UPDATED-Kim Cordova Sworn In as New Utah State Bar President

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — The Utah State Bar is proud to announce that Kim Cordova was sworn in as the new President of the Utah State Bar on June 26, 2025. With more than two decades of legal experience and a steadfast commitment to public service, Cordova brings a wealth of insight and leadership to this prestigious role.

Cordova began her legal career as a prosecutor in the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, where she served for eight years. She then co-managed a small criminal defense firm where she practiced in federal and state courts across the state. In addition, she is an adjunct professor at the SJ Quinney school of law at the University of Utah and works with Utah Juvenile Defenders Association advancing advocacy for youth involved in the justice system.

Cordova’s public service includes an appointment by former Gov. Gary Herbert as executive director of the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, where she worked closely with the legislature to advance criminal justice reform. In that capacity, she also oversaw multiple state agencies with justice-related missions and participated in judicial selections.

A dedicated advocate for equal access to justice, Cordova has volunteered with Utah Legal Services on family law cases. She served as a Third District Commissioner for the Bar and was one of Utah’s delegates to the American Bar Association, roles that have deepened her appreciation for the mission and people of the Utah State Bar.

“As an attorney who has worked in prosecution, defense, government, and private practice, I understand the diverse needs of Utah’s legal community,” said Cordova. “I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of the Bar’s staff and commissioners, and I am honored to join them in service to our profession.”

Cordova emphasized her commitment to improving continuing legal education (CLE), enhancing attorney well-being, strengthening the quality of legal representation, and expanding access to justice. She brings to her new position a trial lawyer’s perspective and a collaborative spirit, pledging to listen to and advocate for voices across all sectors of the legal profession—including those that often go unheard.

Cordova succeeds in her new role with the support of colleagues across the legal spectrum and looks forward to leading the Bar with integrity, inclusivity and innovation.

NOTE: An earlier version of this news release contained an error that Kim co-managed a small criminal defense firm alongside her partner Edward K. Brass. Kim was an employee of the corporation, not a partner, and ceased employment with the corporation on September 20, 2024. The office is managed currently by Sandra Barron. We regret the error and apologize for any inconvenience.

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About the Utah State Bar 
Established in 1931 and operating under the authority of the Utah Supreme Court, the Utah State Bar regulates and supports the legal profession in the state. With over 11,000 licensed attorneys, the Bar is committed to promoting a justice system that is accessible, understood, valued, and respected. Governed by a Commission of elected attorneys from Utah’s judicial districts, the Bar provides resources, education, and support to enhance the professional practice of its licensees and upholds the public trust in the legal system.

 

Selection of U.S. Bankruptcy Judges for the District of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT (June 27, 2025) – This week the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit selected Michael Thomson and David Leigh to fill upcoming vacancies on the bankruptcy bench for the District of Utah. Each appointment is pending successful completion of a background investigation.

Thomson is currently a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig. Prior to that, he was a shareholder at Ray Quinney & Nebeker P.C., and a partner with Dorsey & Whitney. He has served as a Chapter 7 panel trustee, a Chapter 11 trustee, a federal equity receiver, and as a Sub-Chapter V trustee.

Thomson earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law where he graduated in the top 11% of his class and was an Articles Editor for the Utah Law Review.

Thomson is a Fellow of the American College of Bankruptcy, a member of the Character and Fitness Committee of the Utah State Bar, a board member of the Federal Bar Association’s Utah Chapter, and an appointed member of the Local Rules Advisory Committee for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah. He also donates his time serving as director of the Utah Bar Foundation.

Once his background investigation is satisfactorily completed, he will replace Judge Joel Marker who is retiring from the bench on June 25, 2025.

Leigh is currently a shareholder and director with the firm of Ray Quinney & Nebeker P.C. in Salt Lake City. Prior to this, he was an associate attorney with the firm of Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. He has represented various parties in bankruptcy including Chapter 7 trustees as well as commercial debtors in Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases.

