On May 20, 2025, the historic halls of the Utah State Capitol were filled with pride, promise, and professional achievement as 144 new attorneys and two Licensed Paralegal Practitioners (LPPs) took the solemn oath to uphold the Constitution, the rule of law, and the highest ethical standards of legal practice. The Utah State Bar Admission Ceremony, held under the stunning dome of the Capitol Rotunda, was both a formal milestone and an emotional celebration for the newest members of Utah’s legal community.
The proceedings began with the Convening of the Court by Nicole Gray, Clerk of the Court, Utah Supreme Court. The court itself was represented by an esteemed bench, including Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew Durrant, Associate Chief Justice John A. Pearce, Justice Jill Pohlman, U.S. District Court, District of Utah, Senior Judge Dale A. Kimball, and Magistrate Judge Daphne Oberg.
Justice Durrant opened the ceremony with heartfelt enthusiasm, addressing the crowd of proud families, mentors, and colleagues who filled half of the Capitol’s majestic second floor. He spoke of the exciting and meaningful journey ahead for these new legal professionals and the important roles they will play in preserving justice and integrity in society.
Following Durrant, Justice Pohlman delivered a speech that was as insightful as it was entertaining. She wove classic movie quotes into her practical advice—drawing laughs and nods of appreciation with lines from Forrest Gump and Casablanca, bringing levity and relatability to the solemnity of the day.
The celebration continued with a warm and personal invitation from Ezzy Khaosanga, President of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD). She encouraged the new lawyers to get involved with YLD, recounting her own experience of helping a firefighter draft a will—a moment she described as deeply humbling and rewarding, marked by the client’s tears of gratitude. Her story was a poignant reminder of the profound human impact lawyers can have.
Utah State Bar President Cara Tangaro then took the stage, delivering a rousing call to community and connection. She urged the new attorneys to be curious, to lean on one another, and to engage in both digital and in-person networking. “Follow each other on social media,” she said, “so you can discover commonalities and strengthen your professional relationships.” Her words underscored the importance of collaboration in a profession often perceived as solitary.
Standing across from Tangaro, Bar President-Elect Kim Cordova joined her at a second podium. Together, they made the formal motion to the court for the admission of the new legal professionals—a motion that was unanimously approved.
Cordova and Tangaro then took turns reading each new lawyer’s name aloud, culminating in Nicole Gray administering the Attorney Oath and the LPP Oath. The room erupted in rounds of applause, echoing the collective pride of all in attendance.
As the court adjourned, the rotunda transformed from a chamber of ceremony to a space of joyful celebration. Hugs were exchanged, photos captured the moment, and newly minted attorneys stood beaming with their families, ready to embark on careers built on service, justice, and advocacy.
The May 2025 Utah State Bar Admission Ceremony was not just a rite of passage—it was a heartfelt reminder of the enduring spirit of the legal profession and the power of law to shape lives and communities for the better.
AI was used to write the headline of this blog and the production of the video below.
Kane County, Utah—The Kane County Judicial Nominating Commission has selected three nominees for a justice court judge position that will serve Kane County, Utah. The final candidate will replace Judge Gary Johnson who will retire in June.
Following is an alphabetical listing of the nominees followed by place of employment and residence:
Barry E. Clarkson, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Santa Clara;
William “Bill” Frazier, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of St. George; and
J. Shea Owens, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Panguitch.
A comment period will be held through May 12, 2025. Once application materials are provided to the county commission, it will have 30 days to make a final selection. To submit written comments about any of the candidates, please email James Peters, Justice Court Administrator, at jamesp@utcourts.gov.
Date: May 8, 2025 Time: 3:00–4:00 PM, with a social from 4:00–5:00 PM Location: Utah Law & Justice Center, 645 South 200 East, Salt Lake City, Utah OR Online (Login information will be sent the evening before) Cost: Free, thanks to our generous sponsors CLE Credit: 1.0 Regular CLE Credit (pending approval)
It’s Well-being Week in Law, May 5-9, and to support this initiative, the Utah State Bar is providing an event free of charge for its licensees because we recognize that the demands of practicing law can be high, and staying well is vital. In fact, Rule RPC 1.01underscores that well-being is essential to competence in the legal profession. Between high-stakes client work, tight deadlines, and the pressure to perform, legal professionals often find themselves grappling with significant stress. This is why prioritizing your own well-being is essential—not just as a personal safeguard but also to ensure that you can continue to serve your clients effectively. When we take the time to invest in our emotional and mental health, we increase our capacity to handle the complexities of our work while reducing the risk of burnout, anxiety, and depression.
