SALT LAKE CITY (Apr. 30, 2025) – Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Matthew J. Hansen to the Second District Court, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Noel Hyde. Judicial appointments are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
“From leading key initiatives to mentoring attorneys and protecting victims’ rights, Matthew Hansen has demonstrated what it means to serve with purpose,” Gov. Cox said. “He is well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of the Second District Court.”
Hansen currently serves as a Division Chief and Deputy County Attorney in the Davis County Attorney’s Office, where he leads both the Conviction Integrity Unit and Victim Services Division. He also serves as an administrative law judge for West Valley City and Heber City, and has previously worked as a prosecutor in Weber and Salt Lake counties.
Hansen is a commissioner with the Utah State Bar and serves on multiple Utah Supreme Court advisory committees, including the Committee on the Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Committee on the Rules of Evidence. He is also a member of the Utah Victim Services Commission and the Utah Prosecution Council Training Committee.
“I am sincerely grateful to Governor Cox for this incredible opportunity,” Hansen said. “If confirmed by the Utah Senate, I will work diligently to serve the people of this great state with integrity, respect, fairness, and fidelity to the law.”
Hansen received a J.D. and M.B.A. from the University of Utah and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Brigham Young University.
SALT LAKE CITY (May 2, 2025) – Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Tony F. Graf to the Fourth District Court, filling a vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Robert Lunnen. Judicial appointments are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
“Tony Graf brings a steady hand, strong ethics, and the kind of judgment we count on in Utah’s judiciary,” said Gov. Cox. “From prosecuting difficult cases to training new attorneys — his experience reflects a commitment to justice and public service.”
Graf currently serves as a Deputy County Attorney for Davis County, where he prosecutes physical and sexual abuse cases. He previously led the Special Victims Unit for the Utah County Attorney’s Office and served as a Deputy District Attorney in Salt Lake County. His diverse experience also includes roles as an Assistant Attorney General in American Samoa, Deputy District Attorney in Lincoln County, Nevada, and Special Assistant United States Attorney in Washington, D.C.
A dedicated educator and trainer, Graf has presented at numerous legal and child advocacy conferences and served as faculty for statewide prosecutor trainings. He volunteers as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Salt Lake City Justice Court and serves on the Utah Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Evidence.
Graf earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a juris doctorate from the University of Utah, as well as a master’s degree in criminal justice from Weber State University.
“I am deeply grateful and honored to be appointed by Gov. Cox to serve the people of Utah and the Fourth District Court,” Graf said. “If confirmed by the Senate, I will be diligent and will faithfully and fairly apply the law, treating all who appear before me with respect.”
SALT LAKE CITY (Apr. 30, 2025) – Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Jordan Van Oostendorp to the Eighth District Juvenile Court, filling the vacancy created by Judge Ryan Evershed’s appointment to the Second District Juvenile Court. Judicial appointments are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
“Jordan Van Oostendorp brings years of hands-on experience serving the people of the Uintah Basin,” Gov. Cox said. “His strong background in juvenile and criminal law and his deep ties to the community will serve the Eighth District well.”
Jordan R. Van Oostendorp currently serves as the primary indigent juvenile defense counsel in Duchesne County Juvenile Court and holds indigent criminal defense contracts for Vernal City, Uintah County, and Naples City justice courts. Since 2013, he has also practiced at Sam, Reynolds & Van Oostendorp, P.C., where his work has focused on juvenile, criminal, and family law.
“I am deeply grateful and humbled to be nominated by Governor Cox to serve in the Juvenile Court in the Eighth District,” Van Oostendorp said. “I have a great respect for the judiciary and have been honored to spend my entire legal career serving individuals and families in the Uintah Basin. If I am fortunate enough to be confirmed, I look forward to serving my community with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to upholding the law with complete fidelity.”
Van Oostendorp received a J.D. from The Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law and earned a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management from Utah Valley University. He was admitted to the Utah State Bar in 2013.
In the legal profession, failing to properly manage conflicts of interest with prospective clients can lead to ethical dilemmas, compromised client trust, and potential legal repercussions. “How?” you might ask. Consider the following.
A lawyer is approached by a family who owned and operated a daycare center. They needed a lawyer because their son was facing criminal charges alleging that he inappropriately touched several of the children at the center. Although this lawyer ultimately declined the matter, during the initial consultation he did learn what their defense strategy would be. In part, they claimed their son never had an opportunity to be alone with any of the children.
Now, let’s fast forward eighteen months. This same lawyer just received a call from another prospective client, who happens to be the parent of one of the kids inappropriately touched. This individual is wanting to sue the daycare center. Unsure of his options, this lawyer sits down with his two partners to discuss the situation. During the discussion he shares the brief history of his limited involvement thus far, to include the information he had learned about the daycare center owner’s defense strategy. Can this lawyer accept the civil matter?
