Utah Supreme Court Nominees Announced | | |
The Appellate Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for two vacancies on the Utah Supreme Court. These positions were created by the Legislature during the 2026 Legislative Session.
The nominees for the vacancies are:
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Christopher Ballard, General Counsel and Chief of Staff, Utah County Attorney’s Office;
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Christopher Bates, Shareholder, Kirton McConkie;
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Matthew Bates, Judge, Third District Court;
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Matthew Bell, Judge, Fifth District Court;
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Samuel Chiara, Judge, Eighth District Court;
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Stephen Dent, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office;
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William Hains, Deputy Division Director, Criminal Appeals, Office of the Attorney General;
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Jay Jorgensen, Senior Counsel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints;
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Derek Pullan, Judge, Fourth District Court;
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Stanford Purser, Solicitor General, Office of the Attorney General;
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Eldred Rawson, Judge, Second District Court;
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Ryan Tenney, Judge, Utah Court of Appeals.
Written comments can be submitted to the Appellate Judicial Nominating Commission at judicialvacancies@utah.gov or Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, P.O. Box 142330, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2330. The deadline for written comments is noon May 10, 2026.
| | 4th District Court Nominees + SLC Justice Court Position | | |
The Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission has selected the following nominees:
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Joshua Esplin, Assistant Director/Trial Attorney, Utah County Public Defenders Association;
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Brian Miller, Deputy County Attorney, Utah County Attorney’s Office;
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Samuel Pead, Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office;
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Meagan Rudd, Partner/Attorney, The Rudd Firm P.C.;
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Ryan Stack, Deputy County Attorney/Prosecuting Attorney, Summit County.
Email comments: judicialvacancies@utah.gov
or write to the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, P.O. Box 142330, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2330. The deadline is noon May 11, 2026.
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Applications are now being accepted for a full-time justice court judge position to serve Salt Lake City. The successful candidate will fill a new position recently approved by the Utah Judicial Council.
To be considered for a justice court judgeship in Salt Lake County, candidates must be at least 25 years of age, a U.S. citizen, a Utah resident for at least three years, and have a degree from a law school that
would make one eligible to
apply for admission to a bar in
any state in the United States. In addition, applicants must be a resident of Salt Lake County or an adjacent county either upon appointment or before taking the bench.
The salary range for the position is $200,210.40 per year and includes benefits.
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Utah State Bar Happenings
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Volunteer Attorneys Needed
The Bar's Young Lawyers Division is hosting a Wills for Heroes clinic in Park City. This impactful event provides essential estate planning documents, including living wills, to first responders, veterans, and active military personnel.
Your time and expertise can make a lasting difference for those who serve our communities and country. The event takes place on Saturday, May 30th. Click here to volunteer.
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2026 Summer Convention Awards
The Board of Bar Commissioners is accepting nominations for the Summer Convention Awards. These awards recognize individuals and groups who have made meaningful contributions to the legal profession.
Nominations are due by Monday, June 1, 2026. To view past recipients and submit a nomination, click here.
Award categories include:
- Judge of the Year
- Lawyer of the Year
- Section of the Year
- Committee of the Year
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