Utah State Bar News & Announcements

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT LORI NELSON

Utah's Lawyer Legislators
Not many of us are aware of the tremendous personal and financial sacrifices associated with being a lawyer-legislator. Long hours, limited family time and the difficulty of juggling demands make it prohibitive for most lawyers to run for office. Add time-consuming campaigns every other year, and becoming a legislator loses much of its appeal. Lawyers pay a big price, both personally and professionally, to serve in the legislature. Most claim a huge loss in time available for their families and a diminished earning capacity because of the tremendous amount of time required at the legislature and at the law office. Nonetheless, attorneys play a vital role in the legislature by virtue of the fundamental training they receive in law school. An attorney comes into the job with the knowledge and experience of the law and a lawyer’s unique ability helps them to watch for language in legislation that may be misconstrued and lose its original intention. Utah’s citizenry is well-served having 22 lawyers work as legislators.

“Thank You” Utah’s Lawyer Legislators

Representatives
Patrice Arent, Derek E. Brown, LaVar Christensen, Spencer Cox, Brian Greene, Craig Hall, Kenneth R. Ivory, Mike Kennedy, Brian King, Daniel McCay, Kay L. McIff, Mike McKell, Merrill Nelson, Kraig J. Powell, V. Lowry Snow, Keven J. Stratton, Earl Tanner.

Senate
Lyle W. Hillyard, Mark B. Madsen, Stephen H. Urquhart, John L. Valentine, Todd Weiler.

January is also the time we celebrate Martin Luther King Day. I would invite each of you to do at least one of the following, which ideas were given to me by Judge Lynn Davis of the 4th district court: Read the life changing speeches of Dr. King; participate in a march or candlelight vigil; take a few moments to reflect upon the amazing life of Dr. King; watch tributes on television; take time to teach children and youth about Dr. King's life; write a letter of support to a struggling person of color; join or support the Utah Minority Bar Association; perform any kind of service in the community; Do more, Do something, Serve!
There are several local events which may also be of interest to you. Those include: UVU's annual celebration hosted by the Martin Luther King Advisory Board; the NAACP luncheon; BYU's annual candle light march/vigil, and events at the University of Utah.
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January 2013 E-News
• Bar Commission Openings
• 2013 Spring Convention in St. George
• 2013 Spring Convention Awards
• Call for Nominations
• Member Benefits
• Check out the numerous CLE seminar offerings through the Utah State Bar CLE Department
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1. Bar Commission Openings - Nominations to the office of Bar Commissioner are hereby solicited for two members from the Third Division, one member from the Second Division, each to serve a three-year term. Terms will begin in July 2013. To be eligible for the office of Commissioner from a division, the nominee's business mailing address must be in that division as shown by the records of the Bar. Applicants must be nominated by a written petition of ten or more members of the Bar in good standing whose business mailing addresses are in the division from which the election is to be held. Nominating petitions are available at http://www.utahbar.org/elections/commission_elections.html. Completed petitions must be submitted to John Baldwin, Executive Director, no later than February 1, 2013 by 5:00 p.m.

2. 2013 Spring Convention in St. George - Register and make accommodation arrangements for the Spring Convention in St. George, March 14 - 16, 2013. Our keynote speakers include Paula E. Litt who is a co-founder of Schopf & Weiss, a Chicago business litigation boutique where she serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. Ms. Litt has been named as one of the Top Ten Super Lawyers in Illinois and will be speaking to us on “Letting it Rain how to get and retain business. We will also be pleased to hear from George M. Feiger, Ph.D. Dr. Feiger heads Contango Capital Advisors, a subsidiary of Zions Bancorporation and also serves as Executive Vice President of Zions Bank. Dr. Feiger is the recipient of a Fulbright Fellowship, holds a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University and has lectured in that institution’s Department of Economics, before moving to the Stanford University Graduate School of Business as an associate professor of finance. Join us for an exciting and eventful convention! Book early for the best rooms and rates! Visit http://www.utahbar.org/cle/springconvention/Welcome.html.

3. 2013 Spring Convention Awards - The Board of Bar Commissioners is seeking applications for two Bar awards to be given at the 2013 Spring Convention. Award applications must be submitted in writing to Christy Abad, Executive Secretary, 645 South 200 East, Suite 310, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, no later than Monday, February 4, 2013. You may also fax a nomination to (801) 531-0660 or email to adminasst@utahbar.org. A complete list of award recipients can be found at http://www.utahbar.org/members/awards_recipients.html.
o Dorathy Merrill Brothers Award - For the Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession.
o Raymond S. Uno Award – For the Advancement of Minorities in the Legal Profession.