It’s tempting to immediately say “of course he can” based upon the fact that he never created an attorney-client relationship with the daycare center. Unfortunately, such a decision would contravene UT RPC 1.18(c) Duties to Prospective Client, which states in part that a lawyer “shall not represent a client with interests materially adverse to those of a prospective client in the same or a substantially related matter if the lawyer received information from the prospective client that could be significantly harmful to that person in the matter.” Thus, the answer to the question is no. The lawyer has a disqualifying conflict. He learned information from the owners of the daycare that could be significantly harmful to them in the civil suit, and the civil suit is a substantially related matter.
That said, do any options remain given the conflict? Possibly. RPC 1.18(d) sets forth two. According to paragraph (d)(1), this conflict is waivable but both the parent wanting to bring the civil suit, and the owners of the daycare must give informed consent in writing. Realistically, however, I suspect trying to successfully obtain consent to waive a conflict like this from the owners of the daycare center would be problematic.
Could one of the other partners in the firm take the civil matter on? This is the second option set forth under RPC 1.18(d). It might be possible if the lawyer in our hypo took reasonable steps during the initial consultation with the owners of the daycare center to avoid learning more disqualifying information than was necessary in order for him to determine if he wanted to take the representation on. Assuming this was the case, in a perfect world another partner could take the civil matter on if the disqualified lawyer were to be timely screened from any participation in the matter, apportioned no part of the fee, and written notice was promptly given to the owners of the daycare center.
Unfortunately, in this situation the perfect world outcome isn’t possible because all of the lawyers at this firm are disqualified. Remember as these lawyers worked through the problem, the prospective client confidence was shared with all. That’s a bell that can’t be unrung.
There are two important takeaways here. First, if a prospective client shares confidential information during an initial consultation, those confidences must be kept. Loyalty is now in play even in the absence of an attorney-client relationship. Second, although the intake attorney is now tainted, none of the other firm’s attorneys need be. For example, if you establish a firm wide policy that mandates the timely entry of relevant information from declined matters where prospective client confidences were obtained into the firm’s conflict database (to include notice that the intake attorney is privy to disqualifying information) and couple this with a policy that any attorney learning a confidence from a prospective client is to take whatever steps are necessary to make certain no one else at the firm has access to that information, you should be able to keep future options in play.
Mark Bassingthwaighte, Esq. Is the resident Risk Manager at ALPS Insurance. To learn more about how ALPS can support your solo or small firm visit: alpsinsurance.com
Hyrum, Utah—The Hyrum Judicial Nominating Commission has selected four nominees for a justice court judge position that will serve Hyrum, Mendon, Paradise and Nibley, Utah. The final candidate will replace Judge Paul Larsen who will retire in June.
Following is an alphabetical listing of the nominees followed by place of employment and residence:
Sean D. Brian, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Harrisville,
Trevor L. Cook, J.D., Attorney at Law and Justice Court Judge in Rich County, resident of Nibley,
Brody E. Flint, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Honeyville, and
John Hulbert, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Hyrum.
A comment period will be held through April 26, 2025. Once application materials are provided to Stephanie Miller, the Hyrum City Mayor, she will have 30 days to make a final selection. Her selection must then be ratified by the Hyrum City Council. To submit written comments about any of the candidates, please email James Peters, Justice Court Administrator, at jamesp@utcourts.gov.
When discussing the ideals of legal service, it is easy to think of skillful advocacy, deep legal knowledge, and the pursuit of justice. What is often overlooked is the profound community-minded spirit that animates so many in the profession. No one exemplifies that blend of public service, passion for civic education, and devotion to the law more than Michelle M. Oldroyd, this year’s recipient of the prestigious Spirit of Quinney Award from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law.
“Michelle Oldroyd truly deserves the Spirit of Quinney Award for her unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to the legal profession and our wider community. As a colleague, she exemplifies the values of collaboration, kindness, and integrity. Michelle consistently goes above and beyond to support her team, always willing to lend a helping hand and offer thoughtful insights,” said Lydia Kane, assistant CLE director.
“Her positive attitude and enthusiasm create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and heard, enabling ideas to flourish. Michelle’s ability to balance professionalism with warmth makes her an outstanding colleague, and her impact is felt throughout the entire legal community. This recognition is a testament to the positive influence she has on those around her,” Kane added.
A Lifetime Rooted in Service
Michelle’s journey began just outside of Washington, D.C., where she was born into a family of federal government employees. Her father’s career with the FBI eventually brought them to Utah, the place she now proudly calls home. Growing up, Michelle always sensed the importance of public service. Whether it was her father’s time as a federal agent or her mother’s dedication to special needs education, Michelle witnessed firsthand how individuals could combine professional life with deep community engagement.
