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President-Elect Candidates
David R. Bird
Gus Chin
Second Division Candidates(uncontested)
Felshaw King
Third Division Candidates
Irshad A. Aadil
David R. Bird
Gus Chin
Christian W. Clinger
Scott Sabey
Clayton A. Simms
David R. Bird
David R. Bird is a shareholder at the law firm of Parsons Behle & Latimer where he has practiced since
graduation from the Brigham Young University Law School in 1977. Mr. Bird concentrates his practice in natural resources and governmental relations. He is admitted to practice in all
courts in Utah, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
Mr. Bird has been active in Utah State Bar activities since his admission to practice and
has served on many committees and in many sections; chairing the Bar's Governmental Affairs Committee for over 10 years. He is currently a Bar Commissioner from the Third Division and
serves on the Commission's Executive Committee. He served as a Bar representative on the Judicial Conduct Commission and is the Bar representative on the Judicial Council.
He is married to Stephanie J. Bird and they are the parents of 4 children.
Statement of Candidacy
I have been a member of the Utah State Bar for over 25 years.
When I was a newly admitted lawyer, senior members of my firm advised me to become active in Bar activities. Following that advice has kept me involved with the best and brightest of our
profession.
I have had the opportunity to move through the chairs of the Energy, Natural Resources and Environmental Law Section. I chaired the Governmental Relations Committee
for 10 years. During my first term on the Bar Commission I have also been privileged to serve on the Judicial Conduct Commission, the Judicial Council, and the Bar Executive Committee.
Bar activities have been important in my professional career. I hope to share my enthusiasm for the Bar with others. If elected I will focus on strengthening relationships between
the Bar, the Bench, and the Legislature; on improving civility and professionalism; and on connecting lawyers and those who need their services.
Bar governance depends on the
talents and efforts of many people. I recognize I will not be the source of most good ideas. If elected I will seek broad participation. I have enjoyed my relationship with other Bar
Commissioners and expect to work with them, committee and section leaders, Bar members, and staff to continue moving our profession forward.
I ask for your vote as President-elect.
GUS CHIN
A native of Jamaica, I have lived in Utah since 1983. A municipal prosecutor with Salt Lake City
since 1998, I received my undergraduate and J.D. degrees from the University of Utah. Prior to joining the Salt Lake City prosecutor's office, I briefly worked at the Attorney General's
office and was a law clerk and law clerk-bailiff for the Honorable Tyrone E. Medley.
In addition to my daily routine as a prosecutor I also volunteer as a Small Claims Pro Tempore
Judge in the Third District Court. Each spring I coach as well as judge the junior and high school teams who participate in the annual Mock Trial Competition. For the past several years I
also volunteer as a guest speaker for Marty Bernstein's class at Central High School. I am also a member of the S.J. Quinney College of Law Alumni Board of Trustees.
On a personal
note, I am semi-fluent in Spanish and enjoy reading, cooking, meeting people, traveling, and most of all spending time with my family who keep me grounded, and provide balance.
Statement of Candidacy
Although prepared to address concerns about issues such as resource management, lawyer referral service, CLE, dues, occupational stress, and the disciplinary process, I
seek the opportunity to also fulfill the mission of our Bar by focusing on Professionalism and Service.
On the subject of Professionalism, we need to dispel the misguided
perception or expectation of an absolutely adversarial system. To this end, I plan on advocating courtesy, civility and competence. Our profession is ill-served when attorneys are
uncivil, engage in questionable practices, render ineffective assistance, or fail to fulfill their oath and responsibilities. On the other hand, those who "play by the rules" as
well as mentor and provide needed guidance greatly enhance our profession.
On the subject of Service, I would encourage continued service to profession as well as the community,
thereby advancing the vision of the Bar: "To lead society in the creation of a justice system that is understood, valued, respected and accessible to all." In addition to pro
bono service, we can also serve the community by fostering respect for the role and contributions of attorneys. One way is to inform the public and address issues in practice areas such
as employment law, family law, property law, constitutional law, and criminal law.
I would gladly welcome your support to be your next Bar President.
Second Division Candidates
Uncontested Election... According to the Utah State Bar Bylaws, "In the event an insufficient number of nominating petitions are filed to
require balloting in a division, the person or persons nominated shall be declared elected."
Felshaw King is running uncontested in the Second Division and will therefore be declared elected.
