The Utah Judicial Council is accepting applications for two defense attorney positions on the Standing Committee on Model Utah Criminal Jury Instructions. Applicants for the defense attorney positions must be attorneys whose primary function is a defense attorney in criminal proceedings.
If you are interested in applying, please submit the following to Bryson King (brysonk@utcourts.gov) no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 5th, 2025:
1) A statement of interest;
2) A list of current and past court committee assignments (if any); and
3) Your resume.
For the information of applicants, committee meetings typically occur on the first Wednesday of each month from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The meetings are held at the Matheson Courthouse, 450 S. State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 and via remote access through Webex. For additional information regarding the committee’s work, please review the follow information:
Author: Jennifer Weaver
Justice Court Vacancy Extended for Hyrum
PRESS RELEASE
Hyrum, Utah (March 10, 2025) —The deadline for applications for a part-time justice court judge position that will serve Hyrum, Mendon, Paradise and Nibley, Utah has been extended. The position will replace Judge Paul Larsen who will retire in June.
To be considered for a justice court judgeship in Cache County, candidates must be at least 25 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a Utah resident for at least three years, and have a degree from a law school that would make one eligible to apply for admission to a bar in any state in the United States. In addition, applicants must be a resident of Cache County, Box Elder County, Rich County or Weber County either upon appointment or before taking the bench.
Information on judicial retention and performance evaluation is posted on the Utah State Court’s website at www.utcourts.gov under employment opportunities. An application for judicial office form must be completed and is available on the court’s website (https://legacy.utcourts.gov/employment). The salary range for the position is $28,449 to $36,576 per year and does not include benefits. For additional information about working for Hyrum, email Stephanie Miller, the Hyrum City Mayor, at stephanie.miller@hyrumcity.gov or call her at (435) 245-6033.
The deadline for applications is Monday, March 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Applications cannot be submitted after the deadline. For questions about the justice courts or the process for filling this position, email Jim Peters, Justice Court Administrator, at jamesp@utcourts.gov.
Utah law requires the Judicial Nominating Commission to submit at least three nominees to Mayor Miller within 45 days of its first meeting. Mayor Miller will then have 30 days in which to select a finalist. Her selection must then be ratified by the Hyrum City Council and certified by the Utah Judicial Council.
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ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE
Hyrum, Utah (Jan. 31, 2025)—Applications are being accepted for a part-time justice court judge position that will serve Hyrum, Mendon, Paradise and Nibley, Utah. The position will replace Judge Paul Larsen who will retire in June.
To be considered for a justice court judgeship in Cache County, candidates must be at least 25 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a Utah resident for at least three years, and have a degree from a law school that would make one eligible to apply for admission to a bar in any state in the United States. In addition, applicants must be a resident of Cache County, Box Elder County, Rich County or Weber County either upon appointment or before taking the bench.
Information on judicial retention and performance evaluation is posted on the Utah State Court’s website at www.utcourts.gov under employment opportunities. An application for judicial office form must be completed and is available on the court’s website (https://legacy.utcourts.gov/employment). The salary range for the position is $28,449 to $36,576 per year and does not include benefits. For additional information about working for Hyrum, email Stephanie Miller, the Hyrum City Mayor, at stephanie.miller@hyrumcity.gov or call her at (435) 245-6033.
The deadline for applications is Monday, March 3, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Applications cannot be submitted after the deadline. For questions about the justice courts or the process for filling this position, email Jim Peters, Justice Court Administrator, at jamesp@utcourts.gov.
Utah law requires the Judicial Nominating Commission to submit at least three nominees to Mayor Miller within 45 days of its first meeting. Mayor Miller will then have 30 days in which to select a finalist. Her selection must then be ratified by the Hyrum City Council and certified by the Utah Judicial Council.
Court Commissioner – 3rd District – Salt Lake, Summit & Tooele Counties
The Utah State Courts seek an experienced official to serve as Court Commissioner for the Third District Court. This position is located within the Third Judicial District and appointed by the Judicial Council. The Court Commissioner will assist the District Court with domestic hearings and other duties under the general direction of the presiding judges as permitted by statute and rule(s) of the Judicial Council.
The successful candidate will adhere to the Code of Judicial Conduct and be a member of the Utah State Bar in good standing. Prospective candidates must be at least 25 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the State of Utah for three (3) years preceding appointment, and a resident of the State of Utah while serving as Commissioner. Candidates must reside in the Third District, which consists of Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele counties.
Salary: $92.55 hourly / $193,244 annually
Closing Date: 2/28/25
Number Of Openings: (1) Full-time, at-will position with benefits.
The Court Commissioner position is a quasi-judicial officer as provided by the Utah Code and the Code of Judicial Conduct. THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO JUDICIAL COUNCIL APPROVAL. This position is projected to begin June 2, 2025
2025 JPEC Report to the Community + Video
The Utah State Bar recognizes the pivotal role that the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission (JPEC) plays in preserving the integrity and fairness of Utah’s judicial system. JPEC provides Utah voters with unbiased, thorough evaluations of judges standing for retention. By ensuring that judges meet high performance standards and offering detailed information about judicial performance, JPEC strengthens public trust in the judiciary and the rule of law.
