Click the video below for Tyler's 90-second message on the upcoming year at the Bar, which includes succession planning resources.

We applaud and thank Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant as he concludes more than a quarter century of distinguished judicial service on Monday, August 31.

Durrant was appointed to the Utah Supreme Court in January 2000 by Gov. Michael O. Leavitt after serving on Utah’s Third District Court. In 2012, his fellow justices selected him to serve as Chief Justice, a role he has held for 14 years. He retires as the longest-serving Chief Justice in Utah history.

Throughout his tenure, Durrant has been a steadfast advocate for an independent, accessible, and trusted judiciary. He championed technology and modernization of Utah’s courts, expanded efforts to improve access to justice, and worked to strengthen professionalism and civility within the legal profession.

He also made attorney well-being a priority. Following a 2019 report highlighting well-being challenges within Utah’s legal profession, Durrant helped launch a task force focused on addressing those concerns and advancing the well-being of Utah’s legal community.

His leadership extended nationally as well, including service as President of the Conference of Chief Justices.

We thank Chief Justice Durrant for his decades of leadership, service, and commitment to Utah’s judiciary and legal profession, and wish him well in retirement.

Gov. Spencer J. Cox announced three judicial appointments on Aug. 28: Judge Matthew L. Bell and Michael R. Menssen to the Utah Supreme Court, and Elizabeth “Liz” Butler to the Third Judicial District Court. Bell, presiding judge of the Fifth Judicial District, brings extensive experience in state and federal public service, including nine years as an assistant U.S. attorney and prior service with the U.S. Department of Justice. Menssen is a partner at Mayer Brown LLP in Salt Lake City whose practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, labor and employment law, and appeals. He also has held leadership roles with local legal aid organizations and has been recognized for his pro bono service.



Butler, appointed to fill the Third District Court vacancy created by Judge Hruby-Mills’ retirement, is a shareholder and co-chair of the Litigation Department at Parsons Behle & Latimer, where she oversees more than 100 attorneys across the Mountain West. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and volunteers with Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue. All three appointments are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate, beginning with review and hearings before the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee.

Through the Bar’s Decisis Legal Research partnership, Utah attorneys now have a trusted AI Resource Hub to explore how generative AI is shaping the future of legal practice. This new resource offers tools, education, and insights to help lawyers work smarter and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving profession. You get access to Lexis+ AI through your Practice Portal and a special licensee benefit of a 15% discount as a new Lexis+ AI subscriber.