NEWS RELEASE Contact: Emma Williams Office of the Governor (385) 303-4383, ewilliams@utah.gov
SALT LAKE CITY (June 27, 2024) – The Business and Chancery Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for a vacancy on the Business and Chancery Court. This position was created by the Legislature during the 2024 Legislative Session.
The nominees for the vacancy are: Michael Barnhill, Associate/Partner, Michael Best & Friedrich; David Billings, Shareholder/Partner, Fabian Van Cott; Jason Boren, Associate/Partner, Ballard Spahr LLP; Erin Byington, Executive Director, Utah Family Defenders Association; Rita Cornish, Judge, Second District Court; Mackenzie Hanks, Corporate Counsel, Intermountain Health; Jeffrey Makin, Senior Vice President, Sunrun Inc.
Written comments can be submitted to the Business and Chancery 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 July 8, 2024. 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.
I want to remind and encourage each of you to attend the Utah State Bar’s Annual Meeting and Summer Social on July 12th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Utah Law & Justice Center. Cara Tangaro will be sworn in as President of the Utah State Bar and Kim Cordova will be sworn in as President-Elect. Chrystal Mancuso-Smith, Christian Clinger, Miriam Allred, Olivia Shaughnessy and Tyler Young also will be sworn in as Bar Commissioners elected in 2024.
In addition, there will be a 1980s themed celebration in the parking lot, with family games, food trucks, face painting and 1980s karaoke. So, put on your acid-washed jeans, puff up your big hair, and get ready to belt out some Bon Jovi, Cure, ABC or Duran Duran lyrics. The annual meeting is at 3 p.m., and the party goes from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. You must RSVP for the party by July 9th.
After Cara Tangaro is sworn in as the new President of the Utah State Bar, I will assume the best job at the Utah State Bar – Immediate Past President. I’ve enjoyed my service to the Utah State Bar this last year, and wanted to encourage each of you to consider getting more involved in service to the lawyers of Utah. There are a myriad of opportunities to join sections of the Utah State Bar, to serve in leadership, and to serve on the Bar Commission.
Erik A. Christiansen
As I look back on the last year, I am grateful for the opportunity I had to learn from so many fantastic lawyers, to work with the Bar Commission and the amazing staff of the Utah State Bar, especially the Utah Bar’s Executive Director Elizabeth Wright. The volunteer commissioners, and the staff of the Bar, work tirelessly to enhance the administration of justice, to protect the rule of law, and to provide incredible benefits to the lawyers and citizens of Utah.
Speaking of which, if you have not tried Decisis, you should. This brand new free legal research tool is available to all members of the Utah State Bar and is an incredible tool, which will enhance your practice and make it easier for you to obtain necessary legal research.
Finally, on a personal note, I just returned from seeing Dead & Company for three nights at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Anyone who knows me, knows I love music, especially anything related to the Grateful Dead. So, pardon my personal indulgence, but I am going to leave you with some lyrics from a beautiful song called “Eyes of the World.”
These lyrics were written by Robert Hunter, and they seem particularly apt as I ride off into the sunset, having worked with so many great lawyers over the course of the last year. I will see you around, and will continue to be involved with the Utah State Bar, as well as as a new member of the American Bar Association’s Board of Governors starting in August. But for now, enjoy some beautiful words written by one of the great lyricists of the Grateful Dead.
A significant and exciting development has recently taken place within Utah’s legal community—the formation of the Utah Hispanic Bar Association. This new affinity bar association was established with the primary goal of supporting Latino legal professionals in Utah and addressing the legal needs of the Latin America community. Membership is open to any eligible licensee of the Utah State Bar, who can join through the Bar’s online Practice Portal during the renewal period or any time thereafter. The new Bar Association membership dues are set at an affordable $20.
“We are excited to invite every Utah State Bar member to join our new group to talk, learn, provide feedback, get involved, and grow.”
Mission and Objectives
The mission of the Utah Hispanic Bar Association, as outlined in its Articles of Incorporation, includes:
·Providing a forum for attorneys and others interested in promoting the professional advancement of Latino attorneys in Utah.
·Offering support to the Latino community by developing ties and providing legal services throughout Utah.
Javier Chavez, Jr., along with other fellow lawyers, were inspired to start this association due to the growing Latino population in Utah, which brings unique legal needs, language complexities, intricate cultural tapestries, and entrepreneurial business owners. Latinos are the largest ethnic minority group in Utah, comprising over 15% of the state’s population. Additionally, Latinos are among the fastest-growing founders of businesses in Utah.
