Author: Jennifer Weaver

JUSTICE COURT VACANCY ANNOUNCED FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

COURT NOTICE

Washington County, Utah—Applications are being accepted for a full-time justice court judge that will serve Washington County, Utah. The position will replace Judge Doug Whitlock who will retire in January. 

To be considered for a justice court judgeship in Washington County, candidates must be at least 25 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a Utah resident for at least three years, and have a degree from a law school that would make one eligible to apply for admission to a bar in any state in the United States. In addition, applicants must be a resident of Washington County, an adjacent county, or the judicial district in which the justice court is located either upon appointment or within a reasonable time following appointment.  

Information on judicial retention and performance evaluation is posted on the Utah State Court’s website at www.utcourts.gov under employment opportunities. An application for judicial office form must be completed and is available on the court’s website (www.utcourts.gov/admin/jobs). The salary for the position is $149,730 per year plus benefits. For additional information about working for Washington County, email Nicholle Felshaw at nicholle.felshaw@washco.utah.gov or call her at (435) 301-7000. 

The deadline for applications is Friday, September 13, 2024, at 5 p.m. and should be sent to the attention of Jim Peters, Administrative Office of the Courts, P.O. Box 140241, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114-0241. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. For questions about the justice courts or the process for filling this position, email Jim Peters, Justice Court Administrator, at jamesp@utcourts.gov.

Utah law requires the Judicial Nominating Commission to submit three to five nominees to the Washington County Commission within 45 days of its first meeting. The County Commission will then have 30 days in which to select a finalist. Their selection must then be certified by the Utah Judicial Council.

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JUSTICE COURT VACANCY ANNOUNCED FOR PROVIDENCE

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver
COURT NOTICE

Providence, Utah—Applications are being accepted for a justice court judge position that will serve Providence, Utah. The position will replace Judge Matthew Funk who resigned in January.

To be considered for a justice court judgeship in Cache County, candidates must be at least 25 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a Utah resident for at least three years, and have a degree from a law school that would make one eligible to apply for admission to a bar in any state in the United States. In addition, applicants must be a resident of Cache County, an adjacent county, or the judicial district in which the justice court is located either upon appointment or within a reasonable time following appointment.    

Information on judicial retention and performance evaluation is posted on the Utah State Court’s website at www.utcourts.gov under employment opportunities. An application for judicial office form must be completed and is available on the court’s website (www.utcourts.gov/admin/jobs). The salary range for the position is $20,962 to $26,951 per year and does not include benefits. For additional information about working for Providence, email Tyler Cameron at tcameron@providence.utah.gov or call him at
(435) 752-9441.

The deadline for applications is Friday, September 13, 2024, at 5 p.m. and should be sent to the attention of Jim Peters, Administrative Office of the Courts, P.O. Box 140241, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114-0241. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. For questions about the justice courts or the process for filling this position, email Jim Peters, Justice Court Administrator, at jamesp@utcourts.gov.

Utah law requires the Judicial Nominating Commission to submit three to five nominees to the mayor of Providence, Kathleen Alder, within 45 days of its first meeting. Mayor Alder will then have 30 days in which to select a finalist. Her selection must then be ratified by the Providence City Council and certified by the Utah Judicial Council.

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Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant Elected President of the Conference of Chief Justices

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

NEWS RELEASE

State Court Administrator
450 South State Street 
P.O. Box 140241
Salt Lake City, UT 84114

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant has been elected president of the Conference of Chief Justices by a vote of his fellow chief justices in state courts nationwide. Chief Justice Durrant will serve as president for a one-year term beginning on August 8, 2024.  He succeeds Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals who served as president for the past year.

“I am honored to serve as president of the Conference of Chief Justices as we continue to improve the critical work of administering justice in state courts,” said Chief Justice Durrant in a statement.

The Conference of Chief Justices was founded in 1949 to provide an opportunity for the highest judicial officers of the states to discuss matters of importance to the organization and operation of state courts, and to promote the vitality, independence and effectiveness of state judicial systems. Membership in the Conference of Chief Justices consists of the highest judicial officer of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

Chief Justice Durrant was appointed to the Utah Supreme Court in January 2000 by Governor Michael O. Leavitt. He has served as Chief Justice since 2012. Before his appointment to the Utah Supreme Court, Chief Justice Durrant served as a trial judge in the Third Judicial District. He received his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1984.