The Power of Connection in Combating Stress and Isolation
Despite working in a profession that demands constant interaction—courtroom appearances, client meetings, negotiations—lawyers frequently experience isolation. This isolation can take many forms: long hours spent poring over documents alone, remote or hybrid work arrangements, or even the emotional isolation that comes from being unable to share your day-to-day struggles. Research shows that social isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness, which can exacerbate stress and impede clear thinking.
One of the best antidotes to this is connection. Building and maintaining a supportive community of trusted peers can offer a vital buffer against loneliness. It also fosters creativity; brainstorming with like-minded professionals or even “thinking aloud” in a safe space can spark new ideas for case strategies, legal arguments, and professional development.
Join Us: A CLE Designed to Strengthen Your Network
To help legal professionals cultivate these meaningful connections, the Bar is proud to present “The Social Rx: Boosting Well-Being with Connection in Legal Practice.” This event will explore:
How building a reliable network of peers supports mental and emotional well-being
Practical strategies to combat workplace loneliness
Why shared problem-solving can enhance creativity in legal practice
Hands-on exercises designed to foster real-time connections
Immediately following the CLE presentation from 3:00–4:00 p.m., we’ll host a social hour from 4:00–5:00 p.m. — an ideal setting to network, continue conversations, and establish relationships that can serve as a support system throughout your career.
Meet Our Panelists
We’re excited to bring together a distinguished panel of experts, each contributing a unique perspective:
Ashley Biel, JD – Representing the Utah State Bar Young Lawyers Division
Cami Schiel, JD MBA, RN – Representing the Utah State Bar Litigation Section
Hanni Killilea, JD – Owner of Essential Reset Coaching
Liz Silvestrini, CMHC, JD – Representing the Utah State Bar Well-Being Committee
Each panelist brings a wealth of experience in legal practice, wellness strategies, and peer support. Their collective insights will help you discover practical ways to foster a healthier, happier, and more engaged approach to law.
You’re Invited—Join Us Online or In Person
Whether you attend in person at the Utah Law & Justice Center or log in from the comfort of your home or office, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with peers, learn from seasoned professionals, and earn 1.0 hour of Regular CLE credit (pending approval). Make sure to register by clicking the button below. The best part, this event is FREE thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. And sponsorships are still available! Please email Aubrey Schade at aschade@utahbar.org and she can give you sponsorship level options
Don’t miss this chance to invest in your well-being and expand your professional network. By prioritizing mental and emotional health, we not only improve our personal lives but also enhance our professional performance. We look forward to seeing you there and supporting each other on the path to a more balanced, connected legal career.
For more information about wellbeing, please visit http://wellbeing.utahbar.org/. We look forward to fostering a sense of community, creativity, and support as we tackle the challenges of legal practice together.
WATCH: Bar President Cara Tangaro’s President Message about lawyer wellbeing and the Lawyers Helping Lawyers program.
SALT LAKE CITY (Apr. 30, 2025) – Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Matthew J. Hansen to the Second District Court, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Noel Hyde. Judicial appointments are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
“From leading key initiatives to mentoring attorneys and protecting victims’ rights, Matthew Hansen has demonstrated what it means to serve with purpose,” Gov. Cox said. “He is well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of the Second District Court.”
Hansen currently serves as a Division Chief and Deputy County Attorney in the Davis County Attorney’s Office, where he leads both the Conviction Integrity Unit and Victim Services Division. He also serves as an administrative law judge for West Valley City and Heber City, and has previously worked as a prosecutor in Weber and Salt Lake counties.