The Need for More Hispanic Attorneys
The formation of the Utah Hispanic Bar Association is particularly timely and necessary, given the statistics provided by the American Bar Association (ABA). According to the ABA, while Latinos make up a significant portion of the U.S. population, they are underrepresented in the legal profession.
Latinos constitute approximately 18% of the U.S. population, but only about 5% of lawyers are Latino.
The need for Hispanic attorneys is critical to address the specific legal needs of Latino communities, which often include issues related to immigration, labor rights, and language barriers in legal proceedings.
Hispanic attorneys can play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the legal system and Latino communities, providing culturally competent legal representation and advocacy.
Future Activities and Involvement
The Utah Hispanic Bar Association plans to host a variety of meetings, activities, and events designed to foster community among Latino legal professionals and support the broader Latino community in Utah. Details of these upcoming events will be announced soon.
For those interested in joining or learning more, Javier Chavez, Jr., can be contacted through his LinkedIn profile, the Bar website or directly at JC@JavierChavez.com.
Friday marked a red-letter day for the Utah State Bar as it honored 32 distinguished attorneys for achieving the remarkable milestone of 50 years of active licensure. This momentous occasion was celebrated with a luncheon and formal presentation at the Utah Law & Justice Center in Salt Lake City. The event brought together the legal community to recognize and celebrate the half-century of dedication, service, and significant contributions these esteemed attorneys have made to the profession and society.
A Ceremony of Honor and Recognition
The luncheon, a hallmark of the celebration, provided a fitting backdrop for the presentation ceremony. Bar Executive Director Elizabeth Wright and Bar Commission President Erik Christiansen led the proceedings, presenting each honoree with a commemorative plaque. The plaques were a symbol of recognition for their unwavering commitment to the practice of law and their pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of Utah.
The Contributions of the Honorees
These 32 attorneys have not only dedicated five decades to the legal profession but have also significantly impacted the legal community and society at large. Their contributions span across various facets of the legal field:
Advocacy and Justice
Many of the honorees have been instrumental in landmark cases, ensuring justice and fairness within the legal system. Their advocacy has helped set precedents and foster a more equitable legal environment.
Mentorship
A cornerstone of their legacy is mentorship. These attorneys have nurtured the next generation of lawyers, imparting wisdom, guidance, and support to young professionals. Their mentorship has helped shape the careers of many and strengthened the future of the legal profession.
Community Service
The honorees’ commitment to community service is commendable. Through pro bono work and community engagement, they have made significant positive impacts on society. Their efforts have provided access to legal services for underserved communities and have highlighted the importance of giving back.
Leadership
Leadership within the legal community is another area where these attorneys have excelled. Many have held significant positions within the Utah State Bar, judiciary, and various legal associations. Their leadership has driven progress and innovation within the legal field, fostering an environment of excellence and integrity.
Honorees Present at the Ceremony
James A. Arrowsmith
Christine M. Durham
John C. Green
W. Andrew McCullough
Anthony L. Rampton
James R. Black
Roger S. Blaylock
Robert R. Malinckrodt
Robert K. Mouritsen
Those not in attendance include:
Richard G. Allen
David E. Gee
Robert D. Atwood Jr
Paul J. Barton
Willard R. Bishop
Richard D. Burbidge
Scott H. Clark
Jonathan A. Dibble
Stephen F. Hutchinson
Ralph B. Johnson
Michael R. Loveridge
Raymond N. Malouf Jr
Stephen R. McCaughey
James W. McConkie
Craig F. McCullough
James R. Morgan
Stephen I. Oda
John A. Snow
Marcus Taylor
Ronald W. Thompson
Gregory B. Wall
Whitney B. Warnick
Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on the legal profession through their exceptional service and dedication.
The Utah State Bar offers licensees a free legal research tool because we understand the critical importance of having a fast and reliable legal research tool at your fingertips. Available now for your use, we are moving away from Fastcase to Decisis, a new service now available to all licensees that is worth $1,740 per year.
Thanks to the Innovation & Law Committee, Decisis was tested and determined to be a research tool with comprehensive search capabilities that lawyers need. The intuitive platform provides information across all courts and jurisdictions. Whether you need a case from Utah or beyond, Decisis ensures you never hit a roadblock in your research.
