Author: Jennifer Weaver

Serving Those Who Served: Utah State Bar and Utah@EASE Expand Access to Legal Assistance for Veterans

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

For veterans facing debt collection, housing disputes, or other civil legal challenges, access to an attorney can make a significant difference. Yet the cost of legal representation can prevent individuals from obtaining the guidance they need.

Through its partnership with Utah@EASE, the Utah State Bar’s Access to Justice Office helps connect veterans and service members with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal assistance in qualifying civil matters.

In a newly released video interview, Bar Communications Director Jennifer Weaver, Veteran Helena Bloomfield, Volunteer Attorney Alex Chang, and Utah@EASE Director Larry Schmidt discuss how the program works, the legal challenges veterans face, and why even a brief consultation with an attorney can have a meaningful impact.

A Legal Question That Led to a Resolution

After serving eight years in the military, Helena Bloomfield encountered a financial dispute that left her uncertain about her legal options.

Through a referral connected to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, Helena learned about Utah@EASE and contacted Schmidt for assistance.

She was connected with volunteer attorney Alex Chang, who helped her understand the legal issues involved and evaluate her options.

Helena described Chang as responsive, knowledgeable, and someone she felt comfortable turning to with questions.

Her legal matter has since been resolved.

Reflecting on the experience, Helena encouraged other veterans not to delay seeking legal guidance when questions arise.

“If you have a question, ask,” she said.

Her experience illustrates how access to legal advice can help individuals address civil legal problems before they become more complicated.

Addressing the Civil Legal Needs of Veterans

Utah@EASE connects eligible veterans and service members with Utah attorneys willing to provide pro bono legal assistance.

The program was developed through collaboration involving the Utah State Bar, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, and Utah Attorney General’s Office.

Unlike many legal aid programs, Utah@EASE does not base eligibility on income. Instead, qualifying military service is central to the program’s eligibility requirements.

The program assists with designated civil legal matters, including:

  • Debt collection and financial disputes
  • Housing-related legal issues
  • Wills and estate planning
  • Consumer protection and predatory lending
  • Certain immigration matters
  • Protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
  • Employment and reemployment protections under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)

The program also helps connect veterans with government agencies that address consumer fraud and predatory lending.

Schmidt emphasizes that legal assistance fills an important gap in services available to veterans.

By connecting individuals with qualified attorneys, Utah@EASE helps veterans better understand their legal rights, responsibilities, and available remedies.

Pro Bono Representation: A Manageable Commitment with Meaningful Results

For attorneys interested in pro bono service, time commitments and administrative responsibilities can present barriers to volunteering.

Chang explains that Utah@EASE helps reduce those barriers by handling much of the preliminary client intake and case screening.

This allows volunteer attorneys to focus on the legal questions presented.

In Bloomfield’s case, Chang spent less than an hour discussing the matter and her options.

He notes that individuals involved in debt collection and housing disputes frequently appear in court without representation because the cost of hiring an attorney may be disproportionate to the amount at issue.

For someone unfamiliar with the legal system, understanding a complaint, procedural requirements, potential defenses, or settlement options can be challenging.

A consultation with an attorney can provide important clarity.

“Just having somebody there to briefly explain … what are my options alone is already a great help to many of these people,” Chang said.

His experience demonstrates how limited-scope legal assistance can help address unmet civil legal needs while allowing attorneys to contribute their professional expertise within manageable time commitments.

Utah@EASE Seeks Additional Volunteer Attorneys as Demand Grows

Demand for Utah@EASE services has increased substantially since the program began.

According to Schmidt, Utah@EASE started in 2018 with 18 volunteer attorneys and more than 100 annual inquiries.

In 2026, the program anticipates exceeding 500 inquiries and has expanded its volunteer network to 93 attorneys.

Despite that growth, the need for legal assistance remains significant, particularly in communities where access to attorneys may be limited.

Schmidt regularly participates in outreach efforts across Utah, including rural communities, to educate veterans about available legal resources.

The Bar’s Access to Justice Office supports these efforts through its partnership with Utah@EASE, including volunteer attorney recruitment and awareness of available services.

With 93 participating attorneys, the program is seeking seven additional volunteers to reach 100.

For Utah attorneys considering pro bono opportunities, Utah@EASE provides a structured way to assist veterans with civil legal matters while contributing to the profession’s broader commitment to access to justice.

Expanding Access to Justice Through Legal Service

The partnership between the Utah State Bar and Utah@EASE demonstrates how coordinated pro bono programs can help address gaps in civil legal services.

