PRESS RELEASE

SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 28, 2026) — Gov. Spencer J. Cox today announced the appointments of Judge Matthew L. Bell and Michael R. Menssen to serve on the Utah Supreme Court, and Elizabeth “Liz” Butler to serve on the Third Judicial District Court.

The Supreme Court appointments fill vacancies created by the retirement of Chief Justice Matthew Durrant and the resignation of Justice Diana Hagen.

Judge Bell serves as a district court judge in the Fifth Judicial District, a position he has held since 2017. He currently serves as the District’s presiding judge. His career in public service includes nine years as an assistant United States attorney for the District of Utah, service as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division, and prior work as a sworn peace officer. Judge Bell earned his Juris Doctor magna cum laude from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University, where he served as lead note and comment editor for the BYU Law Review.

“Over his decade of service on the Fifth District bench, Judge Matthew Bell has distinguished himself as one of our state’s finest judges,” Gov. Cox said. “He routinely receives top evaluation scores from attorneys, staff, and jurors alike. Having risen through Utah’s justice system from literal boots-on-the-ground law enforcement to federal prosecution and district court service, Judge Bell brings unparalleled practical wisdom, broad case experience, and a vital southern Utah perspective to our state’s highest court.”

The governor selected Judge Bell following an extensive review process conducted by the Appellate Court Nominating Commission.

“I am humbled and honored by the trust Governor Cox, his staff, and the Appellate Court Nominating Commission have placed in me,” Judge Bell said. “I understand the profound responsibility this appointment carries. If confirmed, I will remain steadfast in my sworn duty to support, obey, and defend the Constitution.”

RELATED: Utah Senate Confirms Jay Jorgensen and Stephen Dent to the Utah Supreme Court

The governor selected Menssen following the same review process.

“Michael Menssen brings an exceptional legal mind, top-quality experience, and a career-long dedication to textualism and originalism to the bench,” Gov. Cox said. “In addition to his success in complex commercial litigation, Michael has generously given his time to pro bono work for vulnerable Utahns. What impressed me most is his genuine humility and desire to serve—he is seeking this seat for all the right reasons.”

Menssen currently serves as a partner at Mayer Brown LLP in Salt Lake City, specializing in complex commercial litigation, labor and employment law, and appeals. He previously practiced as a partner at Stoel Rives LLP and as an associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Menssen earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he served as Articles Editor for the Virginia Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif.

Menssen has held leadership roles with local legal aid nonprofits and has been recognized for his pro bono work. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake, which assists low-income families and individuals and victims of domestic violence. He also chairs the Leadership Committee for And Justice for All, whose mission is to improve access to justice for all Utahns.

“I am humbled and honored by this nomination,” Menssen said. “I have a deep love and respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the role of an independent judiciary. If confirmed, I will always strive to be a faithful steward of the trust placed in me.”

To fill a vacancy on the Third Judicial District Court created by the retirement of Judge Hruby-Mills, Gov. Cox selected attorney Liz Butler following a nominating process conducted by the Third Judicial District Nominating Commission.

“Liz Butler is a dedicated practitioner and leader within Utah’s legal community,” Gov. Cox said. “Her impressive background in complex civil litigation, coupled with her service as an educator and community leader, makes her an outstanding addition to the district court bench.”

RELATED: Nominees announced for Third District Court vacancy

Butler currently serves as shareholder and co-chair of the Litigation Department at Parsons Behle & Latimer, overseeing more than 100 attorneys across the Mountain West. She previously served as shareholder and chair of the board at Jones Waldo Holbrook & McDonough. Butler also serves as an adjunct professor of law at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. She earned her Juris Doctor with highest honors from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, where she served on the Utah Law Review and graduated fifth in her class. Butler also volunteers with Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue.

“It is a tremendous honor to be appointed to serve on the Third Judicial District Court,” Butler said. “I am humbled and grateful to Governor Cox for the trust he’s placed in me and for the opportunity to serve the people of Utah. If confirmed, I will work hard to faithfully uphold the law and to ensure that all who appear before me are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.”