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Summary Reports from Annual Meeting

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

On June 21, 2024, the Utah State Bar hosted its Annual Meeting at the Utah Law and Justice Center, a highly anticipated event that brought together legal professionals from across the state. This year’s meeting was marked by insightful presentations, notable updates, and the honoring of distinguished members of the legal community.

Federal Court Updates

Alison Adams, Chief Deputy Clerk of Court, provided a comprehensive update on the activities and changes within the United States District Court for the District of Utah. Some key highlights included:

  • Loss of Judge Bruce Jenkins: The legal community mourned the passing of Judge Bruce Jenkins in November 2023, who served with distinction for 58 years.
  • Appointment of Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen: In April 2024, Judge Allen was appointed to the federal bench, filling the position left by Judge Nuffer. Judge Allen, the first federal district judge appointed to serve in Utah’s Southern Region, will primarily handle cases in St. George.
  • Expansion in St. George: The federal court presence in St. George continues to grow, with more Assistant United States Attorneys, Federal Defenders, and probation officers joining the team. Plans for a dedicated federal courthouse in St. George are underway, with an optimistic completion date in early 2026.
  • Renovations to Moss Federal Courthouse: Renovations are ongoing with a projected occupancy date in Fall 2025, although some delays are anticipated due to unforeseen conditions.
  • Case Filings and Statistics: Civil filings have seen a 17% increase, while criminal filings have decreased by 15%. The Southern Region contributes significantly to the district’s caseload.
  • Specialty Courts and Naturalization Ceremonies: The specialty courts have continued to serve the community effectively, with notable success in programs like the Utah Alternatives to Conviction Track (UACT). Naturalization ceremonies remain a highlight, with a significant number of new citizens being welcomed each year.
Supreme Court Board of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE)

Sarah Jenkins of the MCLE Board reported on its ongoing efforts to enhance the rules and regulations governing continuing legal education. Key initiatives include:

  • Rule Updates: Two petitions were filed, with the first leading to significant updates adopted in March 2024, and the second currently under review.
  • Comprehensive Review: A detailed review of the MCLE rules is focusing on reciprocity with other jurisdictions, availability of CLE programs, carryover of CLE credits, and simplifying self-reporting processes.
Judicial Updates and Initiatives

Judge John Pearce represented the Utah Judiciary and provided an annual report, emphasizing the commitment to providing an open, fair, and efficient system for justice. Key updates included:

  • Remote and Hybrid Hearings: Efforts to develop consistent rules for virtual hearings are underway, aiming to enhance accessibility and predictability.
  • Community Court Program: A new initiative bringing court services to local community centers, focusing on family law issues, has been successfully implemented.
  • Water Law Education: Utah continues to lead in judicial education for water law cases, with ongoing training programs in collaboration with the National Judicial College.
  • Systems Review: The Judicial Council has resumed its comprehensive review of the judiciary’s operations, aiming to improve service delivery and public trust.
Judge of the Year: Honoring Judge Suchada P. Bazzelle

The highlight of the meeting was the honoring of Judge Suchada P. Bazzelle as the 2024 Judge of the Year. Judge Bazzelle delivered an inspiring acceptance speech, reflecting on her career and expressing heartfelt gratitude. Below is her acceptance speech published with her consent:

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email with the subject line starting with “You’ve been selected.” I was at the end of a long workday and was feeling more than a little snarky – “What, I’ve been selected to serve on a committee?” or maybe “I’ve been selected to extend my car’s warranty?” Fortunately, I was alone, so this was a private snark. But I guess I’ve just made it public… News flash – I can be kind of snarky.

Then I read on to find that I had been selected as the 2024 Judge of the Year. You know, after 30 years in the legal field and 17 years on the bench, not much surprises me anymore. But this email did it. I was, and am, absolutely astonished. Well played, Commissioners. You have rendered me speechless for the better part of two weeks. I have had to search long and hard for the words to adequately express my gratitude for this incredible honor. I am humbled to accept this recognition and want to do so on behalf of the many dedicated people who help me achieve what I do every day.

First, to my amazing husband and our family. Thank you for your unflagging support and encouragement over the years. You make me want to be a better person, a better judge. You make me want to help other children and other families be safer and healthier. You are my “WHY.” I would not be me without you.