Utah voters consistently rely on JPEC’s evaluations to make informed decisions when casting their ballots to retain judges, as demonstrated by a clear correlation between JPEC scores and voter approval in retention elections.
Provided below is JPEC’s 2025 Report to the Community in support of its mission to contribute to a judicial system that serves the best interests of Utahns. Please review its findings, advocate for judicial excellence, and help to educate the public about the critical role of judicial evaluations in maintaining a just society.
This online *CLE presented January 29, 2025, was designed to instruct about (both to review and to explain) Utah’s judicial selection and retention process. The presenters were Utah Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission (JPEC) Executive Director Mary-Maragaret Pingree, and retired Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Christine Durham, who is also senior of counsel for Wilson Sonsini, and JPEC attorney member.
*Disclaimer: This recorded CLE does not count toward earned credit. It is shared for educational purposes.
Gov. Cox appoints Robert Van Dyke to the Sixth District Court
PRESS RELEASE
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 15, 2024) – Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Robert Van Dyke to the Sixth District Court, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Bagley. Judicial appointments are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
“Robert’s extensive legal experience and deep commitment to his community make him an exceptional choice for the bench,” said Gov. Cox. “As the Kane County Attorney, he has demonstrated a strong dedication to justice, particularly through his work establishing programs that support both crime victims and at-risk youth. I am confident that Robert will bring the same integrity and commitment to the Sixth District Court, serving the people of Utah with fairness and professionalism.”
Robert has served as the Kane County Attorney for over a decade, and during that time, he has made significant contributions to the legal and broader community. He was instrumental in the creation of the Kane County Drug Court, the Children’s Justice Center and the Sexual Assault Response Team. Additionally, Robert founded the youth soccer league in Kane County over ten years ago, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to improving the lives of youth in his community. Robert earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law in 2009, where he was a William H. Leary Scholar. He graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies and a music minor from Utah State University in 2005.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to be appointed to serve as a judge for the Sixth District Court. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Kane County as the Kane County Attorney, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me throughout my career. If confirmed, I will strive to uphold the highest standards of fairness, integrity and respect for all who come before the court, dedicating myself to the thoughtful and impartial administration of justice.”
ROBERT CARROLL | Director of Communications
OFFICE OF GOV. SPENCER J. COX
STATE OF UTAH
801-243-2290
Applicants Sought for Judicial Council Standing Committee on Model Utah Civil Jury Instructions
The Utah Judicial Council is seeking applications for a lawyer who primarily represents plaintiffs to join the Model Utah Civil Jury Instructions Standing Committee.
About the Committee
The Committee develops clear and concise jury instructions that accurately reflect Utah law. The instructions use simple sentence structure and everyday words whenever possible.
The Committee consists of attorneys who represent both plaintiffs and defendants, district court judges, and a language expert. The Committee works in topic-based groups and meets monthly on the second Monday at 4:00 p.m. to discuss proposed instructions.
Committee Membership
- Term length: 3 years, with the possibility of reappointment (up to two terms maximum)
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying, please submit the following materials to Jace Willard (jacew@utcourts.gov) by February 12, 2025:
- A statement explaining your interest in the position
- A list of your current or past court committee assignments (if any)
- Your resume
We encourage lawyers who primarily represent plaintiffs to apply!
Welcome Liz Silvestrini to the Well-being Committee
We are thrilled to welcome Liz Silvestrini as the new consultant for the Well-Being Committee for the Legal Profession. Liz brings a unique blend of professional and personal experience that will be invaluable in this role.
Liz’s journey began at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, where she honed her legal skills. After a successful internship with the general counsel for Women’s Professional Soccer in San Francisco, she joined the esteemed law firm of Parsons, Behle & Latimer in 2011. For two years, Liz immersed herself in the world of corporate, energy, and business law. Seeking new challenges, she moved to Seattle, where she expanded her legal practice to include insurance defense and served as a civil mediator for the King County District Court.
A pivotal moment of clarity, prompted by the loss of a friend, led Liz to pursue a deeper understanding of human well-being. In 2018, she returned to academia, earning a Masters Degree in existential psychology from Seattle University. While dedicating herself to becoming a licensed mental health therapist, Liz remained actively engaged in the legal community, serving as Adjunct Faculty for the Seattle University School of Law and Vice Chair of the King County Alternative Dispute Resolution Section.
Liz’s therapy career began at Seattle Anxiety Specialists, an award-winning practice renowned for its expertise in psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy. Her legal background provided her with a unique perspective, allowing her to empathize with the unique challenges faced by professionals working in high-pressure environments. She found deep satisfaction in helping clients navigate the interpersonal and existential challenges that inevitably arise in everyone’s lives.
After achieving full licensure and navigating the complexities of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, a divorce, and the Seattle protests of 2020, Liz made the decision to return to Utah. However, before re-establishing her therapy practice, she embarked on a transformative four-month backpacking trip through the Rocky Mountains, a journey dedicated to prioritizing her own well-being and recovery.
