John T. Nielsen, Lobbyist, Utah State Bar

John T. Nielsen is currently Director of Government Relations for Intermountain Health Care. Mr. Nielsen is a native of Salt Lake City firm of Van Cott, Bagley, Cornwall, & McCarthy. As a partner in Van Cott Bagley, he practiced in the area of government and legislative relations, administrative and regulatory matters, civil and criminal litigation, and environmental law.

Mr. Nielsen began his career in government in 1970 as an Assistant Salt Lake City Attorney. He represented Salt Lake City Corporation in all areas of municipal law with a special emphasis upon planning, and zoning, and representation of Salt Lake City Police Department officers involved in civil rights violation allegations.

In 1973 he became the Legal Advisor to the Salt Lake City Police Department, advising the Chief of Police as to administrative procedures including drug and vice related operations and investigations. He was a sworn special peace officer and participated in numerous police field operations.

Mr. Nielsen joined the office of the Sale Lake County Attorney as a felony prosecutor in 1975. As a prosecutor he handled and tried all types of cases including homicides. In addition, he was also the training officer for the County Attorney’s Office and a Trial Team Leader supervising misdemeanor and felony prosecutors.

He was the Chief Deputy of the Justice Division of the Salt Lake County Attorney’s Office from 1979 to 1985. During his tenure there, his responsibilities included the supervision of prosecuting attorneys and support personnel. He was an advisor to the County Attorney on prosecution matters as well as liaison with all law enforcement agencies in Salt Lake County.

Mr. Nielsen was appointed Commissioner of Public Safety in March 1985. Some of the responsibilities of this office included, but are not limited to, the Utah Highway Patrol, Narcotic and Liquor Law Enforcement, Organized Crime Bureau, Peace Officers Standards and Training, Bureau of Criminal Identification, State Crime Lab, comprehensive emergency management, telecommunications, highway safety, and others.

He is a member of the Utah State Bar, the American Bar Association, the American Academy of Health Care Attorneys, and the National District Attorney’s Association. He also chairs as a member of various government councils and commissions, and is active in civic and church affairs.