Utah State Bar News & Announcements

Salt Lake City, Utah—The Utah Court of Appeals will hold a special session in Tooele on April 11 at 10:00 a.m. The court will hear oral arguments at the Gordon R. Hall Courthouse, 74 South 100 East, courtroom 21. This is the first time the Court of Appeals has held court in Tooele.

SUNSHINE AWARDS - The Utah Headliners Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists recognized the achievements of individuals who have helped promote access to government.

Among those selected for awards were Attorney General Mark Shurtleff; and lawyers Jeff Hunt, Michael O’Brien and David Reymann who worked together to secure approval by the Utah Supreme Court of a Shield Rule for reporters—a first for the state—that protects reporters from being compelled to divulge confidential sources.

More information is provided at: http://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/PrRel/prmarch192008.htm

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT V. LOWRY SNOW

Bar Elections
Utah State Bar elections are in full swing. We will choose a President-elect and three Third District representatives in the coming weeks. Running for President-elect are: Stephen W. Owens and Scott R. Sabey. Seeking to represent those in the Third District are: Su Chon, Laurie Gilliland, James D. Gilson, Lori W. Nelson, Margaret Plane, Rodney G. Snow and Rusty Vetter. We want to thank the fine attorneys who are willing to balance their work load with service to our Bar. The vitality of the Bar and our success in fulfilling our mission is dependent upon concerned and qualified volunteers like these candidates who are willing to devote their time and energy. Read the candidates’ statements at: http://www.utahbar.org/elections/Welcome.html

The Supreme Court and the Judicial Council invite comments to proposed amendments to the following court rules. The comment period expires May 28, 2008.

Summary of proposed amendments

Rules of Civil Procedure

URCP 103. Child support worksheets. Repeal. Eliminates the requirement that parties send a copy of their child support worksheet to the AOC.

The Supreme Court and the Judicial Council invite comments to proposed amendments to the following court rules. The comment period expires May 28, 2008.

Summary of proposed amendments

Rules of Civil Procedure

URCP 103. Child support worksheets. Repeal. Eliminates the requirement that parties send a copy of their child support worksheet to the AOC.

Salt Lake City, UT—The Third District Court has scheduled Divorce Education for Children Classes on Monday, April 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Divorce Education for Children class is available for children 9 to 12-years old whose parents have filed for divorce. The class is presented twice each month—one Monday evening and one Saturday—at the Scott M. Matheson Courthouse at 450 South State Street. To register for the class, parents should call Alyssa White at (801) 578-3897 or e-mail alyssaw@email.utcourts.gov. There is no charge to attend the classes.

WHAT: As part of the 2008 Law Day celebration, the Utah State Courts has organized a panel discussion at the Hinckley Institute of Politics. The topic of the discussion is “The Rule of Law,” which is this year’s Law Day theme. The panelists will discuss issues such as how the legal profession can promote the rule of law, assuring equal justice for all, and the importance of an independent judiciary.

WHEN: Thursday, April 17 from 10:45 to 11:35 a.m.

WHERE: Hinckley Institute of Politics, University of Utah campus, Orson Spencer Hall, 260 South Central Campus Dr., Room 253

WHO: Honorable Christine M. Durham, Chief Justice, Utah Supreme Court; Dean Hiram Chodosh, S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah; Hal Christensen, attorney, Snow, Christensen & Martineau; Su Chon, attorney, CMRC Property Rights Ombudsman, State of Utah

The Utah Supreme Court has issued Standing Order No. 8 as to establishment of a pilot program to require submission of electronic courtesy briefs to the Utah Supreme Court and the Utah Court of Appeals. Standing Order No. 8 is effective May 15, 2008. Questions or inquiries should be directed to Sue Willis, deputy court clerk, Utah Supreme Court, 801-578-3900. View Standing Order No. 8 at the following link: http://www.utcourts.gov/resources/rules/urap/supctso.htm#8

Summary of amendments

Rules Governing the Utah State Bar

USB 14-1001. IOLTA. Amend. Clarifies the formula for determining whether the net income from investing client funds exceeds the cost of doing so. Directs the Utah Bar Foundation to determine whether an institution is eligible for deposits. Establishes the criteria to be an eligible institution. Restricts deposits to eligible institutions and defines the types of accounts permitted. Establishes sanctions and procedures if a lawyer fails to report annually.

WHAT: To make way for construction of the new St. George City Courthouse, a track hoe will begin demolition of the former West Elementary School building. This will be a nice photo opportunity.

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF UTAH OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE LOCAL RULES

The Court has released proposed amendments to local rules of practice for public comment. The text of the proposed rules are available on the court's website (http://www.utd.uscourts.gov/documents/local_amendments.html) or you may request a copy from the Office of the Clerk of Court by calling 801-524-6121. Comments may be submitted by email to Louise_York@utd.uscourts.gov or in writing to the Office of the Clerk, attention: Louise York, 350 S. Main St., Rm 150, Salt Lake City, UT 84101. The comment period ends on June 2, 2008.