PRESS RELEASE
SALT LAKE CITY, May 15, 2026 – The Utah State Bar honored 29 distinguished attorneys on Friday at the Utah Law & Justice Center in Salt Lake City, recognizing an extraordinary professional milestone: 50 years of active licensure and dedicated service to the legal profession. This year’s annual celebration carried added significance as the Bar commemorates its 95th anniversary.
“For half a century, these attorneys have upheld the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and service,” said Bar President Kim Cordova. “Their careers reflect not only exceptional dedication to their clients and communities but also a lasting commitment to advancing the legal profession in Utah.”
Several past Bar Presidents attended the luncheon, which was highlighted by a memorable moment from Katie Woods (President 2022–23). She invited attendees to identify the lowest bar number in the room. Utah State Bar numbers are assigned sequentially, generally reflecting the order in which attorneys are admitted to practice. Lower numbers, therefore, signify some of the Bar’s longest-serving licensees. Before 1980, however, bar numbers were assigned alphabetically by surname until the system was restructured to a sequential system during the presidency of the late Carmen Kipp.
Among those recognized was Robert A. Alsop, recipient of a 50-year service plaque, who proudly claimed bar number 62. Yet even that remarkable tenure was surpassed by attendee John A. Adams, whose bar number 23 drew admiration as the lowest number present at the celebratory gathering.
Cordova then paid tribute to the five decades of service rendered by attorneys, who have exemplified the highest ideals of the profession through:
- Commitment to Justice: Advancing the rule of law, safeguarding individual rights, and helping shape Utah’s legal landscape through dedicated advocacy.
- Guidance and Influence: Supporting the professional growth of emerging attorneys through mentorship, instruction, and exemplary service.
- Service to the Community: Strengthening communities through volunteerism, pro bono representation, and meaningful civic involvement.
- Professional Leadership: Providing direction and vision within the Utah State Bar, the courts, and a wide range of legal and community organizations.
As the Bar marks 95 years of service to the legal community, the celebration honors not only the longevity of these attorneys’ careers, but the lasting legacy they have built through professionalism, integrity and dedication to justice.
50-Year Plaque Recipients
| Robert A Alsop | Phillip Wm. Lear |
| Mark H Anderson | Robert P Lunt |
| Spencer E Austin | L. Benson Mabey |
| Bryan W Cannon | Rinehart L Peshell |
| Steven E Clyde | Larry G Reed |
| N. George Daines | Bruce W Shand |
| Donald J Eyre Jr | Franklin L Slaugh |
| Randall T Gaither | Mary Ellen Sloan |
| Russell J Gallian | Robert M Taylor |
| H. Craig Hall | Thomas N Thompson |
| Royal I Hansen | Michael J Van Wagenen |
| Michael R Jensen | Glen D Watkins |
| Miles P Jensen | Bert R Wonnacott |
| Boyd L Jentzsch | Ronald J Yengich |
| Keith G Larsen |
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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