Utah State Bar News & Announcements

I want to offer an earnest “thank you” to the wonderful attorneys and paralegals who graciously gave of their time and expertise at the free legal clinic last week at the St. Vincent de Paul Community Center. On a cold and snowy day, we served a hardy hot lunch and distributed mittens to hundreds of homeless and low income people and we remained at the Center well into the afternoon, providing free legal assistance to 50-60 individuals. Local newspapers and television news acknowledged our efforts. http://webster.utahbar.org/news/2009/10/ksl_news_attorneys_volunteer_t.html
Thanks to our event co-chairs, Candice Vogel and Dave Hall.

Try to always have a pro bono case. You will be a hero to someone. Rule 6.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct establishes an aspirational goal of 50 hours per year or a contribution in the equivalent of ten dollars per hour to organizations that represent our needy, such as “…and Justice for All.” Pro Bono work provides additional benefits for those of us who are currently underemployed to stay involved

The Supreme Court and the Judicial Council invite comments to proposed amendments to the following court rules. The comment period for URAP 15 expires December 7, 2009, and the comment period for Rule 4-404 and the Petition to Increase Bar Admission Fees expires January 4, 2010.

Summary of proposed amendments

Petition to Increase Bar Admission Fees.
There are no rule changes involved, but the Supreme Court invites comments on this proposal.

Code of Judicial Administration
CJA 04-0404. Jury selection and service. Amend. Provide for biannual jury analysis to the Judicial Council in October rather than August.

Rules of Appellate Procedure
URAP 15. Petitions for review in tax cases. New. Provides for stay of a tax appeal in the Supreme Court if case is also before the district court on a petition for judicial review. This rule is being published for comment for a second time after substantial revisions. In order for the Supreme Court to act before the end of the year, the comment period closes December 7, 2009.

How to view redline text of the proposed amendments

To see proposed rule amendments and submit comments, click on this link to: http://www.utcourts.gov/resources/rules/comments/. Then click on the rule number.

How to submit comments

You can comment and view the comments of others by clicking on the "comments" link associated with each body of rules. It's more efficient for us if you submit comments through the website, and we encourage you to do so. After clicking on the comment link, you will be prompted for your name, which we request, and your email address and URL, which are optional. This is a public site. If you do not want to disclose your email address, omit it. Time does not permit us to acknowledge comments, but all will be considered.

Submit comments directly through the website or to:

Tim Shea
Email: tims@email.utcourts.gov Please include the comment in the message text, not in an attachment.
Fax: 801-578-3843
Administrative Office of the Courts
POB 140241
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-0241

One method of submitting a comment is sufficient.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 20, 2009
Contact: Nancy Volmer
(801) 578-3994
Cell: (801) 712-4545

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR COURT OF APPEALS COURT VACANCY

Salt Lake City, UT---The Court of Appeals Nominating Commission has selected seven nominees for a vacancy on the Court of Appeals bench. The position will replace Judge Pamela Greenwood who will retire Dec. 31, 2009.

The nominees are listed as follows: Judge Michele Christiansen, of Salt Lake City, 3rd District Court Judge; Judge David M. Connors, of Farmington, 2nd District Court Judge; Judge David N. Mortensen, of Springville, 4th District Court Judge; Paul T. Moxley, of Alta, partner, Parsons Kinghorn Harris; Judge Anthony B. Quinn, of Salt Lake City, 3rd District Court Judge; Judge Stephen L. Roth, of Salt Lake City, 3rd District Court Judge; and Jeannette F. Swent, of Salt Lake City, chief, Civil Division, U.S. Attorney’s Office.

A 10-day public comment period will be held before the names are submitted to Gov. Gary Herbert. Court of Appeals Nominating Commission Chair Mr. Gayle McKeachnie is accepting written comments regarding the nominees at the Administrative Office of the Courts, P.O. Box 140241, Salt Lake City, UT, 84114-0241. The deadline for written comments is Nov. 30, 2009, by 5 p.m.

The commission may request further interviews or an investigation of the nominees after reviewing public comments. After the public comment period, the names will be sent to the Governor who has 30 days to select a candidate. The Governor’s nominee is then forwarded to the Senate Confirmation Committee, which reviews the nominee’s qualifications and conducts a public hearing and interview session. The Senate Confirmation Committee will forward the final nominee to the Utah State Senate, which has 60 days from the Governor’s nomination to confirm the nominee.

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Nancy Volmer
Public Information Office
Utah State Courts
nancyv@email.utcourts.gov
(801) 578-3994
(801) 712-4545
Fax: (801) 578-3843
www.utcourts.gov
"Utah's courts are committed to open, fair, and independent justice."