Judge Kimberly Hornak scores consistent with the average of her juvenile court peers in all survey categories. Survey respondents state that she actively listens, considers all options, and treats everyone fairly. They respect and trust her judgment. Of words chosen by respondents from a list to describe her, 98% are positive. Respondents and courtroom observers describe Judge Hornak as an effective communicator who shows genuine concern for the well-being of juveniles and families in her court. However, survey respondents also criticize Judge Hornak for her scheduling and time management, noting that she overbooks her calendar, runs late, and frequently reschedules cases. Courtroom observers view Judge Hornak as prepared, knowledgeable, and approachable. Most report they would feel comfortable appearing before her. Of survey respondents answering the retention question, 97% recommend that Judge Hornak be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Hornak has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Kimberly K. Hornak was appointed to the Third District Juvenile Court in 1994. She received her law degree from Gonzaga University College of Law in 1983 and subsequently worked in the Utah Attorney General’s Office and as a prosecutor in the Salt Lake County Attorney’s Office. Judge Hornak has served on the Court Improvement Committee, the Standing Committee on Judicial Education, the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, the Standing Committee on Judicial Outreach, the Sentencing Commission, and the Board of Juvenile Court Judges. She served as the Presiding Judge in the Third District Juvenile Court from 2004- 2007 and on the Utah Judicial Council from 2009- 2015. Judge Hornak currently presides over a juvenile delinquency drug court and a family drug court.