally, I\u2019m going to be held accountable as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
When he isn\u2019t practicing law, Johnson is an avid flyfisherman and reader. \u201cI typically read four or five books at the same time,\u201d he said. He and Ellen love to travel and last year\u2019s trips took them to England and Russia.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are so many places to see,\u201d he said. \u201cBefore I die I want to set foot on Africa and Antarctica.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond his vocation, his interests and his activities, Johnson said family is his greatest joy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s most important in my life is my family \u2014 Ellen and our four kids and five grandkids. Having grandkids has given me a renewed purpose in life\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have wonderful kids and they are all doing great.\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n