Leigh received his Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law where he was managing editor for the Journal of Environmental Law & Litigation.

Leigh is a past president, the current vice president, and a long-standing trustee board member of the Utah Bankruptcy Lawyers Forum. He currently serves as the CLE Coordinator for both the Bankruptcy Section and the Banking and Finance Section of the Utah State Bar. He also serves as a member of the Wyoming Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Section Council. In addition, Leigh serves on the Board of Governors, the Western Region Executive Council, the Executive Council of the Bankruptcy Section, and is the current chair of the Legislative Committee of the Bankruptcy Section for the Commercial Law League of America. Leigh also currently serves as the Regional Chair for North America for the Lex Mundi International Insolvency, Bankruptcy, and Restructuring Practice Group. Finally, Leigh is an appointed member of the Local Rules Advisory Committee for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah.

In 2024, Leigh received the Attorney of the Year Award from the Banking and Finance Law Section of the Utah State Bar.

Leigh will replace Judge Kevin Anderson who is retiring in September 2025.

The Tenth Circuit, with administrative headquarters in Denver, Colorado, encompasses the states of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.

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Phishing Email Scam Impersonating Utah State Bar Communications Director

Utah State Bar Phishing Alert

On Monday, June 22, 2025, attorneys and law firms in Utah were targeted in a phishing scam email that falsely claimed to be from the Utah State Bar Communications Director, Jennifer Weaver. The fraudulent message was sent from the email address using Jennifer’s name and the domain @utahbar.org.virumail.com, which appeared legitimate at first glance but was in fact spoofed to deceive recipients.


The message falsely stated it was confirming recipients’ “secure communication preferences.” In reality, the message was part of a sophisticated phishing attempt using spoofing techniques to mimic trusted sources. The Bar does not use third-party services like “Virumail” and does not request sensitive information in this manner. More importantly, the Bar’s data systems were not breached, and lawyer licensing and Bar applicant information is safe and secure.


This scam did not only affect Utah. Similar messages were reported by legal professionals in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland and Oregon, indicating a coordinated attempt to target attorneys nationwide.

What You Should Do

  • When in doubt, verify before you click.
  • Do not click on any links or attachments in the phishing email.
  • Do not reply to the sender or provide any information.
  • Delete the email immediately.

If you or your firm interacted with the message in any way:

  • Contact your IT department immediately.
  • Visit the Utah State Bar’s website for a list of vetted cybersecurity service providers at: utahbar.org/business-partners

The Bar would like to thank the dozens of attorneys who promptly contacted the Bar after receiving the suspicious email. Your quick action helped confirm the scam early and allowed the Bar to issue an alert across our legal community.


To help our licensees better protect themselves and their firms, the Bar is committed to providing practical tools and guidance to recognize and respond to digital threats. Phishing scams, like the one impersonating the Communications Director, are becoming increasingly difficult to detect from often being designed to look convincing and urgent.

Understanding how these scams work is the first defense against them. Please read the outlined key tips and best practices to identify phishing attempts and handle them appropriately.

How to Spot and Handle Phishing Scams

Red Flags of a Phishing Email

  • Unfamiliar or misspelled email addresses, like those with strange domains (e.g., domains like .virumail.com instead of a known, official domain)
  • Missing branding: Official emails typically include Utah State Bar branding, email signatures with clear contact info, and links to its website or portals.
  • Generic greetings (e.g., “Dear User” instead of your name)
  • Urgency or fear tactics (e.g., “Your account will be deactivated!”)
  • Suspicious links or attachments
  • Requests for sensitive data (passwords, bank details, addresses, etc.)

What to Do If You Think You’ve Fallen for a Phishing Scam

If You Clicked a Suspicious Link or Opened an Attachment

  • Update your computer’s security software
  • Run a full system scan and delete anything the scan flags as a threat

If You Shared Sensitive Information

  • If you gave out your Social Security number, credit card, or bank account info, go to IdentityTheft.gov for tailored recovery steps.
  • If you shared your username and password, change the password immediately.
    • Use a strong, unique password.
    • If you use the same password on other accounts, change those as well.