FELSHAW KING
Lifetime resident of Utah and Second Judicial District. Graduated from the University of Utah Law School. Admitted to Bar in 1962. Admitted to the Bar of Supreme Court of United States,
Tenth Circuit and Fifth Circuit.
Representative in Utah House of Representatives 1965-66, Chairman of House Judiciary Committee and House Majority Whip; Commissioner, Davis County
Housing Authority, 1979-1984; Chairman of Education Section of Utah State Bar, 1984; Chairman Utah Committee of Consumer Services, 1977-1989; President, National Association State Utility
Consumer Advocates (NASUCA), 1985-1987; State Committee of Association of Trial Lawyers of America 1965-1967, State Representative to Legislative Section, 1969-1970; Member of Board of
Governor's Utah Trial Lawyers Association, 1967; President, Aldon J. Anderson American Inns of Court, 1997; Two years sea duty as Line Officer in the United States Navy, Retired from U.S.
Naval Reserve as Commander, Judge Advocate General Corps.
Engaged in private practice in small firm for over 38 years representing school districts, municipalities, special service
districts and private clients on a variety of matters, including primarily personal injury, estate planning and business matters.
Statement of Candidacy
Serving
as Utah State Bar Commissioner for the Second Division for the past three years has been an honor. I look forward to the opportunity to serve for the next three years. Serving as a Bar
Commissioner has been rewarding and exciting as well as sometimes frustrating. During the next three years I would like to see the Bar concentrate its focus on the core functions of the
Bar, which include extended member benefit programs, such as CaseMaker. The Bar is in the process of developing a strong relationship with the Legislature and I fully support that effort.
The first steps have been made toward providing some assistance to attorneys dealing with OPC complaints and I strongly support expansion of that program. For those of us who practice
outside of Salt Lake County, I support efforts of the Bar to make Bar programs more inclusive for us. The Bar should be a key factor in the professional career of every lawyer and the Bar
should make every reasonable effort to be "user-friendly" to everyone. In order to do this, each member should express his or her feelings or suggestions to his or her
Commissioner so that the Commission can feel close to the members and responsive to their needs. Full support from all members of the Bar, wherever located and however situated is
important for continued success of the legal profession.
Third Division Candidates
There are three vacancies in the Third Division. Each eligible Bar member
may vote for three of the following six candidates.
IRSHAD A. AADIL
Statement of Candidacy
Dear
Members of the Bar - This is to introduce myself and provide a voice to those who have some concerns, solutions and ideas about the use of the Bar dues, effectiveness and extent of CLE;
unjustifiable charges for seminars and services on Lawyers Helping Lawyers; the need for universal health and life insurance through the bar without segregating the healthy from those not
so fortunate; fresh views; need of diversity in this noble profession; and other issues. I believe that effective listening is the beginning of solutions to a service oriented Bar and am
committed to listening to the concerns you have.
I am a graduate of New York University School of Law. I came to Utah to join Utah Issues as a VISTA (Volunteer In Service To
America) and I grew to appreciate Utah and decided to settle here. I also assisted Utah Legal Services in resolving issues concerning low income citizens, minorities and landlord/ tenant
issues. My practice is focused primarily on immigration, family law and the problems faced by the immigrants and the poor. I am committed to the ethics of pro bono service. I am a
believer in the value of mediation in which I have training. In 1986, I helped mediate between the U.S. Attorney, Brent Ward and the adult theater owners which resulted in the closure of
the theaters. My involvement was prompted by my concern about the degrading effects of such entertainment on women, children and the community's moral values. I have always offered my
services to my colleagues and the Bar in times of need. I have first hand experience with bias in employment, judicial conduct and the way we practice law.
I am a student of
simplicity and the application of ethical precepts to practical problems, learned from a father who walked with great teachers such as Mahatma Gandhi. I sincerely believe in making things
easy for humanity and the creation around us to know good and God. Though I have found my colleagues here dedicated to high standards and moral values yet lacking in incorporating those
values in solutions to disputes and the guidance that the clients deserve and expect.
I have served the community and minorities at large for the last twenty years and now I feel
the need to devote some time for my colleagues to elevate the image of the profession. I believe we can create a model Bar which is not an end itself but a cultured family of decent
professionals assisting each other and leading this nation in these days of unprecedented challenges to our democracy, and our moral leadership to humanity. So, I propose regular informal
gatherings to cultivate our own spirits, friendships and peace of mind.
