SALT LAKE CITY (July 11, 2025) – Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Amanda Montague to the Third District Court. The nomination is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
Montague is division director for State Agency Counsel in the Utah Attorney General’s Office, overseeing legal representation for more than 100 state agencies, boards, and commissions. She previously led the office’s Corrections Section and continues to advise the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole, the Department of Corrections, the Interstate Compact Office, and the Sex, Kidnap and Child Abuse Offender Registry, experience that gives her a global understanding of criminal justice.
“Amanda has spent the last 20 years making sure our justice system works for real people, whether she’s helping the Board of Pardons weigh tough calls or guiding dozens of state agencies through the law,” Gov. Cox said. “I’m grateful for her steady hand and clear-eyed compassion, and I’m confident she’ll serve the Third District with both.”
“I am truly humbled by this honor and grateful to Governor Cox for placing his faith in me,” Montague said. “Serving on the Third District Court has long been a professional goal, and, if confirmed, I will work faithfully to uphold the constitutions and laws of our state.”
Montague joined the Attorney General’s Office in 2012 after nearly nine years clerking for judges in the Third District Court. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School—where she served as managing editor of the BYU Journal of Public Law—and holds a B.S. in history, cum laude, from Utah State University.
The Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee will review the nomination before the full Senate votes on final confirmation.
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Contact: Rob Carroll Office of the Governor (801) 243-2290, rcarroll@utah.gov
SALT LAKE CITY (July 11, 2025) – Governor Spencer J. Cox has appointed attorney Derek Williams to the 3rd District Court. The nomination is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
Williams is a partner at Campbell, Williams, Ference, Nelson & Hall, where he focuses on medical-malpractice defense and adoption law. Earlier in his career he was a partner at Snow Christensen & Martineau and clerked for Judge Pamela T. Greenwood on the Utah Court of Appeals. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys and a past president of the Utah Adoption Council.
“Derek’s two decades of trial experience and his nationally recognized work in complex adoption law have prepared him well for the bench,” said Gov. Cox. “His blend of legal skill, compassion, and dedication to public service will be a strong asset to Utahns in the Third District Court.”
A graduate of the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah (J.D., 2003), Williams earned his B.S. in political science from the University of Utah and an A.A.S. in criminal justice and French from Ricks College. He and his wife, Candie, adopted their two children early in his legal career—a personal experience that prompted him to develop a specialty in helping other families navigate complex adoptions.
“I am deeply honored by Governor Cox’s confidence in me to serve as a judge in the 3rd District,” Williams said. “If confirmed, I am committed to applying the law with integrity and a dedication to fairness and justice. I will work hard to further strengthen our state’s judiciary alongside an esteemed group of judges across Utah.”
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Contact: Rob Carroll Office of the Governor (801) 243-2290, rcarroll@utah.gov
When the Judicial Council created the Office of Fairness and Accountability (OFA), it tasked the office with developing a comprehensive strategic plan that would outline the Judiciary’s goals and policy directives. This plan was to support the court’s mission to deliver open, fair, and efficient justice under the law while also being responsive to the state’s diverse cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic, linguistic, physical, gender, and age populations. The Council emphasized that this effort must not only articulate aspirations but must result in concrete strategies to eliminate bias, serve the increasing number of self-represented litigants, and ensure that court processes remain understandable, consistent, and culturally responsive.
Over the course of nearly two years, the Strategic Plan Drafting Committee has worked diligently to fulfill that charge. The result of that work is the Utah Judiciary Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which the Judicial Council recently approved. Representatives from OFA presented the plan to the Utah State Board of Bar Commissioners on June 13, 2025, and was met with undivided support.
This plan is not abstract or theoretical. The Utah State Bar believes it is a practical blueprint for a court system that is better prepared to meet the needs of the public, the legal community, and the rule of law in the years ahead. For attorneys across Utah, this plan offers more than institutional reform. It represents a direct investment in integrity, efficiency, and consistency of your daily practice.
Better Access, Better Practice
The core focus of the strategic plan is enhancing access to justice, particularly through the removal of unnecessary procedural obstacles and the expansion of culturally competent services. The court system’s increasing use of technology has streamlined procedures and reaffirms its commitment to user-focused service delivery, which stands to benefit attorneys as much as litigants.
Attorneys often represent clients who are already facing challenging circumstances. When court systems are unnecessarily complex or inconsistent, that burden is multiplied. The new plan calls for more explicit rules, improved communication, and more supportive courtroom experience for all participants — including legal professionals. Enhanced digital tools, better guidance for self-represented litigants, and training for court staff in culturally responsive service will ultimately reduce delays, misunderstandings, and procedural missteps.
This plan is designed to eliminate friction from legal practice. When systems function smoothly and predictably, attorneys can focus more fully on substantive advocacy and client service.