That early sense of duty informs her outlook today. She speaks fondly of “rowing the boat” with others—of doing her share to keep neighborhoods and society running smoothly. For Michelle, this is not just an abstract principle; it is the bedrock of her personal and professional life.
Discovering a Passion for Law
Michelle admits she has always been a “civics nerd.” Even as a child, she was captivated by stories of lawyers who paired their work in the courtroom with passions outside of it—like running a restaurant or owning an antique bookstore. She realized law could be a powerful credential, unlocking numerous ways to serve the public interest.
“I define myself very plainly as a lawyer,” Michelle explains. “I take such pride in that term as part of who I am, and I love doing it.” In law school, she found a natural alignment: a profession that encourages rigorous intellectual work, a dedication to due process, and the chance to help individuals during life’s most difficult moments.
Professional Highlights
Michelle’s résumé reflects this broad commitment to service:
She is Director of Professional Education at the Utah State Bar, where she designs and hosts professional development courses on ethics, civility, and inclusion. She also serves as Outreach and External Relations Director, forming partnerships with higher education and community institutions.
Previously, Michelle served as Director of the Utah Commission on Civic and Character Education in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. She has also worked as a Staff Attorney for the United States District Court for the District of Utah, mediating complex litigation matters and managing press relations during high-profile trials.
Over the years, she has been recognized for her excellence, earning accolades such as UCCR Peacekeeper, the Scott M. Matheson Award from the Utah State Bar, recognition among Utah’s Legal Elite, and being named one of the Elite Women Professionals in the United States.
In each of these roles, she has embodied the ideal of merging lawyering skills with a genuine commitment to civic engagement.
“Michelle’s work exemplifies the highest ideals of our profession,” said Bar Executive Director Elizabeth Wright. “Her dedication to public service, her passion for teaching, and her willingness to mentor new attorneys make her a worthy recipient of this important award.”
The Spirit of Quinney Award
The Spirit of Quinney Award honors individuals who epitomize not just professional success, but also a wholehearted dedication to community well-being. Joseph “Joe” Quinney, for whom the award and law school are named, was known for his exemplary service in both the legal field and the wider community. Michelle resonates with his legacy, saying it is “monumental when you think about who this person was and what he meant to the community—both as an advocate and a public servant.”
When Michelle learned she would be recognized in the same sentence as Quinney, she found it both humbling and deeply affirming. “I feel very humbled by the idea that I’m being singled out,” she shares, noting that so many of her colleagues are just as deserving. For her, it is also a moment to celebrate her parents, husband, children, and all those who inspire her every day to serve “with a deep sense of civic duty.”
She added, “To have my name mentioned in the same sentence as Joe Quinney, regarding the quality and rigor of my lawyering, is a deep honor, by which I am very humbled. I have such gratitude for what SJQ has provided for me – not just a platform for my career, but tremendous relationships, treasured colleagues to learn from, and opportunities to give back to our legal community; so I am grateful to my alma mater for recognizing my work and my contribution.”
“I truly love being a lawyer; it is one of the primary ways that I define myself, in addition to being a wife, mother, friend,” Oldroyd said. “I find our work filled with passion, skill, joy, and a multitude of people whose paths cross mine; lawyering is so valuable for our society, our governance, and our ability to hear and see one another with dignity. I cannot imagine work that I would find more connection to or more enthusiasm for than lawyering.”
A Joyful Approach to the Law
If there is one theme that runs through Michelle’s story, it is her unwavering sense of joy in practicing law. She calls it “a credential to do all the things you dream about doing,” allowing her to connect with community members, teach about justice, and help people navigate moments of deep conflict or need. Whether leading CLE programs, mentoring future attorneys, or simply greeting people with kindness in her neighborhood, Michelle is motivated by the knowledge that law can be a powerful tool for building bridges and uplifting others.
She enthusiastically encourages new lawyers to explore the breadth of what a J.D. can offer: “We need a profession that’s as wide-ranging, effective, artistic, and scientific as we can craft,” she says. “Everyone who wants to be a problem-solver and help move people out of ‘stuckness’ should consider law school. We need all of you.”
Looking Ahead
Receiving the Spirit of Quinney Award will undoubtedly be a celebratory moment for Michelle and the many people she has guided, mentored, and befriended over the years. Yet in true Michelle style, she will see it as a call to even deeper engagement—an invitation to carry on the legacy of Quinney by continually finding ways to do good. It is also a reminder, as she notes, to show grace to others and be grateful for the grace they show us.
For Michelle, the law is not merely a profession. It is a space where personal passions for fairness, justice, and compassion flourish—and help shape the future of her community. That is the spirit of her work, and precisely why she is such a fitting recipient of this prestigious award.
