On a perfect summer evening at This Is The Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City, the Utah State Bar hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting on June 26, bringing together legal professionals for a celebration rich in tradition, inspiration, and heartfelt recognition.
The evening began with a picturesque patio gathering, where attendees reconnected with colleagues and enjoyed scenic views of the historic venue. The relaxed outdoor atmosphere set the stage for a formal and elegant three-course dinner and a celebratory series of honors and milestones.
Swearing-In Ceremony and Presidential Vision
Utah Supreme Court Justice Paige Petersen administered the oath of office to incoming Bar Commissioner Jessica Couser, as well as the Bar’s new President, Kim Cordova, and President-Elect Tyler Young. Cordova, a respected attorney with experience across prosecution, defense, and public service, shared her commitment to inclusivity, attorney wellness, and access to justice during in an official announcement of her role.
“As an attorney who has worked in prosecution, defense, government, and private practice, I understand the diverse needs of Utah’s legal community,” she said, pledging to bring a collaborative spirit and a deep sense of purpose to her new role.
Keynote Address: Vision and Transparency from the Attorney General
The keynote address was delivered by Utah Attorney General Derek Brown, who offered attendees a candid and forward-looking perspective on the restructuring of the Attorney General’s Office. Brown took the opportunity to dispel long-standing myths about the AG’s functions, encourage greater transparency, and. most memorably, advocated for a culture of curiosity in the legal profession.
”It was an honor to keynote the Utah State Bar’s annual meeting. I spoke about something that matters greatly to me in the practice of law, and in life generally: the importance of curiosity. The best leaders are curious, not certain. Curiosity opens minds. Certainty closes them.
Brown continued, “The smartest people I know also happen to be the most curious. Curiosity fuels our understanding of the world—in law, politics, faith, and even relationships — and is a crucial attribute for any attorney who is entrusted with defending justice, identifying solutions, and resolving conflicts.”
Honoring 50 Years of Legal Excellence
One of the most poignant moments of the evening was the recognition of 33 attorneys who have practiced law for 50 years. These individuals were honored with commemorative plaques and resounding applause for their lifelong commitment to justice, mentorship, and community service. Their collective achievements include landmark cases, decades of legal education, and leadership that has strengthened Utah’s legal framework.
“These attorneys have spent a lifetime upholding the principles of justice, mentoring future legal minds, and strengthening our communities,” said Utah State Bar Executive Director Elizabeth Wright. “Their careers are testaments to the lasting value of dedication and ethical practice in law.”
Celebrating Excellence: Awards Presentation
The celebration continued with the announcement of the Bar’s Sections of the Year, Elder Law Section and Estate Planning Section, and Committee of the Year, Fund for Client Protection. These honors recognized groups within the Bar that exemplified outstanding contributions in their respective areas through programming, service, and advocacy. While the awards were a formal acknowledgment, the pride and excitement from members of the honored groups made for a joyful interlude in the evening’s proceedings.
A Tearful Tribute: Lifetime Service Awards
The night reached an emotional crescendo with the presentation of the 2025 Lifetime Service Awards, honoring Hon. Noel S. Hyde, Associate Dean Reyes Aguilar, and Professor Jensie L. Anderson.
Judge Hyde was praised for his compassionate leadership in the judiciary, particularly as the founding judge of the Weber County Mental Health Court. Aguilar was lauded for his pioneering efforts in legal education and diversity, having helped reshape national conversations on access to law school. Professor Anderson, a beloved advocate for the wrongfully convicted and a stalwart educator, gave a moving speech reflecting on her decades of service and her return to her first love, the performing arts, as she steps into retirement.
Multiple attendees were visibly moved as each honoree spoke. Their words brought the audience to tears more than once, a testament to the emotional depth and profound impact of their service.
Looking Ahead: A Milestone Year to Come
As the 2025 Annual Meeting came to a close, guests were reminded of the exciting year ahead. The Utah State Bar will celebrate its 95th anniversary at the 2026 Annual Meeting, set to take place in the scenic surroundings of Sun Valley, Idaho. It promises to be a historic event commemorating nearly a century of legal excellence, service, and progress.
(AI assisted in the writing of this blog.)