I want to also recognize my work family. Thank you to my brilliant judicial colleagues and our incredible support staff. I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who contribute so much skill, intelligence, creativity and dogged dedication to the work we do. You are each shining examples of teamwork and devoted public service.

And to my dear friends, some of whom have joined us today. Thank you for keeping me somewhat sane and balanced. Thank you for the lunches, the love, and the laughter.

During the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to meet many legal professionals from across the United States, and even some from other nations. I can say without equivocation that Utah’s legal community is among the best. We have a self-governing Bar that promotes integrity and civility among its members and strives to create a justice system that is understood, valued, respected and accessible to all. Bar representatives occupy seats at many pivot points in our government to promote and protect the interests and rights of our citizens. This is important work and our Bar rises to the occasion.

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of serving on our Judicial Council and have had a front row seat to observe the operation and governance of our court system. At a time when the judiciary is often perceived as stodgy and impenetrable, Utah’s judicial branch is a leader in responsiveness, collaboration, and accountability. It strives to provide a court system that values fairness, transparency and dedication to the rule of law.

And the Juvenile Court – well, that’s where I live. I always say that if you want to change lives, including your own, the Juvenile Court is where the action is. I spend my days at the place where children and families intersect with the courts. I have the opportunity to see the law in action at a very human level; protecting, correcting and healing that which our society holds most dear – children and families. I am extremely fortunate to spend my time doing something so meaningful and about which I am so passionate.

Commissioners, I am deeply grateful for this honor, and I thank you for your kindness and recognition. I assure you that the honor is entirely mine to serve this great state and its outstanding legal community, and I will continue to do so with diligence and fidelity.

NOTE: This blog will be updated as more information is made available.

Meeting Photo Gallery
ALL AWARD WINNERS

Seeking American Bar Association Delegate

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

The Utah State Bar Commission is seeking applicants to serve a two-year term as one of the Bar’s two representatives in the American Bar Association’s (ABA) House of Delegates for a term to run through the August 2026 ABA Annual Meeting. The Bar has one other representative in the House of Delegates, as well as a representative from the Young Lawyers Division. The ABA Members in Utah also have an elected delegate.

The delegate is expected to attend the ABA’s Midyear and Annual meetings and to participate in appropriate interim meetings and in conference calls as needed. There will also be some preparation work to review issues and communicate with and report to the Bar Commission on a regular basis. The delegate also serves as an ex-officio member of the Bar Commission and would be expected to attend regular Commission Meetings.

The delegate must be an active member in good standing of the Utah State Bar and a member in good standing of the ABA and meet all eligibility requirements set forth by the ABA.

Please send your letter of interest and resume no later than 5:00 pm, Monday, September 23, 2024, to Christy Abad, Utah State Bar Executive Assistant, christy.abad@utahbar.org.

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335 People Take the Utah Bar Exam

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

Not since 2013 have so many applicants seeking to become lawyers taken the Utah Bar Exam. There were 325 people who took the two-day examination at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy and 10 individuals who took the exam with accommodations at the Utah Law & Justice Center in Salt Lake City.

Utah Bar Admissions staff and proctors were prepared to administer the testing that has adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). The UBE is a standardized examination in the United States developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Additionally, all Bar exam participants must pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) with an 86 or higher. 

Utah’s examination consisted of several sessions as follows: 

Day 1 – July 30

The written portion of the exam is administered on the first day of the Utah bar exam. The written portion of the bar exam consists of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) and the Multistate Essay Exam (MEE). Participants had three hours to answer two MPT questions. They also had three hours to answer six MEE questions.

Day 2 – July 31

The Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) was administered on the second day of the Utah Bar Exam. The MBE is a multiple-choice test containing 200 questions. The MBE is split into a morning and afternoon session. Each session consists of 100 questions. Participants had three hours to complete each session.

Examinees are required to score at least 270 to pass the Utah bar exam. This equates to 135, based on the MBR’s 200-point scale. The scores of the exam sections are weighted as follows: MEE 30%, MPT 20%, and MBE 50%. 

FUN FACT: The first bar examination in what is now the United States was administered in oral form in the Delaware Colony in 1783.

Below is a photo gallery of the 2024 Utah Bar Examination. We thank all the participants and our staff for all the hard work put into the testing.

