Utah State Bar News & Announcements

Salt Lake City, UT---Rick Smith has been appointed as the new director of the Office of the Guardian ad Litem effective June 4, 2007. Smith replaces Kristen Brewer who accepted a position with the Washington State Office of the Attorney General. The Office of the Guardian ad Litem is charged with representing the best interests of children in cases of abuse, neglect, and dependency. Smith will oversee 39 attorney’s working as Guardians ad Litem throughout the state.

Salt Lake City, Utah—Third District Court Judge Denise P. Lindberg and Fourth District Court Judge Claudia Laycock recently attended a workshop titled “No Reversals—Correct Rulings: Evidence in Action,” April 22 through 26 in Carmel, Calif. The judges’ attendance was supported by a $1,500 scholarship each awarded by the State Justice Institute (SJI).

The Supreme Court invites comments to proposed amendments to the following court rules. The comment period expires August 1, 2007.

Summary of proposed amendments

RPC Preamble. Attorney oath. Amend. Includes adherence to the Standards of Professionalism and Civility in the attorney oath. Proposed Effective Date: November 1, 2007.

The Supreme Court invites comments to proposed amendments to the following court rules. The comment period expires August 1, 2007.

Summary of proposed amendments
USB Petition. Petition to amend fee arbitration rules for a Utah State Bar name change and to raise amount in controversy to $3,000 for sole arbitrator cases.
USB 14-1101 Definitions. Amend. Changes title of Article 11. Changes name of Committee to Fee Dispute Resolution Committee.

The Utah Supreme Court is seeking applicants to fill vacancies on the following advisory rule committees:

Advisory Committee on the Rules of Appellate Procedure. One vacancy. Looking for an attorney who does criminal appeals/defendant's side.

Announcing: That applications are now being accepted for the position of district court judge in the First Judicial District. (Counties include Box Elder, Cache, Rich).

This position results from the pending retirement of Judge Gordon Low.

Completed application forms must be received by the Administrative Office of the Courts no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, July 16, 2007.

Announcing:
That applications are now being accepted for the position of district court judge in the Second Judicial District. (Counties include Davis, Morgan, Weber).

This position results from the pending retirement of Judge Darwin Hansen.

Completed application forms must be received by the Administrative Office of the Courts no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, July 16, 2007.