A System Worth Representing
The legal profession does not exist in a vacuum. Public trust in the Judiciary has a direct impact on public confidence in lawyers. When courts are seen as transparent, impartial, and consistent, that perception extends to the attorneys who practice before them.
This plan reaffirms the Judiciary’s commitment to being open, fair, and inclusive. It builds on Utah’s long-standing reputation for judicial excellence by expanding community engagement, reinforcing ethical practices, and increasing accountability across all levels of the court. These efforts not only serve the public, but they support the professional standing of the legal community.
As the plan notes, “the public sees the courts through us.” When attorneys operate in a system that earns respect, credibility reflects on the profession as a whole.
You Asked, We’re Acting
OFA developed many of the initiatives outlined in the 2026–2029 Strategic Plan in direct response to concerns raised by members of the legal community. Attorneys have consistently expressed frustration with inefficiencies, inconsistent procedures between districts, and barriers to access for their clients. This plan addresses those concerns head-on.
The plan commits to standardizing processes across court locations, investing in improved training and tools for judicial officers and staff, and expanding mechanisms for community and attorney feedback. These are not abstract goals; they are actionable priorities that recognize the realities attorneys face and aim to address them in measurable, sustainable ways.
Attorneys will see a judiciary that is better aligned across districts, more open to input, and increasingly focused on delivering quality service. These improvements will not only enhance client outcomes but also create a more navigable and responsive system for practitioners.
Looking Ahead
The Utah Judiciary’s 2026–2029 Strategic Plan reflects more than policy; it represents a shared commitment to building a legal system that serves everyone with integrity, clarity, and fairness. As members of the legal profession, attorneys play a central role in the success of this effort. Your engagement with the plan, through your feedback, expectations, and daily work, will help bring its vision to life.
The system is not being reinvented, but it is being prepared for the future. The Judiciary is reaffirming its core values: openness, fairness, inclusivity, independence, and efficiency. Attorneys are not bystanders in this work. You are essential to it, and why the Bar supports the plan.
To read the whole strategic plan and learn more about its implementation, visit www.utcourts.gov.
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 announcementof 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.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT — The Utah State Bar is proud to announce that Kim Cordova was sworn in as the new President of the Utah State Bar on June 26, 2025. With more than two decades of legal experience and a steadfast commitment to public service, Cordova brings a wealth of insight and leadership to this prestigious role.
Cordova began her legal career as a prosecutor in the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, where she served for eight years. She then co-managed a small criminal defense firm where she practiced in federal and state courts across the state. In addition, she is an adjunct professor at the SJ Quinney school of law at the University of Utah and works with Utah Juvenile Defenders Association advancing advocacy for youth involved in the justice system.
Cordova’s public service includes an appointment by former Gov. Gary Herbert as executive director of the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, where she worked closely with the legislature to advance criminal justice reform. In that capacity, she also oversaw multiple state agencies with justice-related missions and participated in judicial selections.
A dedicated advocate for equal access to justice, Cordova has volunteered with Utah Legal Services on family law cases. She served as a Third District Commissioner for the Bar and was one of Utah’s delegates to the American Bar Association, roles that have deepened her appreciation for the mission and people of the Utah State Bar.
“As an attorney who has worked in prosecution, defense, government, and private practice, I understand the diverse needs of Utah’s legal community,” said Cordova. “I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of the Bar’s staff and commissioners, and I am honored to join them in service to our profession.”
Cordova emphasized her commitment to improving continuing legal education (CLE), enhancing attorney well-being, strengthening the quality of legal representation, and expanding access to justice. She brings to her new position a trial lawyer’s perspective and a collaborative spirit, pledging to listen to and advocate for voices across all sectors of the legal profession—including those that often go unheard.
Cordova succeeds in her new role with the support of colleagues across the legal spectrum and looks forward to leading the Bar with integrity, inclusivity and innovation.
NOTE: An earlier version of this news release contained an error that Kim co-managed a small criminal defense firm alongside her partner Edward K. Brass. Kim was an employee of the corporation, not a partner, and ceased employment with the corporation on September 20, 2024. The office is managed currently by Sandra Barron. We regret the error and apologize for any inconvenience.
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About the Utah State Bar Established in 1931 and operating under the authority of the Utah Supreme Court, the Utah State Bar regulates and supports the legal profession in the state. With over 11,000 licensed attorneys, the Bar is committed to promoting a justice system that is accessible, understood, valued, and respected. Governed by a Commission of elected attorneys from Utah’s judicial districts, the Bar provides resources, education, and support to enhance the professional practice of its licensees and upholds the public trust in the legal system.
Salt Lake City, UT (June 27, 2025) – This week the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit selected Michael Thomson and David Leigh to fill upcoming vacancies on the bankruptcy bench for the District of Utah. Each appointment is pending successful completion of a background investigation.