“I’m looking forward to using Decisis. Compared to Fastcase, Decisis has a very clean interface that avoids distraction and lets me focus on the search and results,” said Attorney Dave Duncan, owner of QuiickLaw PLLC. “Searching a topic in Fastcase would give recent results but bury the seminal cases. Decisis puts the seminal case right up front. And knowing that negative case treatment in Decisis is handled by LexisNexis’s Shepard’s Citation Service gives me confidence in the cases Decisis finds.”
When you use Decisis, you will find that it is designed with efficiency in mind. The Google-like search bar allows you to seamlessly scan results, making your research process swift and straightforward. It also offers split-screen functionality, which lets you view search results and navigate between tabs without losing sight of your main search screen. This feature alone can significantly enhance your workflow, saving you precious time and reducing the frustration of constantly switching back and forth between screens.
When it comes to search versatility, Decisis offers three robust methods. You can type in key terms, use advanced search operators, or search directly by citation. This flexibility ensures that regardless of your research style or the specificity of your query, Decisis can handle it with ease.
Customer support is another area where Decisis shines. Available seven days a week, its enhanced support service offers both research and technical assistance. This level of support is unparalleled, ensuring that any issues or questions you have are addressed promptly and efficiently.
Moreover, Decisis boasts a world-class citator with high-level reliability. You can trust that your case law references are accurate and up to date, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of your legal work.
Lastly, Decisis provides tailored search filters that pull highly relevant results. This feature helps you narrow down your search to the most pertinent cases, statutes, and legal resources, ensuring that your research is both thorough and efficient. With its comprehensive jurisdictional coverage, user-friendly interface, innovative split-screen functionality, versatile search options, enhanced customer support, reliable citator, and tailored search filters, Decisis stands out as the premier legal research tool for Utah State Bar lawyers. Take advantage of this free resource and elevate your legal research.
Decisis is available to all active licensees through the Practice Portal. Log on and try it out! Fastcase will not be available after August 30, 2024. If you have questions or need assistance using Decisis, please contact support at 833-332-4747.
On Friday, July 12th, the Utah State Bar is hosting its annual meeting at the Utah Law and Justice Center, located at 645 South 200 East, Salt Lake City. Scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m., this celebratory gathering will feature the swearing-in of new Bar commission officers, alongside the presentation of several prestigious awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the legal profession. The meeting will also include reports that offer insights and updates on activities and achievements from key legal bodies over the past year, such as:
MCLE,
Federal court,
State court,
Utah Bar Foundation,
Utah State Bar.
Legal professionals from across the state are encouraged to attend this meeting to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and honor the accomplishments within the legal community. The meeting not only serves as a platform for professional development but also as an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and hard work of those committed to advancing justice and law in Utah.
Following the formal proceedings, a fun-filled summer social will take place, themed around the lively 80s era, will feature music, delicious food, face painting, and karaoke, making it enjoyable for the whole family. Participants are reminded to RSVP for the social by July 9th to ensure their spot at this exciting event. This annual meeting and subsequent party promise to be a memorable occasion for all members of the Utah State Bar.
On Thursday morning, the legal community gathered at Little America for the annual “and Justice for all” (AJFA) Justice Rising Breakfast, an event that has become a cornerstone for advocacy and change within Utah’s legal landscape. Hosted by the Utah State Bar Family Law Section, this year’s breakfast saw Rebecca Ryon, AJFA Chair of the Board of Trustees, warmly welcome a room filled with committed legal professionals, all ready to start their day with a hearty serving of bacon, eggs, and breakfast potatoes.
The morning’s program kicked off with an impactful video presentation featuring client success stories from the Disability Law Center, Utah Legal Services, and the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake. These stories not only highlighted the critical work being done by these organizations but also put faces to the numbers, showcasing real people whose lives have been significantly improved through legal intervention.
The keynote address was delivered by Ransom Wydner of SixFifty, who shared his harrowing personal experiences with eviction that began from his birth in a neighbor’s house. His childhood was marked by instability, hunger, and transient living conditions, painting a vivid picture of the struggles faced by many Americans today. Wydner’s powerful narrative brought to light the broader issue of America’s access to justice crisis, emphasizing the vulnerability of children under 5, who represent the largest demographic affected by household evictions.