FTC-Recommended Business Protection Strategies

From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), here are best practices to protect yourself, your law firm and your staff:

  • Use Email Authentication
    Ensure your business email system uses authentication protocols like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC. These prevent attackers from sending emails that appear to come from your domain.
  • Keep Security Systems Updated
    Always install the latest updates and patches. Use intrusion prevention tools to monitor for unusual network activity.
  • Train Your Staff
    Educate your team regularly on phishing tactics. Show them real-world examples and provide tips during onboarding and ongoing training sessions.

What To Do If Your Email Is Spoofed

  • Report the incident to the FTC at FTC.gov/Complaint. (The Bar submitted a report following yesterday’s incident.)
  • Notify your clients/customers quickly — without using clickable links — via email, mail, or social media.
  • Alert your internal team and use the event as a training opportunity to reinforce cybersecurity best practices.

Stay Safe, Stay Vigilant

The Utah State Bar is committed to keeping its licensees informed and protected. We will continue to provide updates and resources to help you stay ahead of emerging threats.

If you think your personal information has been compromised, go to IdentityTheft.gov for specific next steps. Learn more about impersonation scams at ftc.gov/impersonators.

Reminder: The FTC will never demand money, threaten you, request wire transfers, or promise prizes.

For information about all types of scams and how to recover from them, visit ftc.gov/scams.
General scam and consumer protection advice is also available at consumer.ftc.gov.

For more cybersecurity support and verified service providers, visit: utahbar.org/business-partners

Nominees announced for two Third District Court vacancies

PRESS RELEASE

SALT LAKE CITY (June 18, 2025) – The Third District Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for two vacancies on the Third District Court. These positions result from the retirement of Judge Paul Parker on Aug. 1, 2025, and Judge Keith Kelly on Sept. 16, 2025. 

The nominees for the vacancies are:
– Andrew Choate, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office;
– Joel Ferre, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office;
– Todd Hilbig, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office;
– Amanda Montague, Division Director/Assistant Attorney General, Utah Attorney General’s Office;
– Todd Olsen, Commissioner, Third District Court;
– Derek Williams, Partner, Campbell Williams Ference Nelson Hall.

Written comments can be submitted to the Third 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, June 29, 2025. The Nominating Commission may request further information or conduct an investigation of the nominees after reviewing public comments. After the public comment period, the names will be sent to Gov. Spencer J. Cox, who will have 30 days to make an appointment. Gov. Cox’s appointee is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

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Contact:
Julia Pappas
Office of the Governor
385-977-6099 | juliapappas@utah.gov

Cara Tangaro’s Final Bar Commissioner Meeting as Utah State Bar President

SALT LAKE CITY, June 13, 2025 – Today marked the final Bar Commissioner Meeting led by Cara Tangaro in her role as President of the Utah State Bar. Throughout her term, President Tangaro demonstrated exceptional leadership, advancing the Bar’s mission with professionalism, innovation, and a strong commitment to service.

Among her key achievements, Tangaro played a vital role in fostering productive discussions with lawmakers in the Utah Legislature, advocating to preserve the rule of law and ensuring the legal profession’s voice remained strong in critical policy decisions. She represented the Bar with distinction, earning respect across the legal and governmental communities.

A hallmark of her presidency was her commitment to transparency and engagement. She became the first Utah State Bar President to produce monthly video updates, a forward-thinking initiative that kept licensees consistently informed and connected to Bar developments.

President Tangaro also championed mental health and wellness among legal professionals, advocating for expanded mental health services and support. Her dedication to the well-being of her colleagues reflected a deep understanding of the challenges within the profession and a genuine commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable legal community.