Hansen is a commissioner with the Utah State Bar and serves on multiple Utah Supreme Court advisory committees, including the Committee on the Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Committee on the Rules of Evidence. He is also a member of the Utah Victim Services Commission and the Utah Prosecution Council Training Committee.
“I am sincerely grateful to Governor Cox for this incredible opportunity,” Hansen said. “If confirmed by the Utah Senate, I will work diligently to serve the people of this great state with integrity, respect, fairness, and fidelity to the law.”
Hansen received a J.D. and M.B.A. from the University of Utah and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Brigham Young University.
SALT LAKE CITY (May 2, 2025) – Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Tony F. Graf to the Fourth District Court, filling a vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Robert Lunnen. Judicial appointments are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
“Tony Graf brings a steady hand, strong ethics, and the kind of judgment we count on in Utah’s judiciary,” said Gov. Cox. “From prosecuting difficult cases to training new attorneys — his experience reflects a commitment to justice and public service.”
Graf currently serves as a Deputy County Attorney for Davis County, where he prosecutes physical and sexual abuse cases. He previously led the Special Victims Unit for the Utah County Attorney’s Office and served as a Deputy District Attorney in Salt Lake County. His diverse experience also includes roles as an Assistant Attorney General in American Samoa, Deputy District Attorney in Lincoln County, Nevada, and Special Assistant United States Attorney in Washington, D.C.
A dedicated educator and trainer, Graf has presented at numerous legal and child advocacy conferences and served as faculty for statewide prosecutor trainings. He volunteers as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Salt Lake City Justice Court and serves on the Utah Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Evidence.
Graf earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a juris doctorate from the University of Utah, as well as a master’s degree in criminal justice from Weber State University.
“I am deeply grateful and honored to be appointed by Gov. Cox to serve the people of Utah and the Fourth District Court,” Graf said. “If confirmed by the Senate, I will be diligent and will faithfully and fairly apply the law, treating all who appear before me with respect.”
SALT LAKE CITY (Apr. 30, 2025) – Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Jordan Van Oostendorp to the Eighth District Juvenile Court, filling the vacancy created by Judge Ryan Evershed’s appointment to the Second District Juvenile Court. Judicial appointments are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
“Jordan Van Oostendorp brings years of hands-on experience serving the people of the Uintah Basin,” Gov. Cox said. “His strong background in juvenile and criminal law and his deep ties to the community will serve the Eighth District well.”
Jordan R. Van Oostendorp currently serves as the primary indigent juvenile defense counsel in Duchesne County Juvenile Court and holds indigent criminal defense contracts for Vernal City, Uintah County, and Naples City justice courts. Since 2013, he has also practiced at Sam, Reynolds & Van Oostendorp, P.C., where his work has focused on juvenile, criminal, and family law.
“I am deeply grateful and humbled to be nominated by Governor Cox to serve in the Juvenile Court in the Eighth District,” Van Oostendorp said. “I have a great respect for the judiciary and have been honored to spend my entire legal career serving individuals and families in the Uintah Basin. If I am fortunate enough to be confirmed, I look forward to serving my community with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to upholding the law with complete fidelity.”
Van Oostendorp received a J.D. from The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law and earned a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management from Utah Valley University. He was admitted to the Utah State Bar in 2013.
Hyrum, Utah—The Hyrum Judicial Nominating Commission has selected four nominees for a justice court judge position that will serve Hyrum, Mendon, Paradise and Nibley, Utah. The final candidate will replace Judge Paul Larsen who will retire in June.
Following is an alphabetical listing of the nominees followed by place of employment and residence:
Sean D. Brian, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Harrisville,
Trevor L. Cook, J.D., Attorney at Law and Justice Court Judge in Rich County, resident of Nibley,
Brody E. Flint, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Honeyville, and
John Hulbert, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Hyrum.
A comment period will be held through April 26, 2025. Once application materials are provided to Stephanie Miller, the Hyrum City Mayor, she will have 30 days to make a final selection. Her selection must then be ratified by the Hyrum City Council. To submit written comments about any of the candidates, please email James Peters, Justice Court Administrator, at jamesp@utcourts.gov.