4. Call for Nominations- Christine M. Durham Woman Lawyer Of The Year Award - The Woman Lawyers of Utah is seeking nominations for the 2013 Christine M. Durham Woman Lawyer of the Year award. The award will be presented at the annual Fireside Chat with Justice Durham this April (date TBD). Nominations should focus on the nominee’s achievements and the intent of the award, which is to recognize an outstanding woman member of the Utah State Bar for her professionalism, integrity, excellence, and dedication to furthering opportunities for women in the law. Nominees should be actively involved in a law-related activity, including but not limited to: government work, education, the judiciary, private practice, or corporate work. All nominations must be received by Friday, March 1, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. Please submit nomination as a PDF to nsudbury@zjbappeals.com. All 2012 Nominees who were not selected will be considered again this year. There is no need to re-nominate 2012 nominees, but any additional information will be considered. The prior winners of the award will decide the 2013 recipient. You may view a list of past recipients at: http://utahwomenlawyers.org/wlu-women-of-the-year/

5. Member Benefits - Please visit the Bar website for periodic updates to your member benefits, including Casemaker, Blomquist Hale, Group Health Insurance¸ and discounts on automotive needs, law practice management services, technology, and office needs. Information on member benefits is located at http://www.utahbar.org/members/Welcome.html.

6. Check out the numerous CLE seminar offerings through the Utah State Bar CLE Department: http://www.utahbar.org/cle/events/ and/or the Section lunches: http://www.utahbar.org/cle/events/html/section_luncheons.html. If you have specific ideas for CLE please send those to cleideas@utahbar.org.

"I have a question or comment for the Bar President" - UtahBarPresident.LoriNelson@utahbar.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2013
Contact: Nancy Volmer
(801) 578-3994
Cell: (801) 712-4545
NOMINEE NAMED TO FILL SARATOGA SPRINGS JUSTICE COURT VACANCY
Saratoga Springs, UT - Saratoga Springs Mayor Mia Love has announced the appointment of Carolyn E. Howard to fill the Saratoga Springs Justice Court vacancy. The position will replace Judge Keith Stoney who retired on Dec. 31, 2012.
Howard has worked at the law office of Wasatch Lawyers, Bartholomew & Associates since 2007. She is a tenured associate professor in the Legal Studies Dept. at Utah Valley University in Orem and is a trained mediator. Howard received a law degree from the J. Reuben Clark Law School and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Brigham Young University.
Howard’s appointment to the bench is subject to completion of the court’s new judge orientation and certification by the Utah Judicial Council.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2013
Contact: Nancy Volmer
(801) 578-3994
Cell: (801) 712-4545

SECOND DISTRICT JUVENILE COURT EXECUTIVE APPOINTED
Ogden, UT---The Administrative Office of the Utah State Courts has appointed Travis Erickson as the trial court executive for the Second District Juvenile Court, which includes Davis, Morgan, and Weber counties. Mr. Erickson will replace Beani Martinez who retired in December. His first day on the job will be Jan. 22.
As the court executive, Erickson will be responsible for the administration of juvenile courts, which includes providing administrative support to six judges and managing support operations of about 75 professional, technical, and juvenile probation staff, case management, court facilities, and court security. In addition, the court executive will develop, justify, and manage a court budget.
Erickson previously worked for the 19th Judicial Circuit of Florida where he served as Circuit director of the Florida Guardian ad Litem program. He was responsible for directing a program of 25 staff and 300 volunteers to represent the best interests of children. Erickson has worked in Utah for the Department of Human Services in Adult Protective Services as a program manager and with the Division of Services for People with Disabilities. Erickson has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Weber State University.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2013
Contact: Nancy Volmer
(801) 578-3994
Cell: (801) 712-4545

WINTER CLASSES SCHEDULED FOR DIVORCE EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM

Salt Lake City, UT - Nearly 12,000 Utah children are impacted by divorce each year, including more than 5,000 children in Salt Lake County. To address the needs of these children, the Utah State Courts offers a free Divorce Education for Children class twice each month. Classes take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. Following are the dates for upcoming classes: Jan. 7 and 26, Feb. 4 and 23, March 4 and 16, 2013.

The Divorce Education for Children class is for children 9- to 12-years-old whose parents have filed for divorce or whose parents are divorced. The class takes place at the Scott M. Matheson Courthouse at 450 South State Street. Advance registration is required by calling (801) 578-3897 or e-mail sabrinap@email.utcourts.gov. There is no charge to attend the class.

The program’s curriculum provides children with skills they can use to better communicate their feelings to parents. A mental health professional teaches the class with the assistance of a state court commissioner. Participation in the children’s class is voluntary.

For more information, go to www.utcourts.gov and search for divorce education classes.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2012
Contact: Nancy Volmer
(801) 578-3994
Cell: (801) 712-4545
NOMINEE NAMED TO FILL LEHI CITY JUSTICE COURT VACANCY
Lehi City, UT—Lehi City Manager Bert Wilson has announced the appointment of Douglas J. Nielsen to fill the Lehi City Justice Court vacancy. The position will replace the Honorable Paul R. Farr who will become a full-time judge for the Sandy City Justice Court on January 1, 2013.
Nielsen is currently a partner in the law office of Petro & Nielsen and worked previously for the law office of Young, Kester & Petro. He received a law degree from Oklahoma City University in 2007, and from Utah State University in 2004.
Nielsen’s appointment to the bench is subject completion of the court’s new judge orientation and certification by the Utah Judicial Council.
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Nancy Volmer
Utah State Courts
Public Information Office
(801) 578-3994
Cell: (801) 712-4545
Fax: (801) 578-3843