By combining volunteer attorneys, administrative support, and outreach to eligible clients, the program helps make legal assistance available to individuals who might otherwise navigate complex legal matters without professional guidance.

For Bloomfield, access to an attorney helped resolve a financial legal issue and provided greater confidence in moving forward.

For Chang, volunteering offered an opportunity to apply his legal knowledge in service of someone who needed it.

Their experience reinforces an important principle: Access to justice does not always require extensive representation. Sometimes, a single legal consultation can make a meaningful difference.

Learn More or Volunteer

Veterans and service members: Learn about Utah@EASE eligibility, covered civil legal matters, and how to request assistance.

Utah attorneys: Consider joining the Utah@EASE volunteer network to help meet the growing demand for civil legal assistance.

For program information and contact details, go to Utah@EASE or contact the Bar’s Access to Justice Office.

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*AI was used to summarize the video for this blog.

Gov. Cox appoints Stanford Purser general counsel

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 6, 2026) — Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Stanford Purser to serve as general counsel in the Governor’s Office, succeeding Daniel O’Bannon, who was appointed to the Utah Court of Appeals in October, subject to Utah Senate confirmation. Purser will begin his service on Nov. 23, 2026.

“Stanford brings extensive legal experience and a deep understanding of the issues facing our state,” Gov. Cox said. “His work on complex cases in state and federal courts will be a tremendous asset to our office. I’m grateful for his willingness to serve Utahns in this new role.”

Purser joined the Utah Attorney General’s Office in 2011 and was appointed solicitor general in March 2024. He previously served as civil appeals division director and deputy solicitor general for more than eight years. Before joining the office, he practiced at two large law firms, including K&L Gates, focusing on civil appeals and complex commercial litigation.

“I’m grateful for Gov. Cox’s trust and the opportunity to serve Utahns in this role,” Purser said. “I look forward to working with the governor and his team to provide careful legal counsel on the important decisions facing our state.”

Purser earned his undergraduate degree cum laude, with University Honors, from Brigham Young University and his law degree magna cum laude from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and Law Review. He clerked for Justices Stewart and Durrant on the Utah Supreme Court and Judge Monroe McKay on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

Purser and his wife, Mary, have four children.
CONTACT:
Robert Carroll
Office of the Governor
801-243-2290 | rcarroll@utah.gov
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Lisa Crawford Receives Senate Committee Approval for Appointment to Utah Board of Pardons and Parole

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate’s Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Confirmation Committee has approved attorney Lisa Crawford’s appointment as a full-time member of the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. Crawford was nominated by Gov. Spencer J. Cox to fill the vacancy left by Melissa Stirba and will serve the remainder of the term ending February 28, 2028.

Crawford brings extensive experience in criminal defense, public service and Utah’s judicial system to the position. She has served as a pro tempore member of the Board of Pardons and Parole since 2025 and currently practices law privately. She also serves on the Utah Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on the Rules of Criminal Procedure.

“Lisa’s previous service on the board has prepared her well for this appointment,” Gov. Cox said in announcing her nomination on October 2. “Her legal career gives her a valuable perspective on the board’s work, and I appreciate her commitment to serving the people of Utah.”

Prior to entering private practice, Crawford spent nearly 19 years with the Utah County Public Defender Association, including five years as a supervising attorney. Her professional background also includes service as an attorney and investigator for the Utah State Board of Education, a law clerk and bailiff in Utah’s Fourth District Court, a juvenile probation officer and a youth corrections counselor.

Crawford earned her Juris Doctor from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University and holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Utah.

“I am grateful to be selected by Governor Cox to the Board of Pardons and Parole,” Crawford said following her nomination. “It is an honor to serve the public in this capacity. If confirmed, I will strive to carry out my duties with diligence, fairness and respect.”

The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole plays a significant role in the state’s criminal justice system, making decisions regarding parole, pardons and other matters within its statutory authority.

Note: This blog post was partially rewritten by the Bar’s Communications Director from press release.

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Gov. Cox appoints Matthew Janzen to Third District Court

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

PRESS RELEASE

SALT LAKE CITY (October 23, 2026) — Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Matthew B. Janzen to the Third District Court, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Robert Faust. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

“Matthew brings decades of legal experience and a deep commitment to public service,” Gov. Cox said. “He has spent much of his career handling some of the most difficult cases in our justice system, and I am confident he will bring fairness, integrity and sound judgment to the bench.”

