On Wednesday, the Utah State Bar was pleased to host Utah Senate President Stuart J. Adams and Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz in the first of its continuing legal education (CLE) dialogue series, Let’s Talk & Let’s Listen. The two-member panel was moderated by full-service litigator Keith A. Call. More than 700 legal professionals joined the session online, with another 60 individuals, including dignitaries, attending in person for the forum that examined the respective roles of Utah’s three branches of government.
“The timing of this event carried particular significance, considering recent policy disagreements and procedural rifts between the legislature and the judiciary, which have underscored the need for renewed engagement across branches of government,” said Utah State Bar President Kim Cordova. “This CLE was intentionally positioned as an opportunity to model constructive discourse marked by civility, respect, and adherence to the standards of professionalism. By convening legislative leaders and the legal community, the Bar sought to reinforce the shared commitment to safeguarding the constitutional framework and improving interbranch understanding.”
The main discussion began with the moderator highlighting the increasing tension between the legislature and the judiciary. Adams and Schultz both agreed that emotions have reached a “fever pitch” with recent court rulings about abortion, voting, redistricting, and other matters. The legislative leaders were candid about their viewpoints on the balance of power between the branches of government and the responsibilities borne by the courts and attorneys licensed by the Bar in supporting constitutional governance.
The Bar offered one hour of pending e-verified live mandatory CLE credit for its licensees who registered in advance and submitted questions for Adams and Schultz to answer. Those questions and proposed topics, which were synthesized and presented by the moderator, included:
- What would you like the Utah judiciary to understand about your recent concerns regarding court rulings?
- What has the Supreme Court and District Court got wrong?
- Are threats of violence against judges, legislators, or any public servants appropriate?
Adams and Schultz expressed their passion for their roles as elected officials of their constituents, to act in their best interests and fulfill their constitutional obligations as the “voice of the people” in setting policy. Both men said they take their responsibilities seriously, with Adams emphasizing that he’d do everything within his power to protect our democratic republican form of government. He added that the current divisive issues are not partisan, but Constitutional in regard to checks and balances of the state’s government system.
“Even as today’s discussion highlighted the very real and consequential disagreements between the legislature and the judiciary, I appreciate the willingness of President Adams and Speaker Schultz to engage with Utah lawyers on matters that are both sensitive and currently before the courts,” said moderator Call. “Bringing these conversations into a structured, professional forum reinforces the value of open dialogue and the shared duty to uphold the rule of law.”
Part One of the series concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of open dialogue among civic institutions and the role of attorneys in fostering informed, principled, and respectful engagement. Participation was made available at no cost through the support of sponsoring law firms Snell & Wilmer and Spencer Fane. Part Two of the CLE series will feature Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant on March 17th in commemoration of the Bar’s 95th Anniversary.
Disclaimer: CLE credit was only available to registrants who attended the hybrid event on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. It is no longer available.
Join us in engaging with Utah’s lawmakers. They do want to hear from you.
- Go to the Utah Legislature website (https://le.utah.gov/) and select “Legislators.”
- Then click on “FindbyAddress/Map” and enter your address to see your Senator and Representative.
Contact Them
- Each legislator’s page lists their email and phone number.
Additional Contacts
- Utah Senate: 801-538-1035 | Senate Roster
- Utah House: 801-538-1029 | House Roster