Thomson is currently a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig. Prior to that, he was a shareholder at Ray Quinney & Nebeker P.C., and a partner with Dorsey & Whitney. He has served as a Chapter 7 panel trustee, a Chapter 11 trustee, a federal equity receiver, and as a Sub-Chapter V trustee.
Thomson earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law where he graduated in the top 11% of his class and was an Articles Editor for the Utah Law Review.
Thomson is a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, a member of the Character and Fitness Committee of the Utah State Bar, a board member of the Federal Bar Association’s Utah Chapter, and an appointed member of the Local Rules Advisory Committee for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah. He also donates his time serving as director of the Utah Bar Foundation.
Once his background investigation is satisfactorily completed, he will replace Judge Joel Marker who is retiring from the bench on June 25, 2025.
Leigh is currently a shareholder and director with the firm of Ray Quinney & Nebeker P.C. in Salt Lake City. Prior to this, he was an associate attorney with the firm of Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. He has represented various parties in bankruptcy including Chapter 7 trustees as well as commercial debtors in Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases.
Leigh received his Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law where he was managing editor for the Journal of Environmental Law & Litigation.
Leigh is a past president, the current vice president, and a long-standing trustee board member of the Utah Bankruptcy Lawyers Forum. He currently serves as the CLE Coordinator for both the Bankruptcy Section and the Banking and Finance Section of the Utah State Bar. He also serves as a member of the Wyoming Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Section Council. In addition, Leigh serves on the Board of Governors, the Western Region Executive Council, the Executive Council of the Bankruptcy Section, and is the current chair of the Legislative Committee of the Bankruptcy Section for the Commercial Law League of America. Leigh also currently serves as the Regional Chair for North America for the Lex Mundi International Insolvency, Bankruptcy, and Restructuring Practice Group. Finally, Leigh is an appointed member of the Local Rules Advisory Committee for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah.
In 2024, Leigh received the Attorney of the Year Award from the Banking and Finance Law Section of the Utah State Bar.
Leigh will replace Judge Kevin Anderson who is retiring in September 2025.
The Tenth Circuit, with administrative headquarters in Denver, Colorado, encompasses the states of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.
On Monday, June 22, 2025, attorneys and law firms in Utah were targeted in a phishing scam email that falsely claimed to be from the Utah State Bar Communications Director, Jennifer Weaver. The fraudulent message was sent from the email address using Jennifer’s name and the domain @utahbar.org.virumail.com, which appeared legitimate at first glance but was in fact spoofed to deceive recipients.
The message falsely stated it was confirming recipients’ “secure communication preferences.” In reality, the message was part of a sophisticated phishing attempt using spoofing techniques to mimic trusted sources. The Bar does not use third-party services like “Virumail” and does not request sensitive information in this manner. More importantly, the Bar’s data systems were not breached, and lawyer licensing and Bar applicant information is safe and secure.
This scam did not only affect Utah. Similar messages were reported by legal professionals in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland and Oregon, indicating a coordinated attempt to target attorneys nationwide.
What You Should Do
When in doubt, verify before you click.
Do not click on any links or attachments in the phishing email.
Do not reply to the sender or provide any information.
Delete the email immediately.
If you or your firm interacted with the message in any way:
Contact your IT department immediately.
Visit the Utah State Bar’s website for a list of vetted cybersecurity service providers at: utahbar.org/business-partners
The Bar would like to thank the dozens of attorneys who promptly contacted the Bar after receiving the suspicious email. Your quick action helped confirm the scam early and allowed the Bar to issue an alert across our legal community.
To help our licensees better protect themselves and their firms, the Bar is committed to providing practical tools and guidance to recognize and respond to digital threats. Phishing scams, like the one impersonating the Communications Director, are becoming increasingly difficult to detect from often being designed to look convincing and urgent.
Understanding how these scams work is the first defense against them. Please read the outlined key tips and best practices to identify phishing attempts and handle them appropriately.
How to Spot and Handle Phishing Scams
Red Flags of a Phishing Email
Unfamiliar or misspelled email addresses, like those with strange domains (e.g., domains like .virumail.com instead of a known, official domain)
Missing branding: Official emails typically include Utah State Bar branding, email signatures with clear contact info, and links to its website or portals.
Generic greetings (e.g., “Dear User” instead of your name)
Urgency or fear tactics (e.g., “Your account will be deactivated!”)
Suspicious links or attachments
Requests for sensitive data (passwords, bank details, addresses, etc.)
What to Do If You Think You’ve Fallen for a Phishing Scam
If You Clicked a Suspicious Link or Opened an Attachment
Update your computer’s security software
Run a full system scan and delete anything the scan flags as a threat
If You Shared Sensitive Information
If you gave out your Social Security number, credit card, or bank account info, go to IdentityTheft.gov for tailored recovery steps.
If you shared your username and password, change the password immediately.