Liz deeply understands the inherent struggle to achieve work-life balance, recognizing it as an “inside job.” She advocates for lawyer-centric therapy, a therapeutic approach that empowers legal professionals to explore and address the multifaceted demands of their roles while acknowledging the importance of vulnerability and self-care.
We are confident that Liz’s unique blend of legal expertise, personal experience, and commitment to well-being will make her an exceptional leader for the Well-being Committee. We extend our sincere gratitude to Martha Knudson for her dedicated service and look forward to the positive impact Liz will have on the well-being of Utah’s legal community.
Nominees Announced for the Pleasant Grove Justice Court Vacancy
PRESS RELEASE
Pleasant Grove, Utah (January 7, 2025)—The Pleasant Grove Judicial Nominating Commission has selected four nominees for a justice court judge position that will serve Pleasant Grove, Utah. The final candidate will replace Judge Randy Birch who resigned in March.
Following is an alphabetical listing of the nominees followed by place of employment and residence:
- Brooke Larsen, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Draper,
- Brook J. Sessions, J.D., Justice Court Judge for Lindon City and Wasatch County and Attorney at Law, resident of Heber,
- Corey Sherwin, J.D., Attorney at Law, resident of Alpine, and
- Jamie Topham, J.D., Justice Court Judge for Grantsville and Attorney at Law, resident of Grantsville.
A comment period will be held through January 17, 2025. Once application materials are provided to Guy Fugal, the Pleasant Grove Mayor, he will have 30 days to make a final selection. His selection must then be ratified by the Pleasant Grove City Council. To submit written comments about any of the candidates, please email James Peters, Justice Court Administrator, at jamesp@utcourts.gov.
How to Have a Long and Successful Career as an Attorney
By Mark Bassingthwaighte, Esq.
mbass@alpsinsurance.com
In 1829 U.S. Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story stated, “the law is a jealous mistress and requires a long and constant courtship.” This sentiment has held true to this day for far too many attorneys and that’s a problem, particularly for those who are unable to say no to their jealous mistress’s demand for a never-ending sacrifice. If this is striking a chord, meaning you are one who feels that your jealous mistress will never allow you to prioritize taking care of yourself along the way, it’s time to reframe your relationship with the law. I say this because I believe the only way to sustain a long and successful legal career is to prioritize wellness. Here are seven reasons why.
- Mental Health Matters – The practice of law is renowned for its stressors. Over time, the long hours, tight deadlines, emotionally charged situations, and high stakes matters will take a toll on your mental wellbeing. When you ignore this truth, you risk jeopardizing your personal happiness and your professional efficacy.
- Enhanced Mental Sharpness – Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness will lead to improved mental clarity, concentration, problem-solving skills, and memory, all of which are essential attributes for sustaining success as an attorney.
- Improved Client Relations – Effective attorney-client relationships are built on more than just legal skills; empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence are also part of the equation. When you prioritize personal wellness, perhaps with meditation, yoga, or even therapy, you become better equipped to listen to, understand, and meet your clients’ needs.
- Professional Longevity – Remember that a career is a marathon, not a sprint; and burnout is an all-too-common issue in the practice of law. Neglect wellness and you risk experiencing a decline in your performance and potentially a premature exit from the profession. It needn’t be this way.
- Ethical Decision-making – The demanding nature of legal work coupled with the financial pressures of running a successful practice can sometimes lead attorneys down the slippery slope of blurred ethical boundaries. A well-rounded wellness routine that includes time for reflection, relaxation, and self-care can help you stay ethically grounded, even when under stress.
- Leadership and Influence – If you happen to be a firm leader, you have the power to influence others. Create a firm culture that not only encourages but enables everyone to prioritize wellness and be the example that others can follow. The end result will be a healthier, more productive work environment and your clients will take note.
- Personal Fulfillment – Prioritizing wellness isn’t just about sustaining a long and successful career. It’s also about what you want your life to be like between now and dead. When you make wellness a priority in all aspects of your life (emotional, physical, social, financial, environmental, professional, and spiritual) you are far more likely to enjoy your work, have a fulfilling life outside of work, and be happy and content.
Of course, there are going to be times when the law can and will be a jealous mistress. Sacrifices will be asked of you, and they will need to be made, often at the expense of other aspects of your life. Prioritizing wellness isn’t about denying this reality. It’s about remembering who is in control of your life. It’s not the jealous mistress. It’s you. So, go ahead, reframe your relationship if need be. You won’t lose your relationship with the law. It will just be a healthier relationship, and that’s a good thing.
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
Applications Now Being Accepted for District Court Judge in the Second District Court
Applications are now being accepted for the position of district court judge of the Second District Court. This position results from the retirement of Judge Noel Hyde, July 1, 2025. The complete notice of vacancy and the online application can be accessed through the link below.
https://judicialvacancy.utah.gov
All applications must be submitted through the online system. The application deadline is Monday, February 3, 2025.