Under the Utah Constitution, judicial appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Utah Senate. The Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee will review each appointee’s record, consider public comments, and hold confirmation hearings prior to consideration by the full Senate.

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

PRESS RELEASE

SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 11, 2026) — Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Lance Talakai to serve as a judge in the Third District Juvenile Court, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge David Johnson.

“Lance has spent his career serving people at some of the most consequential moments of their lives,” Gov. Cox said. “His extensive courtroom experience, including his work with serious youth offender cases, will serve Utah families well. I’m grateful for his willingness to take on this important responsibility.”

Talakai has worked as a defense attorney with the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association since 2012. During his 14 years with the association, he has represented clients in felony, misdemeanor and serious youth offender cases. He has also served in leadership roles, including as a felony team lead and co-misdemeanor chief, and has recruited, trained and supervised new attorneys.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be appointed to serve as a juvenile court judge in the Third District,” Talakai said. “Having grown up in this district, I am especially grateful for the opportunity to serve the youth and families in the community that has been such an important part of my life.

“If confirmed, I will approach this responsibility with compassion, fairness and integrity. I am committed to serving with humility and ensuring that every young person and family who comes before the court is treated with dignity, respect and fairness.”

Before joining the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association, Talakai served as a law clerk for the Fourth District Court and worked with the Utah County Public Defender. He earned his law degree from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Talakai’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

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

PRESS RELEASE

SUN VALLEY, Idaho (August 7, 2026) — Against the backdrop of its 95th Anniversary Summer Convention, the Utah State Bar celebrated nearly a century of service to Utah’s legal profession by recognizing exceptional lawyers, judges, volunteers and leaders whose dedication has strengthened the justice system and the communities it serves.

This year’s convention also marked the conclusion of a cherished tradition. After decades of gathering in Sun Valley, 230 legal professionals came together one final time in the mountain setting that has hosted generations of attorneys, judges, and families while fostering professional excellence, collegiality and lifelong friendships.

“As we celebrate 95 years of the Utah State Bar, we also honor the people whose service has shaped our profession and improved access to justice for Utahns,” said Bar President Kim Cordova. “This year’s award recipients exemplify the highest ideals of professionalism, integrity, leadership and public service. Recognizing them during our final summer convention in Sun Valley makes this celebration especially meaningful as we reflect on our history and look toward the Bar’s future.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SUN VALLEY PHOTO GALLERY

The Bar presented the following distinguished awards:

Lifetime Service Award

Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant
Chief Durrant received the Bar’s Lifetime Service Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Utah’s judiciary and legal profession. During more than two decades on the Utah Supreme Court, including 14 years as Chief Justice, he has led nationally recognized efforts to modernize the courts, improve access to justice, expand court technology and strengthen public trust in the judicial system.

Lawyer of the Year

R. John Moody
Moody was honored as the 2026 Lawyer of the Year for a career dedicated to protecting Utah’s most vulnerable children. One of the original attorneys with Utah’s Office of Guardian ad Litem, Moody has spent more than three decades advocating for children and families while serving as a nationally certified Child Welfare Law Specialist. His collaborative leadership and commitment to improving Utah’s child welfare system have left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Judge of the Year

Hon. James D. Gardner
Judge Gardner, of Utah’s Third District Court, received the Judge of the Year Award for his distinguished judicial service and leadership. Since his appointment in 2014, Judge Gardner has served on the Utah Judicial Council, the Utah State Bar CLE Advisory Committee, and numerous committees dedicated to advancing professionalism and the administration of justice.

Special Service Award

D. Gilbert (Gil) Athay
Athay was presented with the Special Service Award for more than five decades of distinguished service to Utah’s legal profession. A respected criminal defense attorney and longtime chairman of the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association, Athay has built a career defined by vigorous advocacy, professional excellence and an unwavering commitment to the fair administration of justice.

