The second day of the Utah State Bar’s 2026 Spring Convention continued the event’s theme, “Securing Our Relationships and Our Skills: Practicing Law in Ever-Changing Times,” bringing attorneys together in St. George for conversations focused on professional well-being, public trust in the justice system, and the evolving practice of law.
With a full agenda of keynote presentations, research findings, and discussions with members of the judiciary, Day Two emphasized the importance of community within the legal profession and the responsibility lawyers share in maintaining a strong and trusted justice system.
A Message of Continuity and Collaboration
The morning began with welcoming remarks from Utah State Bar President-Elect Tom Bayles, who encouraged Bar licensees to continue building on the organization’s strengths while remaining focused on the practical needs of attorneys across the state. (Read Tom’s Remarks)
Bayles emphasized that the Bar’s role is not to reinvent itself but to “build on what works” by strengthening relationships among attorneys and ensuring lawyers have access to meaningful training and resources. He highlighted the importance of accessible continuing legal education, especially for lawyers practicing outside the Wasatch Front, where geographic distance can create additional challenges.
He also underscored the importance of maintaining thoughtful communication with policymakers when legislation affects the courts and the practice of law, noting that informed perspectives from legal professionals help ensure public policy reflects real-world experience.
Throughout his remarks, Bayles encouraged attorneys to remain engaged with the Bar by joining sections, volunteering, and sharing their perspectives.
“Our profession continues to evolve,” Bayles said. “But it is still built on the same core principles it always has been: judgment, skill, service, and trust.”
Well-Being and the Power of Professional Relationships
The day’s opening keynote was delivered by BYU professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad, whose research focuses on social connection and well-being. Her presentation explored how loneliness and isolation affect professionals and how strong professional relationships contribute to competence, resilience, and long-term career satisfaction.
Holt-Lunstad emphasized that mentorship, collaboration, and community are not simply professional benefits but are essential to maintaining well-being and effectiveness in the practice of law.
Her message resonated with convention attendees, reinforcing the importance of building supportive professional networks in a demanding profession.
New Research Highlights Safety Concerns in the Legal Profession
One of the most significant discussions of the day came from attorney and mediator Stephen D. Kelson, who presented the results of the 2026 survey on violence in the Utah legal community, marking the 20th anniversary of his original statewide study.
The survey, completed by 1,593 attorneys representing 12.4 percent of the Bar’s in-state membership, revealed that 703 respondents reported experiencing threats or violence related to their legal work, including 58 incidents of physical assault.
Kelson noted that threats occur across the profession and affect both men and women at similar overall rates. However, the nature of the threats differs.
“Women reported a higher number of threats that were sexual in nature,” Kelson said, highlighting an important difference in how harassment manifests within the profession.
The research also showed that attorneys practicing in family law, criminal prosecution, criminal defense, and general practice reported the highest rates of threats, reflecting the emotionally charged disputes often present in those areas of law.
Utah State Bar President Kim Cordova emphasized that protecting the safety and well-being of judges and lawyers is essential to maintaining public confidence in the justice system.
“The safety and well-being of those who serve in the justice system matters deeply,” Cordova said. “Protecting their well-being is essential to maintaining a justice system that functions fairly for everyone.”
Bar leaders announced that the organization plans to offer safety training for attorneys and judges in the coming months, focused on recognizing and responding to threats both in person and online.
Conversations with the Courts
The midday program featured a panel discussion with members of the Utah Supreme Court and the Utah Court of Appeals, offering convention attendees an opportunity to hear directly from the judiciary about current issues affecting the courts and the administration of justice.
The session included Justices Paige Petersen, Diana Hagen, and John Nielsen, along with Presiding Judge Michele Christiansen Forster and Judge John D. Luthy.
The panel also included the presentation of the 2025 Judge of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding judicial service of Judge Forster.
RELATED: Utah State Bar Honors Judge, Attorneys at 2026 Spring Convention
Exploring the Future of Legal Practice
The afternoon breakout sessions addressed emerging trends in the profession, including the increasing role of technology and artificial intelligence in legal work.
Sessions explored topics such as digital estate planning and electronic wills, pro bono and access to justice initiatives, and the ethical responsibilities lawyers face when using generative AI tools.
Together, the discussions reflected how rapidly the practice of law continues to evolve—and the importance of helping attorneys adapt to those changes.
Looking Ahead
As the convention concluded, the conversations throughout the two-day event reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the profession through collaboration, education, and service.
From discussions about well-being and professional relationships to research on the safety of legal professionals and conversations with the judiciary, the convention underscored the essential role lawyers play in maintaining a justice system that is trusted by the public.
By continuing to invest in practical training, professional connection, and the safety of those who serve in the legal system, the Bar aims to support attorneys across the state while reinforcing the integrity of the justice system for the communities they serve.
AI assisted with summarizing content for this blog.