To express her appreciation, Tangaro personally provided lunch for the Bar Staff at today’s meeting, underscoring her gratitude and the spirit of collegiality that defined her tenure. Her leadership leaves a lasting impact on the Utah legal community.

Cara will continue to serve on the Commission as Past Bar President. The Utah State Board of Bar Commissioners is a volunteer board that oversees the activities of the Bar. The Bar President serves a one-year term. Commissioners serve staggered three-year terms.

Click here for Commission agendas and meeting minutes.

Utah Judiciary Mourns the Passing of Former Chief Justice Gordon R. Hall

PRESS RELEASE

Salt Lake City, Utah (June 11, 2025) — The Utah Judiciary is saddened to announce the passing of the Honorable Gordon R. Hall, former Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court, on June 1, 2025, at the age of 98.

Born on December 14, 1926, in Vernal, Utah, Justice Hall enjoyed a storied and impactful career that began in private practice in Tooele and included service as Tooele County Attorney and as a 3rd District Court judge. In 1977, he was appointed to the Utah Supreme Court, eventually serving as Chief Justice from 1981 to 1993.

During his time on the bench, Chief Justice Hall spearheaded efforts to strengthen judicial independence through constitutional reform, led Utah’s Judicial Council, served as President of the Conference of Chief Justices, and chaired the board of the National Center for State Courts. In 1988, he received the Distinguished Jurist Award for his exemplary contributions to the judiciary.

“Chief Justice Gordon R. Hall was a visionary leader whose commitment to fairness, judicial integrity, and the rule of law shaped our courts for generations. His legacy endures in the independence of Utah’s judiciary and the many lives he influenced,” said Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant.

In 2007, the Tooele County Courthouse was named in his honor, recognizing his dedication and significant impact. It is the only courthouse in the state named after a judge.

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Tania Mashburn
She/Her/Hers
Director of Communications
801-712-4545taniam@utcourts.gov

Associate Chief Justice John A. Pearce Announces Departure from Utah Supreme Court

PRESS RELEASE

Salt Lake City, UT (June 3, 2025) – Associate Chief Justice John A. Pearce recently announced his upcoming departure from the Utah Supreme Court. Justice Pearce has served on the Utah Supreme Court since December 2015 and has served as Associate Chief Justice since July 2022. Prior to his appointment to the Utah Supreme Court, Justice Pearce served on the Utah Court of Appeals. He was appointed to both the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court by Gov. Gary R. Herbert, for whom he worked as General Counsel from 2009 to 2013.

In his May 30, 2025, letter to Gov. Spencer J. Cox announcing his departure, Justice Pearce noted that in his sixteen years of public service, he has “had the privilege to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people in the state – none more so than my colleagues on the Utah Supreme Court. I am extremely proud of the Court and the work that it has done.” 

Justice Pearce’s final day as a member of the Supreme Court will be December 1, 2025. Justice Pearce plans to return to private practice and to continue teaching at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. Before joining Gov. Herbert’s staff, Justice Pearce worked for two law firms, Palo Alto-headquartered Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati and Salt Lake City based Jones Waldo.  

Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant praised Justice Pearce’s work in the judiciary: “Justice Pearce’s contributions to the citizens of Utah and to their judiciaryhave been truly extraordinary. He is not only a brilliant jurist, but also a wonderful colleague. The legacy he has built will long be a force for good in our state.” Chief Justice Durrant expressed particular appreciation for Justice Pearce’s efforts to enhance representation for indigent parties and to improve the way the Supreme Court measures lawyer competence. 

Gov. Cox will appoint Justice Pearce’s successor from a list of seven candidates provided by the Appellate Nominating Commission. That appointment will be subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

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Ron Gordon
he/him
State Court Administrator
801-578-3816ronbg@utcourts.gov

Celebrating New Beginnings: Utah State Bar Admission Ceremony at the State Capitol

On May 20, 2025, the historic halls of the Utah State Capitol were filled with pride, promise, and professional achievement as 144 new attorneys and two Licensed Paralegal Practitioners (LPPs) took the solemn oath to uphold the Constitution, the rule of law, and the highest ethical standards of legal practice. The Utah State Bar Admission Ceremony, held under the stunning dome of the Capitol Rotunda, was both a formal milestone and an emotional celebration for the newest members of Utah’s legal community.