Committee of the Year

Governmental Relations Committee
The Governmental Relations Committee was recognized as the 2026 Committee of the Year for its exceptional work during Utah’s 66^th legislative session. Under the leadership of Co-Chairs Jaqualin Friend Peterson and Sara Bouley, committee members provided timely analysis, policy recommendations and advocacy on legislation affecting the legal profession, the courts and the public. Their collaborative efforts helped inform policymakers while protecting the integrity of Utah’s justice system.

Section of the Year

Utah State Bar Paralegal Division
The Bar’s Paralegal Division was named Section of the Year in recognition of its outstanding leadership, professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, and commitment to serving members throughout Utah. The 30-year-old division continues to elevate the paralegal profession while strengthening collaboration across the legal community.

As the Bar approaches its centennial in 2031, this year’s convention served as both a celebration of the organization’s rich history and a reminder that the strength of the legal profession depends on the dedication of individuals committed to serving others.

While the location of future summer conventions will evolve, the values that have defined the Bar for nearly 95 years—service, professionalism, integrity and the rule of law—remain steadfast. The achievements of this year’s award recipients embody those enduring principles and inspire the next generation of Utah legal professionals.

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 12,000 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’s trust in the legal system.

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PRESS RELEASE

SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 6, 2026) — The Appellate Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for two vacancies on the Utah Supreme Court. These vacancies result from the retirement of Justice Diana Hagen, on May 8, 2026 and Chief Justice Matthew Durrant, on Aug. 31, 2026.

The nominees for the vacancies are:

• Cherise Bacalski, founder and appellate attorney, The Appellate Group, and adjunct professor of writing, J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University;
• Christopher Ballard, general counsel and chief of staff, Utah County Attorney’s Office;
• Christopher Bates, shareholder, Kirton McConkie;
• Matthew Bates, judge, Third District Court;
• Matthew Bell, judge, Fifth District Court;
• Samuel Chiara, judge, Eighth District Court;
• Michele Christiansen Forster, judge, Utah Court of Appeals;
• William Hains, deputy division director, Criminal Appeals, Office of the Attorney General;
• Michael Menssen, partner, Mayer Brown LLP;
• Amy Oliver, judge, Utah Court of Appeals;
• Stanford Purser, solicitor general, Office of the Utah Attorney General; and
• Ryan Tenney, judge, Utah Court of Appeals.

Written comments can be submitted to the Appellate 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 Aug. 16, 2026. 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 the appointment for each vacancy. Gov. Cox’s appointees are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

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PRESS RELEASE

SUN VALLEY, Idaho (August 5, 2026) — The Utah State Bar will conclude its year-long 95th Anniversary celebration during its Summer Convention, Aug. 6-7, in Sun Valley, Idaho, marking both nearly a century of service to Utah’s legal profession and the final time the Bar will host its signature summer gathering in the iconic mountain resort community. The anniversary campaign centered on the theme, “Honoring Our Legacy, Building Our Future,” and celebrated the Bar’s history while reaffirming its commitment to the future of the legal profession.

For more than four decades, beginning in the 1980s, generations of Utah attorneys, judges, legal professionals and their families have gathered in Sun Valley for continuing legal education, professional networking and lifelong friendships. The 2026 convention serves as both a celebration of that enduring tradition and a meaningful transition as the Bar looks ahead to its next chapter.

“This convention is much more than the conclusion of a 95th anniversary celebration,” said Utah State Bar President Kim Cordova. “It is an opportunity to reflect on nearly a century of service to Utah, honor the people and milestones that brought us here, and reaffirm our responsibility to protect the rule of law and ensure a judicial system that remains fair, independent and accessible for generations to come.”

Throughout the past year, the Bar commemorated its milestone anniversary through educational programming, historical storytelling and public engagement that highlighted the evolution of Utah’s legal profession and the enduring principles that guide it.

