SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 12, 2025) – The Third District Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for a vacancy on the Third District Court. This position results from the retirement of Judge Mark Kouris, effective February 1, 2026.
The nominees for the vacancy are:
- S. Grace Acosta, Owner/Partner, Trujillo Acosta Law;
- Joel Ferre, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office;
- Patricia Kuendig, Attorney/Owner, Dodd & Kuendig;
- Todd Olsen, Commissioner, Third District Court;
- Lance Talakai, Team Leader, Salt Lake Legal Defender Association.
Written comments can be submitted to the Third District Judicial Nominating Commission at judicialvacancies@utah.gov or Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, P.O. Box 142330, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2330. The deadline for written comments is noon, Nov. 22, 2025.
The Nominating Commission may request further information or conduct an investigation of the nominees after reviewing public comments. After the public comment period, the names will be sent to Gov. Spencer J. Cox, who will have 30 days to make an appointment. Gov. Cox’s appointee is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
Contact:
Julia Pappas
Office of the Governor
385-977-6099, juliapappas@utah.gov