I would appreciate your vote and hearing your thoughts. Considering the uncertainty of life and while I have
the opportunity I will also appreciate your forgiveness in case I have ever disturbed your peace in pursuit of the mundane.
DAVID R. BIRD
Please see David Bird's biographical information under the title President-Elect above.
Statement of Candidacy
During
my three years on the Bar Commission it has been my privilege to serve with capable and dedicated commissioners, bar committee and section leaders, professional staff, local bar leaders
and lawyers throughout Utah. I stand in awe at the tens of thousands of hours donated by you to improve the justice system and our practices.
There are numerous difficult issues
confronting our profession: How to provide affordable legal services to all who need and desire them? What is the proper balance for attorney oversight and discipline? How do we foster
civility between practitioners? How is the profession to be regulated? And, even, what is the proper definition of "the practice of law?"
Continued widespread public
acceptance of the Rule of Law is crucial to a civil society. Tensions between the three branches of government in recent years have tarnished public perception of the system. Lawyers and
judges have also lost some public respect. The organized Bar has a critical part to play in fostering and maintaining public confidence in the legal system and respect for participants in
it.
I want to be involved in these issues and solicit your vote for the Bar Commission.
GUS CHIN
Please see Gus Chin's biographical information under the title President-Elect above.
Statement of Candidacy
My experiences as a voting Bar Commissioner and as
an ex-officio Bar Commissioner coupled with my continued desire to serve have motivated me to seek another three year term representing the Third Division members. I have enjoyed serving
on various committees and being a bar liaison. Most of all, I still believe that effective bar governance requires active participation and committed representation of diverse views.
Over the past three years, the Commission has addressed a multitude of issues such as the admission process, diversity, access to justice, reciprocity, and professionalism. Despite an
absence of unanimity on all issues, the Commission's focus has been and continues to be "the Best Interest of the Bar." As a commissioner I have enjoyed discussions with many of
you about the Bar and serving your needs.
I am mindful of the many concerns expressed about issues such as the disciplinary process, the administration of justice, professionalism,
resource management, lawyer referral, dues, and CLE. I seek the opportunity to continue to serve on the commission and ask for your support for another three year term.
CHRISTIAN W. CLINGER
Christian W. Clinger is a shareholder with the law firm of Clinger Lee Clinger, LLC where his
practice areas include civil and commercial litigation, business law, governmental relations/political consulting, and mediation. Christian earned his law degree from Creighton University
School of law in Omaha, Nebraska. Following graduation, Christian worked for Ameritrade, Inc. in its corporate offices in Omaha. In 2000, he accepted a judicial clerkship with the Third
District Court in Salt Lake City. Prior to founding Clinger Lee Clinger, Christian was an attorney with Callister Nebeker and McCullough.
During the past six years, Christian has
been elected as the ABA 8th Circuit Lt. Governor representing law school students from Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, the 2001-2002 Utah State Bar
Young Lawyers Division Treasurer, and the 2003-2004 President of the Utah State Bar Young Lawyers Division. This past year, he has served on the Utah State Bar Commission as an Ex Officio
member. He is currently a committee member of the Brown vs. Board of Education 50 Year Anniversary Committee and the chair of the Brown vs. Board of Education Film Festival. As President of the Young Lawyers Division, Christian oversees its operating budget and 12 subcommittees which include Tuesday Night Bar, "and Justice for all," Continuing Legal Education, Bar Convention Committee, Public Education, and Community Service.
Christian and his wife, Suzanne Lee Clinger, who is also a member of the Utah State Bar, reside in Salt Lake City, and they are the parents of four children.
Statement of Candidacy
Dear Colleagues and Friends - Thank you for your encouragement and nomination as a Bar Commission candidate from the Third District. I appreciate your support, and I ask
for your vote this coming May.
This past year I have served as an Ex Officio member of the Bar Commission. I have learned of the many important administrative responsibilities that
the Bar Commission controls and directs such as budgetary issues, community outreach, and member services. I am prepared to represent you and lend your voice to the deliberations and
policy decisions before the Bar Commission.
As I have met with many of you, I have come to appreciate the strength, integrity, and commitment to public service that members of the
Utah State Bar share. I hope to continue in these traditions and increase communication and activity within the Bar.