Congratulations to Michelle on this remarkable honor! Her work exemplifies the very essence of what it means to serve as a lawyer: blending intellect, empathy, and public service to strengthen the institutions and individuals around us.
This blog was written with the assistance of AI from the transcript of the video below.
SALT LAKE CITY (Apr. 10, 2025) – The Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for a vacancy on the Fourth District Court. This position results from the retirement of Judge Robert Lunnen, August 1, 2025.
The nominees for the vacancy are: Von Christiansen, County Attorney, Beaver County; Joshua Esplin, Assistant Director/Trial Attorney, Utah County Public Defenders Association; Tony Graf, Deputy County Attorney, Davis County Attorney’s Office, Volunteer Judge Pro Tempore, Salt Lake City Justice Court; Samuel Pead, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office; Ryan Stack, Deputy County Attorney/Prosecuting Attorney, Summit County.
Written comments can be submitted to the Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission atjudicialvacancies@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 on Apr. 21, 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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ROBERT CARROLL | Director of Communications OFFICE OF GOV. SPENCER J. COX STATE OF UTAH 801-243-2290
SALT LAKE CITY (Apr. 10, 2025) – The Second District Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for a vacancy on the Second District Court. The position is the result of the retirement of Judge Noel Hyde, effective July 1, 2025.
The nominees for the vacancy are: Michael Gadd, Assistant Solicitor General/Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General; Tony Graf, Deputy County Attorney, Davis County Attorney’s Office, Volunteer Judge Pro Tempore, Salt Lake City Justice Court; Matthew Hansen, Deputy County Attorney, Davis County Attorney’s Office, Judge Pro Tempore, Third District Court; Nicholas Mills, City Attorney, Kaysville City Corporation; Randall Morris, Associate Attorney, Scalley Reading Bates Hansen & Rasmussen, P.C., Judge Pro Tempore, Salt Lake City Justice Court.
Written comments can be submitted to the Second District Judicial Nominating Commission atjudicialvacancies@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 Apr. 19, 2025. The Nominating Commission may request further information or conduct an investigation of the nominees after reviewing public comments. Following 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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ROBERT CARROLL | Director of Communications OFFICE OF GOV. SPENCER J. COX STATE OF UTAH 801-243-2290
The Utah State Bar expresses its sincere appreciation to Gov. Spencer J. Cox for his veto of Senate Bill 296 – Judicial Amendments. The legislation would have significantly altered the selection process for the Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court.
The proposed bill sought to grant the governor authority to appoint the Chief Justice, subject to Senate confirmation every four years—a departure from the long-standing practice of the Utah Supreme Court selecting its own chief. The Bar believes this legislation would have compromised the independence of the judiciary and disrupted the critical balance among the branches of government.
“Gov. Cox’s decision to veto SB 296 demonstrates a thoughtful exercise of executive restraint and a deep respect for the constitutional principles that underpin our democratic system,” said Bar Executive Director Elizabeth Wright. “By rejecting this bill, the governor has affirmed the importance of an independent judiciary and preserved the checks and balances that are essential to good governance.”
The Bar recognizes that the strength of the state’s legal system depends on a judiciary that is impartial, independent, and free from undue political influence. Senate Bill 296 raised significant concerns among legal professionals and civic leaders who viewed it as a threat to judicial independence.
“We commend Gov. Cox for his commitment to upholding the rule of law and for recognizing that the separation of powers is not merely a legal doctrine, but a vital safeguard for the rights and liberties of all Utahns,” added Wright.
The Bar remains committed to promoting an independent legal system and will continue to support efforts that preserve the integrity of the courts and the constitutional framework of state government.
MANTI, UT – The dedication ceremony for the new Manti Sixth District Courthouse in Sanpete County will take place on Monday, March 24, 2025. The new courthouse opened its doors to the public on February 24, after just a year and a half of construction. It’s located on Main Street between Union Street and 100 North and houses two courtrooms for District and Juvenile Court. The new facility addresses significant security shortfalls and operational inefficiencies that existed in the old courthouse, which dated back to the 1930s. The new building is approximately 28,500 square feet and has a secure sally port, holding cells and other features meant to streamline judicial processes and enhance safety for staff, inmates and the public. The new courthouse was designed by VCBO Architecture and built by Okland Construction at a cost of $18.48 million.
WHO:
Governor Spencer Cox
Chief Justice Matthew Durrant
Senator Derrin Owens
Mayor Alfred Bigelow
County Commissioner Scott Collard
WHEN:
March 24, 2025 – 11:00 a.m.
WHERE:
100 North Main Street
Manti, Utah 84642
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Tania Mashburn She/Her/Hers Director of Communications 801-712-4545 taniam@utcourts.gov