When discussing the ideals of legal service, it is easy to think of skillful advocacy, deep legal knowledge, and the pursuit of justice. What is often overlooked is the profound community-minded spirit that animates so many in the profession. No one exemplifies that blend of public service, passion for civic education, and devotion to the law more than Michelle M. Oldroyd, this year’s recipient of the prestigious Spirit of Quinney Award from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law.
“Michelle Oldroyd truly deserves the Spirit of Quinney Award for her unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to the legal profession and our wider community. As a colleague, she exemplifies the values of collaboration, kindness, and integrity. Michelle consistently goes above and beyond to support her team, always willing to lend a helping hand and offer thoughtful insights,” said Lydia Kane, assistant CLE director.
“Her positive attitude and enthusiasm create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and heard, enabling ideas to flourish. Michelle’s ability to balance professionalism with warmth makes her an outstanding colleague, and her impact is felt throughout the entire legal community. This recognition is a testament to the positive influence she has on those around her,” Kane added.
A Lifetime Rooted in Service
Michelle’s journey began just outside of Washington, D.C., where she was born into a family of federal government employees. Her father’s career with the FBI eventually brought them to Utah, the place she now proudly calls home. Growing up, Michelle always sensed the importance of public service. Whether it was her father’s time as a federal agent or her mother’s dedication to special needs education, Michelle witnessed firsthand how individuals could combine professional life with deep community engagement.
That early sense of duty informs her outlook today. She speaks fondly of “rowing the boat” with others—of doing her share to keep neighborhoods and society running smoothly. For Michelle, this is not just an abstract principle; it is the bedrock of her personal and professional life.
Discovering a Passion for Law
Michelle admits she has always been a “civics nerd.” Even as a child, she was captivated by stories of lawyers who paired their work in the courtroom with passions outside of it—like running a restaurant or owning an antique bookstore. She realized law could be a powerful credential, unlocking numerous ways to serve the public interest.
“I define myself very plainly as a lawyer,” Michelle explains. “I take such pride in that term as part of who I am, and I love doing it.” In law school, she found a natural alignment: a profession that encourages rigorous intellectual work, a dedication to due process, and the chance to help individuals during life’s most difficult moments.
Professional Highlights
Michelle’s résumé reflects this broad commitment to service:
She is Director of Professional Education at the Utah State Bar, where she designs and hosts professional development courses on ethics, civility, and inclusion. She also serves as Outreach and External Relations Director, forming partnerships with higher education and community institutions.
Previously, Michelle served as Director of the Utah Commission on Civic and Character Education in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. She has also worked as a Staff Attorney for the United States District Court for the District of Utah, mediating complex litigation matters and managing press relations during high-profile trials.
Over the years, she has been recognized for her excellence, earning accolades such as UCCR Peacekeeper, the Scott M. Matheson Award from the Utah State Bar, recognition among Utah’s Legal Elite, and being named one of the Elite Women Professionals in the United States.
In each of these roles, she has embodied the ideal of merging lawyering skills with a genuine commitment to civic engagement.
“Michelle’s work exemplifies the highest ideals of our profession,” said Bar Executive Director Elizabeth Wright. “Her dedication to public service, her passion for teaching, and her willingness to mentor new attorneys make her a worthy recipient of this important award.”
The Spirit of Quinney Award
The Spirit of Quinney Award honors individuals who epitomize not just professional success, but also a wholehearted dedication to community well-being. Joseph “Joe” Quinney, for whom the award and law school are named, was known for his exemplary service in both the legal field and the wider community. Michelle resonates with his legacy, saying it is “monumental when you think about who this person was and what he meant to the community—both as an advocate and a public servant.”
When Michelle learned she would be recognized in the same sentence as Quinney, she found it both humbling and deeply affirming. “I feel very humbled by the idea that I’m being singled out,” she shares, noting that so many of her colleagues are just as deserving. For her, it is also a moment to celebrate her parents, husband, children, and all those who inspire her every day to serve “with a deep sense of civic duty.”
She added, “To have my name mentioned in the same sentence as Joe Quinney, regarding the quality and rigor of my lawyering, is a deep honor, by which I am very humbled. I have such gratitude for what SJQ has provided for me – not just a platform for my career, but tremendous relationships, treasured colleagues to learn from, and opportunities to give back to our legal community; so I am grateful to my alma mater for recognizing my work and my contribution.”