Janzen currently serves as division chief of the Special Victims Unit and deputy county attorney in the Davis County Attorney’s Office, where he oversees the prosecution of serious felony cases. He previously spent more than 12 years with the Salt Lake District Attorney’s Office, handling homicide, gang-related and special victims cases.

Before entering county prosecution, Janzen worked in private practice at Snow Nuffer and Smart, Schofield, Shorter & Lunceford, and served as a city prosecutor and assistant city attorney for South Salt Lake. He has served on the Utah State Advisory Board for the Children’s Justice Centers for 15 years and was recognized as Outstanding Professional of the Year by the Salt Lake Children’s Justice Centers in 2011.

Janzen earned his law degree from the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in economics, magna cum laude, from the University of Utah.

“I am deeply humbled and honored by the trust Governor Cox has placed in me with this appointment,” Janzen said. “I have a deep love for the rule of law and the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Utah. If confirmed, I will strive to faithfully uphold these ideals established 250 years ago and treat all individuals with dignity, fairness, and respect.”

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CONTACT
Robert Carroll
Senior Advisor to Governor Cox
801-243-2290 | rcarroll@utah.gov

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Gov. Cox appoints Daniel O’Bannon and Alexandra Mareschal to Utah Court of Appeals

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

PRESS RELEASE

SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 16, 2026) – Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Daniel O’Bannon and Alexandra Mareschal to the Utah Court of Appeals. Both appointments are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

“Daniel’s sound judgment and knowledge of the law served Utah well in his nearly ten years at Utah’s Division of Consumer Protection and made him a trusted adviser in our office,” Gov. Cox said. “He approaches difficult questions with care and integrity, and I am confident he will bring those same qualities to the Court of Appeals.”

O’Bannon served for nearly 10 years as the head of the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, overseeing enforcement and litigation and issuing administrative orders. He has served as general counsel to Gov. Cox since August 2022. He also served as a staff attorney in Governor Gary Herbert’s office and a research attorney in the University of Utah’s Office of General Counsel.

He graduated from the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law with highest honors and was Order of the Coif. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history, magna cum laude, from Brigham Young University.

“Utah’s judiciary is full of talented, hardworking, committed judges. If I am confirmed, it will be a tremendous honor to serve with them. I am deeply grateful for Governor Cox’s trust with this appointment,” O’Bannon said.

Gov. Cox also appointed Mareschal, who leads the Family Defense Appeals Section of the Utah Indigent Appellate Defense Division. Her appellate practice has focused on juvenile and family law.

“Alexandra brings extensive experience in juvenile and family law, an important part of the Court of Appeals’ work,” Gov. Cox said. “She understands how profoundly these cases affect Utah families, and I am confident she will serve them with fairness and a commitment to applying the law faithfully.”

Mareschal previously practiced at Zimmerman Booher and clerked for Utah Supreme Court Justice Paige Petersen. She has chaired the Utah State Bar’s Appellate Practice Section and Juvenile Law Section and was named the Utah Family Defenders Association’s Appellate Attorney of the Year in 2022 and 2023.

She earned her law degree from the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of California, San Diego.

“I am deeply humbled and honored by the trust the Governor and the Appellate Court Nominating Commission have placed in me. The Court of Appeals shapes the lives of so many Utahns, and I will respect the weight of that responsibility in every case. If confirmed, I will uphold the court’s commitment to integrity and faithful application of the law. It would be the privilege of my career to serve the people of Utah in this role,” Mareschal said.

CONTACT
Robert Carroll
Senior Advisor to Governor Cox
801-243-2290 | rcarroll@utah.gov

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Your Next Chapter Could Be in the Courts: Judicial Openings Now Accepting Applications

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

Utah's courts depend on lawyers who are willing to step forward and serve. Right now, several openings across the judiciary give Utah attorneys a chance to put their experience to work for the public. They include two judgeships, a key leadership role, and career clerkships. Whether you've spent years in the courtroom or you're looking for meaningful, stable work in public service, one of these opportunities may be your next step.

Serve on the Bench

Fifth District Court Judge

The Fifth District serves Beaver, Iron, and Washington counties. This seat opened when Judge Matthew Bell was confirmed to the Utah Supreme Court in September. District court judges hear a broad range of civil and criminal matters. This is a chance to shape the administration of justice in one of Utah's fastest-growing regions.

Application deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026. Applications must be submitted online.
Apply: judicialvacancy.utah.gov

Third District Juvenile Court Judge

The Third District Juvenile Court serves Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele counties. Juvenile court judges make decisions that change the direction of young lives and families every day. If you have experience in child welfare, delinquency, or family law, consider bringing that perspective to the bench.

