Salt Lake City, Utah – Justice Jay T. Jorgensen was formally welcomed to the Utah Supreme Court during an investiture ceremony at the Scott M. Matheson Courthouse, bringing together state and federal leaders, members of the judiciary, colleagues, friends and family to celebrate his service on Utah’s highest court.

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. of the United States Supreme Court participated in the ceremony and administered the oath of office. Jorgensen clerked for Justice Alito more than 30 years ago, when Alito served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

 

“I knew 30 years ago, when he was my law clerk on the Court of Appeals, that this was a young man with an exceptional legal mind,” Justice Alito said. He praised Jorgensen for combining that legal ability with strong interpersonal skills and a deep sense of humanity.

“I don’t think anybody can be a truly good judge if that person is not also a good person,” Alito said. “What judges do at all levels affects ordinary people. A good judge has to keep that in mind at all times, and Jay has that skill.”

Jorgensen was joined by his wife, Melissa, who placed his judicial robe on him following the administration of the oath.

 

“I love Utah and the people of Utah who have been kind to me all my life,” Justice Jorgensen said. “I am grateful for this opportunity to give back to the state that has given me so much. I pledge to faithfully apply our state’s constitution and laws, and to serve to the best of my ability.”

 

During his remarks at the ceremony, Jorgensen also reflected on the people and experiences that shaped his life and legal career.

“The law has been more than a job to me. It’s been a calling,” Jorgensen said.

Judge Thomas B. Griffith, a retired judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and U.S. District Judge David Barlow also delivered remarks during the ceremony. Both reflected on their longtime relationships with Jorgensen and the qualities they believe he brings to the bench.

The ceremony was attended by Gov. Spencer J. Cox, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, Utah Attorney General Derek Brown, state and federal judges, members of the Utah Legislature and other leaders from Utah’s legal community.

Jorgensen was formally sworn in as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court on June 17, allowing him to immediately begin his work on the Court. The investiture ceremony served as the ceremonial recognition of his appointment and gave colleagues, friends and family an opportunity to mark the occasion.

Gov. Cox appointed Jorgensen to the Utah Supreme Court following the creation of additional seats on the Court during the 2026 legislative session. Prior to joining the Court, Jorgensen served as senior counsel in the Office of General Counsel for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His career also includes service as general counsel, chief compliance officer and corporate secretary for Coupang, Inc.; executive vice president and global chief ethics and compliance officer for Walmart; and partner at Sidley Austin LLP. Earlier in his career, he clerked for Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist of the United States Supreme Court and then-Judge Alito on the Third Circuit.

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CONTACT: Tania Mashburn
Director of Communications
801-712-4545
taniam@utcourts.gov