“I truly love being a lawyer; it is one of the primary ways that I define myself, in addition to being a wife, mother, friend,” Oldroyd said. “I find our work filled with passion, skill, joy, and a multitude of people whose paths cross mine; lawyering is so valuable for our society, our governance, and our ability to hear and see one another with dignity. I cannot imagine work that I would find more connection to or more enthusiasm for than lawyering.”
A Joyful Approach to the Law
If there is one theme that runs through Michelle’s story, it is her unwavering sense of joy in practicing law. She calls it “a credential to do all the things you dream about doing,” allowing her to connect with community members, teach about justice, and help people navigate moments of deep conflict or need. Whether leading CLE programs, mentoring future attorneys, or simply greeting people with kindness in her neighborhood, Michelle is motivated by the knowledge that law can be a powerful tool for building bridges and uplifting others.
She enthusiastically encourages new lawyers to explore the breadth of what a J.D. can offer: “We need a profession that’s as wide-ranging, effective, artistic, and scientific as we can craft,” she says. “Everyone who wants to be a problem-solver and help move people out of ‘stuckness’ should consider law school. We need all of you.”
Looking Ahead
Receiving the Spirit of Quinney Award will undoubtedly be a celebratory moment for Michelle and the many people she has guided, mentored, and befriended over the years. Yet in true Michelle style, she will see it as a call to even deeper engagement—an invitation to carry on the legacy of Quinney by continually finding ways to do good. It is also a reminder, as she notes, to show grace to others and be grateful for the grace they show us.
For Michelle, the law is not merely a profession. It is a space where personal passions for fairness, justice, and compassion flourish—and help shape the future of her community. That is the spirit of her work, and precisely why she is such a fitting recipient of this prestigious award.
Congratulations to Michelle on this remarkable honor! Her work exemplifies the very essence of what it means to serve as a lawyer: blending intellect, empathy, and public service to strengthen the institutions and individuals around us.
This blog was written with the assistance of AI from the transcript of the video below.
SALT LAKE CITY (Apr. 10, 2025) – The Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for a vacancy on the Fourth District Court. This position results from the retirement of Judge Robert Lunnen, August 1, 2025.
The nominees for the vacancy are: Von Christiansen, County Attorney, Beaver County; Joshua Esplin, Assistant Director/Trial Attorney, Utah County Public Defenders Association; Tony Graf, Deputy County Attorney, Davis County Attorney’s Office, Volunteer Judge Pro Tempore, Salt Lake City Justice Court; Samuel Pead, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office; Ryan Stack, Deputy County Attorney/Prosecuting Attorney, Summit County.
Written comments can be submitted to the Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission atjudicialvacancies@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 on Apr. 21, 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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ROBERT CARROLL | Director of Communications OFFICE OF GOV. SPENCER J. COX STATE OF UTAH 801-243-2290
SALT LAKE CITY (Apr. 10, 2025) – The Second District Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for a vacancy on the Second District Court. The position is the result of the retirement of Judge Noel Hyde, effective July 1, 2025.
The nominees for the vacancy are: Michael Gadd, Assistant Solicitor General/Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General; Tony Graf, Deputy County Attorney, Davis County Attorney’s Office, Volunteer Judge Pro Tempore, Salt Lake City Justice Court; Matthew Hansen, Deputy County Attorney, Davis County Attorney’s Office, Judge Pro Tempore, Third District Court; Nicholas Mills, City Attorney, Kaysville City Corporation; Randall Morris, Associate Attorney, Scalley Reading Bates Hansen & Rasmussen, P.C., Judge Pro Tempore, Salt Lake City Justice Court.
Written comments can be submitted to the Second District Judicial Nominating Commission atjudicialvacancies@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 Apr. 19, 2025. The Nominating Commission may request further information or conduct an investigation of the nominees after reviewing public comments. Following 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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ROBERT CARROLL | Director of Communications OFFICE OF GOV. SPENCER J. COX STATE OF UTAH 801-243-2290