SCOTT SABEY
Mr. Sabey is a shareholder at the law firm of Fabian & Clendenin. He focuses his practice in real estate law and development, business law, and related
litigation. He has been involved in both residential and commercial real estate developments and transactions since 1985. Mr. Sabey is past Chair of both the Real Property Section and
Business Law Section of the Utah State Bar. He has served on the Bar's Governmental Relations Committee since 1997, and is currently its Co-Chair. Mr. Sabey is also a registered lobbyist
and has lobbied on behalf of the Bar on legislation affecting its members. He served on the Rules Committee for Small Claims Court, served on the Committee reorganizing the Judge Pro
Tempore system, wrote the Small Claims Judge's Benchbook, and currently teaches the classes for new Small Claims Judges.
Mr. Sabey received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from
Brigham Young University, a degree from the University of Florence, Italy, and later his Law Degree from Golden Gate University, School of Law in San Francisco, California. During law
school he was on the Dean's Honor List, and acted as Chairman of the Graduation Committee.
Mr. Sabey currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Camp
Kostopulos Dream Foundation, as well as on several other community groups, and sits monthly as a Pro Tem Judge. In his spare time he visits with his wife and son.
Statement of Candidacy
My involvement with the Bar and the Legislature over the past several years has taught me that neither our profession, nor our organization is held with the degree of
esteem we deserve up on the Hill. I believe the problem lies mainly with a lack of communication and regular interaction between the two groups. Some members of the Bar may feel that such
a relationship is unimportant. I think, however, that the importance of the effect that the Legislature can have on us is demonstrated by the passage last year of House Bill 349, which
defined the practice of law as only appearing in a court of record. Every year we see bills that attempt to modify the Rules of Practice or Evidence by statute rather than by Rules
Committee, or make the judicial nomination process and the judicial review process more and more political. We also see attempts to bring the Bar under the Legislature's control through
regulation by the Department of Occupation and Professional Licensing.
While I recognize the natural tension which exists between the different branches of government, I would
like to see the relationship improve between the Bar and Legislature. An improved relationship would allow for more constructive input by the Bar on the laws we all must deal with. It
would also reduce the amount of negative legislation directed at the Bar and Courts. I would like to work on this as a Bar Commissioner.
It is your Bar. Please take the time to vote, and I hope I can count on your support.
CLAYTON A. SIMMS
Clayton A. Simms received his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston and his Juris Doctor from the University of Utah.
Mr. Simms has worked in
Washington D.C. for Congressman Jose E. Serrano. Mr. Simms past president of the Utah Minority Bar Association and currently sits on the Utah State Bar Commission as an Ex Officio member.
As a member of the Utah Minority Bar Association Mr. Simms has been instrumental in securing the support of Utah law firms for the Pledge to Racial and Ethnic Diversity for Utah's Legal
Employers, which encourages Utah law firms to hire, train and promote minority attorneys. Mr. Simms is a partner in the law firm of Overson & Simms, LLC, which is one of the founding
sponsors of the Pledge to Racial and Ethnic Diversity for Utah's Legal Employers.
Mr. Simms' practice is focused almost exclusively in criminal law, and he is currently the
co-vice chair of the Utah State Bar Criminal Law section. Mr Simms is a trial lawyer who has tried numerous Murder, Kidnapping, Robbery, Burglary, Sex Crimes and Drug Cases. Utah Business
Magazine recently listed Mr. Simms as one of the top Criminal Law attorneys in Utah.
Statement of Candidacy
Dear Third Division Colleagues - I am seeking your
vote for Utah State Bar Commission, Third Division. I am a criminal defense attorney with the firm of Overson & Simms and have worked as a criminal defense attorney since graduating
from the University of Utah, College of Law in 1997.
Simply put, I am running for Bar Commissioner to ensure that our Bar dues are not raised to fund unnecessary projects. As a
partner in a small law firm, I understand how to run an organization in a financially conservative manner.
Together, I believe, we can start to change the negative public
perception of attorneys. More can be done to protect the legal profession from attacks by everyone from politicians to accountants.
As a criminal defense attorney, I firmly believe
in the right to a jury trial and understand, respect and appreciate the jury trial process. For this reason I would urge the Utah State Bar to actively fight mandatory arbitration or any
other legal strategy designed to chip away at our Constitutional rights.
I am also an advocate of a restrained bar discipline process, which should focus on the serious and
egregious breaches of ethics and allow the rest of us to practice law.
Again, I am seeking your vote. Thank you.
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