Gov. Spencer Cox appoints Judge Rita Cornish to new Business and Chancery Court

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

NEWS RELEASE

July 26, 2024

Contact:

Emma Williams 

Office of the Governor

(385) 303-4383, ewilliams@utah.gov

Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Judge Rita Cornish to become the first judge in the new Business and Chancery Court. The Business and Chancery court was created by the Legislature in 2023 House Bill 216. It is a specialized court with jurisdiction over complex commercial litigation disputes. This appointment must be confirmed by the Senate. 

“I am thankful for Judge Cornish’s trust and willingness to serve Utah in this new role,” Gov. Cox said. “Her unique experience in commercial litigation and as a judge on the Second District Court makes her ideally suited for this position.”

Judge Cornish has served on the Second District Court bench since 2021, covering Davis, Weber, and Morgan counties. Prior to that, she was a shareholder at Parr Brown Gee & Loveless, P.C., where she maintained a complex civil litigation practice, focusing on construction, corporate, and property disputes. Previously, she clerked for the Honorable Carolyn B. McHugh on the Utah Court of Appeals. 

She currently serves on the Utah Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure and the Executive Committee for the Litigation Section of the Utah State Bar and is President of the David K. Watkiss – Sutherland II Inns of Court.

Judge Cornish received her juris doctorate, with highest honors, from the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. She also has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Utah.

“I am honored that Gov. Cox has placed his trust in me to be the first judge nominated to the Business and Chancery Court,” Judge Cornish said. “I am deeply invested in the mission of the Business and Chancery Court and am truly excited about its unique role within the judiciary. If fortunate enough to receive the Senate’s approval, I will endeavor to serve Utah’s citizens and its business community with diligence, integrity, and fairness.”

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Photo Gallery: 2024 Summer Social

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

The Utah State Bar’s Summer Social, held in the parking lot of the Utah Law & Justice Center, was a resounding success, bringing together lawyers and their families for a day of fun and community. Over 300 attendees enjoyed an array of activities, including bounce houses, games, karaoke, and face painting. The event also featured delicious food that added to the festive atmosphere. The Summer Social provided a wonderful opportunity for members of the legal community to relax and bond with their peers and loved ones, reinforcing the strong sense of camaraderie within the Utah State Bar.

Host Your Next Event with Us

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

We are delighted to serve as the legal community’s premier meeting place in Utah. Whether you’re planning a CLE event, section or committee meeting, mediation, or any other law-related gathering, our facility is designed to meet your needs.

It is with great pleasure that we announce a new and exclusive benefit for Utah Bar licensees! All good standing licensees are eligible for 2 hours of complimentary building usage for quick practice-related meetings (e.g., notarization, signings, client meetings). Also, we’ve updated our room rates to best serve Utah’s legal community.

Room Rate Charges at the Utah Law & Justice Center

Our meeting rooms offer:

  • Prime Downtown Location: Easy access with free parking.
  • Free Internet Access: Stay connected with our complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • Comprehensive Audio-Visual Equipment: Available for all your presentation needs.
  • Personalized Attention: Our team is here to assist you every step of the way.
  • Food and Beverage Options: We can arrange for beverages, snacks, or meals.

Room Rentals Include:

  • Tables, chairs, linens
  • Podium, set-up and tear down
  • A/V equipment: microphones, projector & screen, sound system, power cords, etc.
  • A/V set-up and support

For more details or to discuss your specific requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Food and Beverage Services (Optional, Additional Charge): Our Event and Building Manager can coordinate catered food and delivery to your room. We also offer chilled bottled water and assorted canned sodas for your attendees. Food is billed based on the receipt total (plus tip up to 20% for delivery), and drinks are $1 per bottle/can (juices are $2 per bottle).

Reservations and Contact Information: To make a reservation or for more information, please reach out to our Events and Building Manager, Travis Nicholson:

For education-related events or CLE, please email us at cle@utahbar.org.

We look forward to hosting your next event at the Utah Law & Justice Center.

Photo Gallery: July 12, 2024, Annual Meeting

Posted on by Jennifer Weaver

The Utah State Bar conducted its Annual Meeting on July 12, 2024. Below are highlights from the hour-long event that included awards, presentations and the swearing in of new Utah State Board of Bar Commissioners leadership. 

Swearing-In Ceremony

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