Use a strong, unique password.
If you use the same password on other accounts, change those as well.
FTC-Recommended Business Protection Strategies
From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), here are best practices to protect yourself, your law firm and your staff:
Use Email Authentication
Ensure your business email system uses authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. These prevent attackers from sending emails that appear to come from your domain.
Keep Security Systems Updated
Always install the latest updates and patches. Use intrusion prevention tools to monitor for unusual network activity.
Train Your Staff
Educate your team regularly on phishing tactics. Show them real-world examples and provide tips during onboarding and ongoing training sessions.
What To Do If Your Email Is Spoofed
Report the incident to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. (The Bar submitted a report following yesterday’s incident.)
Notify your clients/customers quickly — without using clickable links — via email, mail, or social media.
Alert your internal team and use the event as a training opportunity to reinforce cybersecurity best practices.
Stay Safe, Stay Vigilant
The Utah State Bar is committed to keeping its licensees informed and protected. We will continue to provide updates and resources to help you stay ahead of emerging threats.
If you think your personal information has been compromised, go to IdentityTheft.gov for specific next steps. Learn more about impersonation scams at ftc.gov/impersonators.
Reminder: The FTC will never demand money, threaten you, request wire transfers, or promise prizes.
For information about all types of scams and how to recover from them, visit ftc.gov/scams.
General scam and consumer protection advice is also available at consumer.ftc.gov.
SALT LAKE CITY (June 18, 2025) – The Third District Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for two vacancies on the Third District Court. These positions result from the retirement of Judge Paul Parker on Aug. 1, 2025, and Judge Keith Kelly on Sept. 16, 2025.
The nominees for the vacancies are: – Andrew Choate, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office; – Joel Ferre, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office; – Todd Hilbig, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office; – Amanda Montague, Division Director/Assistant Attorney General, Utah Attorney General’s Office; – Todd Olsen, Commissioner, Third District Court; – Derek Williams, Partner, Campbell Williams Ference Nelson Hall.
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, June 29, 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.
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Contact: Julia Pappas Office of the Governor 385-977-6099 | juliapappas@utah.gov
SALT LAKE CITY, June 13, 2025 – Today marked the final Bar Commissioner Meeting led by Cara Tangaro in her role as President of the Utah State Bar. Throughout her term, President Tangaro demonstrated exceptional leadership, advancing the Bar’s mission with professionalism, innovation, and a strong commitment to service.
Among her key achievements, Tangaro played a vital role in fostering productive discussions with lawmakers in the Utah Legislature, advocating to preserve the rule of law and ensuring the legal profession’s voice remained strong in critical policy decisions. She represented the Bar with distinction, earning respect across the legal and governmental communities.
A hallmark of her presidency was her commitment to transparency and engagement. She became the first Utah State Bar President to produce monthly video updates, a forward-thinking initiative that kept licensees consistently informed and connected to Bar developments.
President Tangaro also championed mental health and wellness among legal professionals, advocating for expanded mental health services and support. Her dedication to the well-being of her colleagues reflected a deep understanding of the challenges within the profession and a genuine commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable legal community.
To express her appreciation, Tangaro personally provided lunch for the Bar Staff at today’s meeting, underscoring her gratitude and the spirit of collegiality that defined her tenure. Her leadership leaves a lasting impact on the Utah legal community.
Cara will continue to serve on the Commission as Past Bar President. The Utah State Board of Bar Commissioners is a volunteer board that oversees the activities of the Bar. The Bar President serves a one-year term. Commissioners serve staggered three-year terms.
Salt Lake City, Utah(June 11, 2025) — The Utah Judiciary is saddened to announce the passing of the Honorable Gordon R. Hall, former Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court, on June 1, 2025, at the age of 98.
Born on December 14, 1926, in Vernal, Utah, Justice Hall enjoyed a storied and impactful career that began in private practice in Tooele and included service as Tooele County Attorney and as a 3rd District Court judge. In 1977, he was appointed to the Utah Supreme Court, eventually serving as Chief Justice from 1981 to 1993.
During his time on the bench, Chief Justice Hall spearheaded efforts to strengthen judicial independence through constitutional reform, led Utah’s Judicial Council, served as President of the Conference of Chief Justices, and chaired the board of the National Center for State Courts. In 1988, he received the Distinguished Jurist Award for his exemplary contributions to the judiciary.
“Chief Justice Gordon R. Hall was a visionary leader whose commitment to fairness, judicial integrity, and the rule of law shaped our courts for generations. His legacy endures in the independence of Utah’s judiciary and the many lives he influenced,” said Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant.
In 2007, the Tooele County Courthouse was named in his honor, recognizing his dedication and significant impact. It is the only courthouse in the state named after a judge.
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Tania Mashburn She/Her/Hers Director of Communications 801-712-4545taniam@utcourts.gov