Application deadline: Monday, November 9, 2026. Applications must be submitted online.
Apply: judicialvacancy.utah.gov

Build a Career in the Courts

You don't have to wear a robe to make a lasting difference in Utah's justice system. These positions offer rewarding, stable careers for attorneys who want to support the work of the courts.

Appellate Court Administrator

The Appellate Court Administrator helps keep the Utah Supreme Court and Utah Court of Appeals running smoothly. This role is an excellent fit for a lawyer with leadership, management, and operations experience. Responsibilities include strategic planning, budget oversight, staff leadership, operational improvements and collaboration with judicial and legal community stakeholders. Interested candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references.

Location: Matheson Courthouse, Salt Lake City
Employment: Full-time | Comprehensive benefits
Salary: $54.11–$86.57 per hour
Application deadline: Friday, October 13, 2026.
Apply: utcourts.applicantpro.com/jobs/4225422

Career Judicial Law Clerk and Term Judicial Law Clerk

Judicial law clerks work side by side with judges, and few jobs offer a closer view of how judicial decisions are made. Clerks research legal issues, analyze briefs and the record, prepare bench memos, and help draft orders and opinions. These roles suit attorneys who love the craft of legal reasoning and writing.

There are two kinds of clerkships, and the difference matters when deciding which fits your career.

Career clerks hold permanent positions. A career clerk often works with the same judge for many years and becomes a trusted advisor with deep knowledge of the judge's docket and approach. Career clerks also help hire and train the term clerks who rotate through chambers. This path suits experienced attorneys looking for a stable, long-term career in public service, without the pressures of billable hours or private practice.

Term clerks serve for a set period, usually one to two years. Term clerkships are often taken early in a career. They give intensive, high-level experience that opens doors in litigation, government, academia, and beyond. In the federal courts, a term clerk may serve no more than four years in total.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Utah is accepting applications for a permanent Career Judicial Law Clerk and a Term Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable Robert J. Shelby.

  • Salary: $74,678–$125,776
  • Location: Salt Lake City
  • Requirements: J.D. and bar membership
  • Deadline: Open until filled

To apply: Send the required application materials to UTD_HumanResources@utd.uscourts.gov.
Learn more: View the full posting

Ready to Apply?

Full details for each of these positions are available on the Utah State Bar's Find a Job page, where you can also browse other legal opportunities across the state.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Send them this post. Many outstanding judges and court professionals first applied because a colleague encouraged them.

Prefer to share on LinkedIn yourself?

  1. Copy this link: https://www.utahbar.org/your-next-chapter-could-be-in-the-courts-judicial-openings-now-accepting-applications/
  2. Open LinkedIn and tap Start a post.
  3. Paste the link, add a short note, and tag anyone you think should apply.
  4. Tap Post.

This post will be unpublished once the application deadlines for these positions have passed. Please refer to the official postings for the most current information. AI was used to help compile information from the job postings, and all details were reviewed by the Bar's Communications Director before publication.

Utah State Bar Recognizes Nick Stiles for Years of Service

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

Following the Salt Lake City Council’s affirmation of Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s nomination of Nick Stiles to the Salt Lake City Justice Court, the Utah State Bar recognizes Nick’s longstanding service to and partnership with the Utah State Bar.

Nick currently serves as Appellate Court Administrator for the Utah Supreme Court and Utah Court of Appeals. In that role, he has worked closely with the Bar, regularly attending Bar Commission meetings as the Supreme Court’s representative and serving as an important liaison among the Court, the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Bar.

The Bar is grateful for Nick’s years of support and for the collaborative relationship he has helped maintain between the judiciary and the Bar. Nick’s connection to the Bar extends well beyond his current role. He previously served as director of the Bar’s Access to Justice Office, where he worked to expand access to legal services for Utahns. Earlier in his career, he served as an associate and assistant city prosecutor and managed the Domestic Violence Program for the Utah Judiciary.

As Appellate Court Administrator, Nick has continued to work on initiatives aimed at improving access to Utah’s justice system, including implementing free appellate e-filing, helping establish an Appellate Court Pro Bono Program and expanding appellate mediation services. He also co-chairs the Utah Supreme Court’s Regulatory Reform Committee.

Nick has served as the Court’s liaison to the Office of Professional Conduct, Board of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education, Utah State Bar, Utah Bar Foundation and Supreme Court advisory committees. He also serves on the board of the Bar Leadership Academy after participating in the program in 2019.

