Jennifer Weaver – Page 16

335 People Take the Utah Bar Exam

Posted on 31 July, 202431 July, 2024 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 30 July, 202430 July, 2024 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.”

Photo Gallery: 2024 Summer Social

Posted on 17 July, 202417 July, 2024 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 16 July, 202416 July, 2024 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.

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:

Email: tnicholson@utahbar.org
Direct Telephone: (801) 297-7029

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 15 July, 202415 July, 2024 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

Announcing the 2024 Utah State Bar Award Winners

Posted on 9 July, 202410 July, 2024 by Jennifer Weaver

The Utah State Bar is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Utah State Bar Awards. These awards recognize outstanding contributions to the legal profession and the community. We are honored to highlight the exceptional individuals and groups whose dedication, hard work, and commitment to justice and service have set them apart. Join us in celebrating their achievements!

Judge of the Year: Hon. Suchada P. Bazzelle

Judge Suchada Bazzelle has honorably served as a juvenile court judge in the Fourth District since 2007. Among her many contributions, Judge Bazzelle initiated the Safe Babies Court, a pilot program aimed at better serving children aged zero to three. This innovative program provides special attention and intensive services to families early in the child welfare court process and during the early stages of child development. The program has significantly increased the likelihood of parents retaining custody of their children or achieving quicker reunification if they have been removed. Due to its success, the Safe Babies Court has been replicated elsewhere in the state.
In addition to managing the Safe Babies Court, Judge Bazzelle serves on the Judicial Council, which addresses key issues for the Utah State judiciary. She has also chaired the Board of Juvenile Court Judges. Beyond her formal leadership roles, Judge Bazzelle is respected by her colleagues for her experience-driven, sage advice on challenging cases. She views each case as unique, understanding that each youth and family has distinct histories and needs, allowing her to focus on what will help them succeed. For cases that go to trial, Judge Bazzelle listens carefully and skillfully interweaves the facts with relevant case law to make sound decisions. Judge Bazzelle is an outstanding juvenile court judge and a goodwill ambassador for the entire Utah state judiciary.

Section of the Year: Young Lawyers Division

The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) had an exceptional year, rebounding impressively after the COVID-19 pandemic. They expanded their influence by adding liaisons to the Law Related Education Committee and the Innovations in Law Practice Committee, and successfully petitioned for a CLE carry-over credit program to support young lawyers planning families. YLD hosted highly attended social events, including a Bee’s game and an Aquarium opening social. They conducted a state-wide survey on young lawyer well-being with nearly 300 responses, guiding future programming. Their Wills for Heroes events have a long waitlist, serving communities statewide, and their monthly Veteran’s Clinic supports dozens of veterans. YLD also hosted CLE events, the Law Day lunch, and presented the Liberty Bell and Young Lawyer of the Year awards. Their efforts may lead to Utah hosting the ABA Young Lawyers Western Summit next year, demonstrating their expanding reach and dedication to improving the practice of law for young lawyers.

Committee of the Year: Character and Fitness

The Character and Fitness Committee operates under the purview of the Admissions Committee, reviewing every application for admission to the Utah State Bar. They spend countless hours reviewing applications and conducting investigations, as well as sitting on panels for informal interviews and formal hearings. The Office of Admissions relies heavily on this committee to ensure that those admitted to the Utah State Bar are of the utmost character. Despite their critical role, the committee often receives very little recognition. Their dedication and thorough work are essential to maintaining the integrity of the legal profession, and their efforts deserve this nomination and award.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the award winners. Their dedication and contributions have made a significant impact on the legal profession and the communities they serve. Let us celebrate their achievements and be inspired by their exemplary service.

For more information about the awards and the recipients, please visit Utah State Bar Awards.

Nominees announced for Fourth District Court vacancy

Posted on 28 June, 202428 June, 2024 by Jennifer Weaver

NEWS RELEASE
Contact:
Emma Williams
Office of the Governor
(385) 303-4383, ewilliams@utah.gov

SALT LAKE CITY (June 27, 2024) – The Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission has
selected nominees for a vacancy on the Fourth District Court. This position results from the
completion of Judge Robert Lund’s term, effective Jan. 5, 2025.

The nominees for the vacancy are: Joshua Esplin, Chief Counsel/Attorney, Utah County Public
Defenders Association; Tony Graf, Judge Pro Tempore, Small Claims, Salt Lake City Justice
Court, Deputy County Attorney, Davis County Attorney’s Office; Shawn Howell, Attorney, Utah
County Public Defenders Association; Ryan Stack, Deputy County Attorney/Prosecuting
Attorney, Summit County; Kasey Wright, Attorney/Owner, Wright Law Firm, P.C.

Written comments can be submitted to the Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission at
judicialvacancies@utah.gov or Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, P.O. Box 142330,
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2330. The deadline for written comments is noon 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.

More Bar Blogs

Nominees announced for Business and Chancery Court vacancy

Posted on 28 June, 202428 June, 2024 by Jennifer Weaver

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.

More Bar Blogs

Join Us for a Memorable 80s-Themed Annual Meeting and Summer Social

Posted on 27 June, 202428 June, 2024 by Jennifer Weaver

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.

Formation of the Utah Hispanic Bar Association: Empowering Latino Legal Professionals and Communities

Posted on 24 June, 202425 June, 2024 by Jennifer Weaver

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.”

Javier Chavez, Jr., President of the Utah Hispanic Bar Association Tweet

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.

Author: Jennifer Weaver