Utah State Bar

Every time Utah attorneys take the oath, they make a powerful promise. They commit to: - Speak up for justice - Support the Utah and U.S. Constitutions - Uphold ethical and professional conduct as officers of the court We’re proud of our commitment! #UtahStateBar95 #AttorneyOath

You'll want to read the March/April issue of the Utah Bar Journal that includes a two-page dedicatory timeline of the Bar's 95 years in existence. Nate Alder wrote an accompanying article highlighting the milestones of our Bar, too! Check it out: utahbar.org/utah-bar-journ…

For 95 years, the Utah State Bar has championed the rule of law, judicial independence, and the principles enshrined in both the Utah and United States Constitutions. Through the dedication of its members, the Bar has strengthened the legal profession, supported the courts, and served communities across the state. Here’s to 95 years of leadership, service, and commitment to justice, and to many more years advancing the profession and protecting the foundations of our legal system. ⚖️ #UtahStateBar95 #RuleOfLaw #JudicialIndependence #LegalProfession

Guess what tomorrow is? On March 23, 2026, the Utah State Bar proudly marks its 95th Anniversary. Established under the authority of the Utah Supreme Court, the Bar serves as the state’s mandatory licensing and regulatory body for attorneys, ensuring that those who practice law meet the highest standards of professionalism, competence, and ethics. For nearly a century, the Bar has worked to uphold the rule of law and support a fair and impartial justice system for all Utahns. As we commemorate this milestone, we recognize the generations of legal professionals committed to integrity, public service, and the administration of justice. #UtahStateBar #95Years #RuleOfLaw #UtahLaw

Updated video: youtube.com/watch?v=LPftj0…

Part Two of the Bar’s Let’s Talk & Let’s Listen CLE series brought together nearly 900 legal professionals for an important conversation on the judiciary, the legislative session, and the balance of powers in Utah’s government. Featuring Utah Supreme Court Justice Paige Petersen and Court Administrator Ron Gordon, and moderated by Keith A. Call, the discussion highlighted the judiciary’s constitutional role, the real-world impact of recent legislation, and the importance of maintaining public confidence in an independent court system. Thank you to all who participated—both in person and virtually—and to our sponsors, Snell & Wilmer and Spencer Fane, for making this important forum possible. Watch here: youtu.be/fqws3mamsAw?si… #UtahStateBar95 #CLE #RuleOfLaw #JudicialIndependence #letstalkletslisten

The Access to Justice Office invites you to submit nominations for Law Student of the Year (from a Utah law school), Young Lawyer of the Year, and Law Firm of the Year. These awards are given at the Law Day Luncheon in May, so please send your nominations as soon as you can! Email probono@utahbar.org

Nominees have been announced for two vacancies on Utah’s Fifth District Court following the upcoming retirements of Judge Keith C. Barnes (May 16, 2026) and Judge John J. Walton (July 1, 2026). The Fifth District Judicial Nominating Commission selected the following nominees: Jack Burns, William Frazier, Leah Jensen, Edrick Overson, Bryan Pattison, and Meagan Rudd. Public comments are invited and may be submitted to judicialvacancies@utah.gov or by mail to the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, P.O. Box 142330, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2330. The deadline for comments is noon on March 27, 2026. After the public comment period, the nominees’ names will be forwarded to Gov. Spencer J. Cox, who will have 30 days to make an appointment, subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

The Utah Judiciary invites residents of Weber, Morgan, and Davis counties to attend a Court Connect Town Hall on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the 2nd District Juvenile Courthouse in Ogden. Court Connect is a statewide initiative focused on strengthening public trust in the courts, expanding access to justice, and increasing awareness of court services and resources. This free community event offers a welcoming space to connect directly with judges and court staff and learn more about how Utah’s courts serve the public. What you’ll gain by attending: • Learn how Utah’s courts operate and their role in the justice system • Ask questions and connect directly with Judiciary representatives • Explore justice services, including self-help resources and online filing tools • Discover court resources available in your community • Meet judges and court personnel in an informal setting These town halls are the first step in an ongoing effort to build stronger connections between the courts and the communities they serve. 📍 Event Details What: Court Connect Town Hall When: Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. Where: 2nd District Juvenile Courthouse 165 20th Street, Ogden, UT 84401 This event is free and open to everyone—community members, civic organizations, and anyone interested in learning more about Utah’s Judiciary. We hope to see you there!

A new statewide survey shows threats and harassment against Utah’s legal professionals remain a serious concern. In a presentation by attorney and mediator Stephen D. Kelson, he reported 703 Utah attorneys reported experiencing threats or violence connected to their work — including 58 physical assaults. Protecting the safety of judges and lawyers is essential to maintaining public trust in the justice system. The Utah State Bar is highlighting these findings while encouraging the public to reject misinformation and support respectful discourse around the courts. Learn more about the survey and ongoing efforts to support the safety and well-being of legal professionals at tinyurl.com/2cfbja9y #UtahCourts #RuleOfLaw #UtahStateBar

Read more about it: utahbar.org/press-releases…

Nearly 40 individuals left the Utah State Bar’s Spring Convention on Thursday with newly completed estate planning documents designed to protect loved ones and ensure their final wishes are carried out. The free legal service was provided by volunteer attorneys through the Wills for Heroes program. For the first time, the annual clinic hosted by the Bar’s Young Lawyers Division expanded eligibility to include public school teachers, joining first responders and military veterans who traditionally receive the services. The clinic took place at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George as part of the two-day convention, which also commemorated the Bar’s 95th anniversary.

Day 1 summary of Spring Convention - utahbar.org/day-one-recap-…

It's the first day of the 2026 Spring Convention that also commemorates the 95th Anniversary of the Bar.

Read about Day 1 of Spring Convention at utahbar.org/day-one-recap-…

This oral history features David Schwendiman, a former federal prosecutor and international legal advisor who reflects on his work with the U.S. Department of Justice and leading complex international investigations in pursuit of justice. His video is featured at the Bar’s Spring Convention at the 95th Anniversary booth in the Dixie Center, in St. George, where a sold-out gathering of Utah’s legal community is celebrating the Bar’s history and future. The convention starts today! Highlights include keynote and plenary discussions on courthouse safety, the rule of law, well-being in the legal profession, and emerging issues such as artificial intelligence and digital estate planning. Watch the video: youtube.com/watch?v=2G3SYf…

Day 1 - Spring Convention is happening now! Speak Up for Justice Plenary, Bar President Panel, and more to come!

The Utah State Bar Access to Justice Office gives free CLE presentations to law firms, legal offices, and bar groups who are interested in learning more about pro bono. Reach out to us at ATJ@utahbar.org for information about the presentation and the credits provided.

We extend our sincere thanks to ALPS for their generous support as a Bronze Sponsor of the 2026 Spring Convention. Your partnership helps make this milestone gathering, celebrating the Bar’s 95th Anniversary, truly exceptional. We are grateful for your continued commitment to our profession and community. #SpringConvention2026 #UtahStateBar95 #BronzeSponsor

🔗 View the approved rule amendments here: utcourts.gov/utc/rules-appr… (Then click on Rule 707)

Rule 707 of the Utah Rules of Evidence – Machine-Generated Evidence is now FINAL and in effect. The rule became effective Friday, March 6, 2026, following approval of House Joint Resolution (HJR026) by a constitutional two-thirds vote of all members elected to each house. Utah practitioners should review URE 707 to understand how machine-generated evidence will be addressed under the Utah Rules of Evidence moving forward. #UtahLaw #UtahCourts #EvidenceLaw #UtahAttorneys