Nick was recently selected to receive the Utah Judicial Council’s 2026 Judicial Administration Award for contributions to the administration of Utah’s judicial system.

As Nick transitions from his current role, the Bar expresses its appreciation for his years of service, his accessibility to Bar leadership and staff, and his commitment to collaboration between the Bar and Utah’s judiciary. We are grateful for the many ways he has contributed to the Bar and the broader legal community.

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Nominees announced for Third District Court vacancy

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

PRESS RELEASE

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 21, 2026) — The Third District Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for a vacancy on the Third District Court. The vacancy will result from Judge Robert Faust’s retirement on Jan. 1, 2027.

The nominees for the vacancy are:

  • Michael Barnhill, partner, Michael Best & Friedrich;
  • Matthew Janzen, Special Victims Unit division chief and deputy county attorney, Davis County Attorney’s Office;
  • Breanne Miller, deputy district attorney, Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office;
  • Jennifer Parrish, partner, Magleby Cataxinos, pro tempore judge, Salt Lake City Justice Court;
  • Lara Swensen, partner, James Dodge Russell & Stephens.

Written comments can be submitted to the Department of Criminal Justice at judicialvacancies@utah.gov or Department of Criminal Justice, P.O. Box 142330, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2330.  The deadline for written comments is noon on Oct. 1, 2026. After the public comment period, the names will be certified and sent to Gov. Spencer J. Cox, who will have 30 days to make the appointment. Gov. Cox’s appointee is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

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Contact:
Rob Carroll
Office of the Governor
(801) 243-2290, rcarroll@utah.gov 

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Nominees announced for two Utah Court of Appeals vacancies

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

PRESS RELEASE

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 15, 2026) — The Appellate Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for two vacancies on the Utah Court of Appeals. These positions were created by the Legislature during the 2026 legislative session.

The nominees are:

  • Christopher Ballard, general counsel and chief of staff, Utah County Attorney’s Office;
  • Christopher Bates, shareholder, Kirton McConkie;
  • Matthew Bates, judge, Third District Court;
  • William Hains, deputy division director of criminal appeals, Utah Attorney General’s office;
  • Nathan Jack, appellate assistant United States attorney, United States Attorney’s Office;
  • Christine Johnson, judge, Fourth District Court;
  • Freyja Johnson, partner and appellate attorney, The Appellate Group;
  • Alexandra Mareschal, head of the Family Defense Appeals Section, Indigent Appellate Defense Division;
  • Briggs Matheson, assistant United States attorney, United States Attorney’s Office;
  • Daniel O’Bannon, general counsel, Office of Governor Spencer J. Cox;
  • Stanford Purser, solicitor general, Office of the Attorney General; and
  • Samantha Slark, senior city attorney, Salt Lake City Corporation.

Written comments can be submitted to the Department of Criminal Justice at judicialvacancies@utah.gov or Department of Criminal Justice, P.O. Box 142330, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2330.  The deadline for written comments is noon Sept. 28, 2026. Gov. Spencer J. Cox will have 30 days to make the appointments after the list of nominees is certified. Gov. Cox’s appointees are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

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Robert Carroll
Senior Advisor to Governor Cox
801-243-2290 | rcarroll@utah.gov

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Utah State Bar Prevails in First Amendment Challenge Before Tenth Circuit

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

The Utah State Bar prevailed in a First Amendment challenge to Utah’s integrated bar structure with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit affirming judgment in favor of the Bar in Pomeroy v. Utah State Bar. In its published opinion issued August 31, 2026, the Court upheld Utah’s mandatory bar membership and licensing-fee structure. The plaintiff had argued that required Bar membership and licensing fees violated her constitutional rights and challenged several Bar activities, including legislative advocacy, content published in the Utah Bar Journal, and social media posts. The federal district court previously rejected those claims and granted summary judgment to the Utah State Bar.

The Tenth Circuit affirmed that decision in full, concluding that existing U.S. Supreme Court and Tenth Circuit precedent governs Utah’s integrated bar and that the Utah State Bar’s procedures satisfy constitutional requirements. The Court also upheld the Bar’s procedures for protecting members from having licensing fees used for activities outside the Bar’s permissible purposes. Because the opinion is published, it establishes binding precedent within the Tenth Circuit and provides important guidance on the constitutional standards governing integrated bar associations.

10th Circuit Decision-Aug-31-2026Download
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