STEPHEN W. OWENS CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE UTAH BAR

STEVE OWENS’ BACKGROUND & BAR SERVICE

• Practice in five-attorney litigation firm in Salt Lake City, Epperson Rencher & Owens (1997-present)
• Elected Bar Commissioner (2002-present) (Executive Committee 2007-08)

  Subcommittees:  Lawyer Assistance, OPC Diversion, Public Affairs, Mentoring, Communications
  Liaison:  Litigation Section, Tooele County Bar, Cyber Law Section

• Training at Western States Bar Conferences (2007, 2008)
• Routinely represent pro bono clients
• Raised $1.25 million for U of U’s Wayne Owens Endowed Professorship (2007)
• Ethics Advisory Opinion Committee Member (2006-present)
• Law-Related Education Teacher and Judge of Mock Trial Finals (1994-present)
• President, Utah Bar Young Lawyers Division (2001)
• Clerk Utah Supreme Court (Richard C. Howe) and Third District Court (1994-97)
• Law Degree from the University of Utah/S.J. Quinney College of Law (1994)
• Harry S. Truman National Scholarship for Leadership and Public Service (1989)

IF ELECTED, STEVE OWENS WILL:

1. Personally Go to All 29 Counties to meet with lawyers and judges to learn how the Bar can best serve them and how they feel about current issues facing our profession.
   
   
2. Oppose Any Dues Increase for active lawyers and promise that your funds will be frugally managed and spent.
   
   
3. Protect Our Fair and Impartial Courts from encroachments by the other two branches of government or by public referendum.
   
   
4. Get Free Referral Service Running at UtahBar.Org for all Utah lawyers to replace Legal Match and identify lawyers willing to do reduced-fee work to help access justice.
   
   
5. Investigate Group Health Insurance options for members.
   
   
6. Increase Public Relations Efforts to promote the good things lawyers do and their value to society, dispel the “Top Ten Myths About Lawyers.”
   
   
7. Infuse the Bar with New Blood, energy, and ideas by bringing in 12 new committee chairs and 50 committee members.
   
   
8. Implement New Mentoring Program pairing new lawyers with seasoned lawyers to learn practical skills and professionalism.
   
   
9. Support the Women Lawyers of Utah and Minority Bar Association in their initiatives to diversify our Bar and increase opportunities.
   
   
10. Conduct Detailed Review of Office of Professional Conduct to ensure it functions fairly, efficiently, and effectively.
    
    

STEVE OWENS’ STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY

One of our members said in a recent survey, “The Bar would serve me best by staying out of my life.”   This sentiment is understandable because the Bar involves forced membership, mandatory dues, disciplinary matters, and required continuing education. 

            I know that the Bar and its nearly 10,000 members can be a significant force for good.  During my six years on the Bar Commission (the last on the Executive Committee), I have helped:

• Enact a new Diversion Program for minor licensing problems;
• Implement confidential statewide mental health counseling for lawyers and their families; and
• Improve communications to Bar members through monthly email bulletins and electronic surveys.

I commit to devote the required energy and time to represent you.  I ask for your vote.  Please call me at (801) 983-9800 or e-mail me at sowens@erlawoffice.com.  Thanks.

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