Highlights of the anniversary celebration included:

• A dedicated 95th Anniversary webpage chronicling the Bar’s history, oral histories and significant milestones.
• Weekly social media features highlighting pivotal moments in Utah legal history and the evolution of the legal profession.
• A professionally produced video honoring the Attorney’s Oath and its enduring importance to the practice of law.
• A successful anniversary continuing legal education (CLE) series examining historic legal developments and contemporary issues facing the profession.
• The Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen civic dialogue series, which brought together Utah’s legislative and judicial leaders for respectful conversations about the constitutional roles of government and the importance of public understanding of the judiciary. The series included conversations featuring Senate President J. Stuart Adams, Speaker of the House Mike Schultz, members of Utah’s appellate courts and judicial leadership.
• The landmark America250: Sharing Stories About America constitutional symposium, featuring nationally recognized constitutional scholars Jeffrey Rosen and Professor Jonathan Turley alongside distinguished members of Utah’s judiciary and civic leadership. The symposium connected the Bar’s 95-year legacy with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, emphasizing the enduring importance of constitutional governance and the rule of law.
• A rare and candid “Conversation with Our Courts” discussion, providing attendees with unique insights from members of Utah’s state and federal judiciary about the administration of justice, judicial independence and recent developments affecting Utah’s courts.

The anniversary also recognized excellence within the Bar’s own staff.

During the commemorative year, Michelle Oldroyd, the Bar’s CLE Officer, received the Spirit of Quinney Award from the S.J. Quinney College of Law in recognition of her longstanding contributions to legal education and the legal profession. Executive Director Elizabeth Wright was honored by Women Lawyers of Utah as Mentor of the Year, recognizing her decades of leadership, mentorship and dedication to advancing the legal community.

The Summer Convention itself reflects the anniversary’s focus on honoring the past while preparing for the future. Nationally recognized speakers include former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Idaho Supreme Court Justice Gregory Moeller, and prosecutor Lindsay Blake, along with programming devoted to artificial intelligence, immigration, western water law, professionalism, civility and the evolving practice of law.

The convention will also feature the presentation of the Utah State Bar’s annual awards, recognizing outstanding lawyers, judges, volunteers and legal professionals whose service exemplifies the profession’s highest ideals.

While the Bar bids farewell to one of its most cherished traditions, its mission remains unchanged.

“For 95 years, the Utah State Bar has served as a steward of the legal profession and a trusted partner in advancing justice,” said Bar Executive Director Elizabeth Wright. “As we close this chapter in Sun Valley and begin preparing for our centennial, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, professionalism, and a justice system dedicated to fairness, equality and public trust.”

As the Bar approaches its 100th anniversary in 2031, it will continue building on the legacy established since its founding in 1931—strengthening the legal profession, supporting its licensees, expanding access to justice and serving the people of Utah with integrity and excellence.

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 12,000 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’s trust in the legal system.

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SALT LAKE CITY (July 23, 2026) — The Third District Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for a vacancy on the Third District Court. The vacancy results from the retirement of Judge Elizabeth Hruby-Mills, effective Dec. 1, 2026.

The nominees for the vacancy are:

• Todd Bouton, assistant United States attorney, United States Attorney’s Office;
• Elizabeth Butler, shareholder and co-chair of the litigation department, Parsons Behle & Latimer;
• Matthew Janzen, Special Victims Unit division chief and deputy county attorney, Davis County Attorney’s Office;
• Meagan Rudd, partner and attorney, The Rudd Firm P.C., doing business as Rudd Cooper; and
• Lance Talakai, team leader, Salt Lake Legal Defender Association.

Written comments may be submitted to the Third District Judicial Nominating Commission at judicialvacancies@utah.gov or to the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, P.O. Box 142330, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2330. The deadline for comments is noon Aug. 3, 2026.

The commission may request additional information or investigate the nominees after reviewing public comments. Following the public comment period, the nominees’ names will be submitted to Gov. Spencer J. Cox, who will have 30 days to make an appointment. The governor’s appointee is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

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