The proceedings began with the Convening of the Court by Nicole Gray, Clerk of the Court, Utah Supreme Court. The court itself was represented by an esteemed bench, including Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew Durrant, Associate Chief Justice John A. Pearce, Justice Jill Pohlman, U.S. District Court, District of Utah, Senior Judge Dale A. Kimball, and Magistrate Judge Daphne Oberg.

Justice Durrant opened the ceremony with heartfelt enthusiasm, addressing the crowd of proud families, mentors, and colleagues who filled half of the Capitol’s majestic second floor. He spoke of the exciting and meaningful journey ahead for these new legal professionals and the important roles they will play in preserving justice and integrity in society.

Following Durrant, Justice Pohlman delivered a speech that was as insightful as it was entertaining. She wove classic movie quotes into her practical advice—drawing laughs and nods of appreciation with lines from Forrest Gump and Casablanca, bringing levity and relatability to the solemnity of the day.

The celebration continued with a warm and personal invitation from Ezzy Khaosanga, President of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD). She encouraged the new lawyers to get involved with YLD, recounting her own experience of helping a firefighter draft a will—a moment she described as deeply humbling and rewarding, marked by the client’s tears of gratitude. Her story was a poignant reminder of the profound human impact lawyers can have.

Utah State Bar President Cara Tangaro then took the stage, delivering a rousing call to community and connection. She urged the new attorneys to be curious, to lean on one another, and to engage in both digital and in-person networking. “Follow each other on social media,” she said, “so you can discover commonalities and strengthen your professional relationships.” Her words underscored the importance of collaboration in a profession often perceived as solitary.

Standing across from Tangaro, Bar President-Elect Kim Cordova joined her at a second podium. Together, they made the formal motion to the court for the admission of the new legal professionals—a motion that was unanimously approved.

Cordova and Tangaro then took turns reading each new lawyer’s name aloud, culminating in Nicole Gray administering the Attorney Oath and the LPP Oath. The room erupted in rounds of applause, echoing the collective pride of all in attendance.

As the court adjourned, the rotunda transformed from a chamber of ceremony to a space of joyful celebration. Hugs were exchanged, photos captured the moment, and newly minted attorneys stood beaming with their families, ready to embark on careers built on service, justice, and advocacy.

The May 2025 Utah State Bar Admission Ceremony was not just a rite of passage—it was a heartfelt reminder of the enduring spirit of the legal profession and the power of law to shape lives and communities for the better.

AI was used to write the headline of this blog and the production of the video below.

Nominees Announced for the Kane County Justice Court Vacancy

Kane County, Utah—The Kane County Judicial Nominating Commission has selected three nominees for a justice court judge position that will serve Kane County, Utah. The final candidate will replace Judge Gary Johnson who will retire in June. 

Following is an alphabetical listing of the nominees followed by place of employment and residence: 

  • Barry E. Clarkson, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Santa Clara;
  • William “Bill” Frazier, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of St. George; and
  • J. Shea Owens, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Panguitch.

A comment period will be held through May 12, 2025. Once application materials are provided to the county commission, it will have 30 days to make a final selection. To submit written comments about any of the candidates, please email James Peters, Justice Court Administrator, at jamesp@utcourts.gov.
 
RELATED: Justice Court Vacancy for Kane County Extended

The Social Rx: Boosting Well-Being with Connection in Legal Practice

Date: May 8, 2025
Time:
3:00–4:00 PM, with a social from 4:00–5:00 PM
Location: Utah Law & Justice Center, 645 South 200 East, Salt Lake City, Utah
OR
Online (Login information will be sent the evening before)
Cost: Free, thanks to our generous sponsors
CLE Credit: 1.0 Regular CLE Credit (pending approval)

Click the button below to register.