Following Wydner’s keynote, Judge Richard E. Mrazik discussed the daunting challenges faced by self-represented litigants in court. With a staggering 90% of landlords having legal representation compared to only 10% of tenants, Judge Mrazik highlighted a significant gap in legal aid, underscoring the urgent need for more resources and assistance for those who represent themselves.
The event also included an Anne Milne tribute, given by Jody Burnett of the AJFA Board, and a giving opportunity led by Michael Menssen, AJFA Chair of the Leadership Committee. The AJFA Justice Rising Breakfast not only served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges within our legal system but also as a rallying point for those committed to making a difference. It was a morning filled with inspiration and a renewed commitment to justice, leaving attendees moved and motivated to continue their vital work in the community.
Justice Rising Breakfast with attendees seated around round tables eating breakfastJudge Richard E. Mrazik speaking at the Little America podium at the Justice Rising Breakfast, Thursday, May 23, 2024Ranson Wydner speaking at the Little America podium at the Justice Rising Breakfast(Left to right) Kim Paulding, Executive Director of the Utah Bar Foundation, Elizabeth Wright, Executive Director of the Utah State Bar, and Megan Connelly, Director of Access to Justice at the Justice Rising BreakfastAn unidentified female and male family law attorneys talking at the Justice Rising BreakfastRansom Wydner is seated in between his mother and female companion at the Justice Rising Breakfast, with breakfast plates of eggs, bacon and potatoes
On a vibrant day at the Salt Palace Convention Center, the Utah State Bar welcomed 200 new lawyers in a significant event marking the beginning of their professional journeys. The ceremony was convened by Gary Serdar, Clerk of the Court for the United States District Court, District of Utah, setting the stage for a memorable afternoon on Monday, May 20, 2024.
The attendees were greeted warmly by Hon. David Barlow, Judge of the United States District Court, District of Utah, who extended a heartfelt welcome to the future of the legal profession. The atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation, as these new lawyers prepared to take their first official steps in their careers.
Ashley Biehl, President of the Young Lawyers Division, took the podium to congratulate the attorneys. She encouraged the newcomers to explore the resources available on the Utah State Bar website and to actively engage with the community. Her words underscored the importance of involvement and development in the early stages of their legal careers.
A particularly touching speech came from Hon. Jared Bennett, Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court, District of Utah. Judge Bennett emphasized the profound duty of the attorneys to build and maintain relationships—not only with colleagues and adversaries but also with themselves. His message highlighted the foundational values of trust and integrity in the legal profession.
The highlight of the ceremony was the reading of names by Erik Christiansen, President of the Utah State Bar Board of Bar Commissioners, and President-Elect Cara Tangaro. This roll call was a significant moment, as each new attorney was recognized individually before a motion for admission was made.
Nicole Gray, Clerk of Court for the Utah Supreme Court, conducted the Administration of Licensed Paralegal Practitioner Oath and the Attorney Oath, marking the official entry of these professionals into the legal field. Each new lawyer received a certificate, a symbol of their hard work and dedication.
The ceremony concluded with applause from the audience, filled with family and friends who had gathered to support and celebrate the achievements of Utah’s newest attorneys. It was a day of joy, pride, and new beginnings in the Beehive State’s legal community.
Danielle Hawkes was honored with the Utah State Bar’s Legal Well-Being Impact Award at the Spring Convention in St. George. Danielle is a founding attorney at Hawkes Quam, LLC. She practices family law exclusively. Danielle frequently gives presentations on family law topics and LGBT rights in Utah. In 2021-22, Danielle developed and advocated for an inaugural year-long series of family law education sessions for judges around the state, a program that has been extended for at least a second year as of 2023. Danielle has also developed and given many presentations regarding lawyer well-being in her roles as secretary and chair of the Lawyers Helping Lawyers committee at the Utah State Bar.
Judge David O. Nuffer was honored with the Judge of the Year Award at the Utah State Bar Spring Convention. Judge Nuffer was born in 1952 in Portland, Oregon. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1975 and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at (BYU) in 1978. He served in private practice from 1978 until 2002. He was formerly a United States magistrate judge of the United States District Court for the District of Utah. He served in a part-time capacity while remaining a practicing lawyer starting in 1995 and became full-time in 2003, serving until his elevation to District Judge in 2012. Since 2001 he has been an adjunct professor at BYU. He served as president of the Utah State Bar from 2000 to 2001.