Thanks to our generous sponsors

Logo-Parsons Behle and Latimer
Tava logo
Well-Being Committee logo
Why Well-Being Matters in the Practice of Law

It’s Well-being Week in Law, May 5-9, and to support this initiative, the Utah State Bar is providing an event free of charge for its licensees because we recognize that the demands of practicing law can be high, and staying well is vital. In fact, Rule RPC 1.01 underscores that well-being is essential to competence in the legal profession. Between high-stakes client work, tight deadlines, and the pressure to perform, legal professionals often find themselves grappling with significant stress. This is why prioritizing your own well-being is essential—not just as a personal safeguard but also to ensure that you can continue to serve your clients effectively. When we take the time to invest in our emotional and mental health, we increase our capacity to handle the complexities of our work while reducing the risk of burnout, anxiety, and depression.

The Power of Connection in Combating Stress and Isolation

Despite working in a profession that demands constant interaction—courtroom appearances, client meetings, negotiations—lawyers frequently experience isolation. This isolation can take many forms: long hours spent poring over documents alone, remote or hybrid work arrangements, or even the emotional isolation that comes from being unable to share your day-to-day struggles. Research shows that social isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness, which can exacerbate stress and impede clear thinking.

One of the best antidotes to this is connection. Building and maintaining a supportive community of trusted peers can offer a vital buffer against loneliness. It also fosters creativity; brainstorming with like-minded professionals or even “thinking aloud” in a safe space can spark new ideas for case strategies, legal arguments, and professional development.

Join Us: A CLE Designed to Strengthen Your Network

To help legal professionals cultivate these meaningful connections, the Bar is proud to present “The Social Rx: Boosting Well-Being with Connection in Legal Practice.” This event will explore:

  • How building a reliable network of peers supports mental and emotional well-being
  • Practical strategies to combat workplace loneliness
  • Why shared problem-solving can enhance creativity in legal practice
  • Hands-on exercises designed to foster real-time connections

Logo-Social RX

Immediately following the CLE presentation from 3:00–4:00 p.m., we’ll host a social hour from 4:00–5:00 p.m. — an ideal setting to network, continue conversations, and establish relationships that can serve as a support system throughout your career.

Meet Our Panelists

We’re excited to bring together a distinguished panel of experts, each contributing a unique perspective:

  • Ashley Biel, JD – Representing the Utah State Bar Young Lawyers Division
  • Cami Schiel, JD MBA, RN – Representing the Utah State Bar Litigation Section
  • Hanni Killilea, JD – Owner of Essential Reset Coaching
  • Liz Silvestrini, CMHC, JD – Representing the Utah State Bar Well-Being Committee

Each panelist brings a wealth of experience in legal practice, wellness strategies, and peer support. Their collective insights will help you discover practical ways to foster a healthier, happier, and more engaged approach to law.

You’re Invited—Join Us Online or In Person

Whether you attend in person at the Utah Law & Justice Center or log in from the comfort of your home or office, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with peers, learn from seasoned professionals, and earn 1.0 hour of Regular CLE credit (pending approval). Make sure to register by clicking the button below. The best part, this event is FREE thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. And sponsorships are still available! Please email Aubrey Schade at aschade@utahbar.org and she can give you sponsorship level options

Don’t miss this chance to invest in your well-being and expand your professional network. By prioritizing mental and emotional health, we not only improve our personal lives but also enhance our professional performance. We look forward to seeing you there and supporting each other on the path to a more balanced, connected legal career.

For more information about wellbeing, please visit http://wellbeing.utahbar.org/. We look forward to fostering a sense of community, creativity, and support as we tackle the challenges of legal practice together.

WATCH: Bar President Cara Tangaro’s President Message about lawyer wellbeing and the Lawyers Helping Lawyers program.

AI assistance provided the format of this blog.

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