Utah State Bar November eBulletin
Litigation Section Honors Judges with Annual Judicial Excellence Awards
In October, members of the Bar's Litigation Section gathered in Moab to recognize members of Utah's judiciary. The annual event, which the section started in 2015, recognizes outstanding judges for excellence in the performance of their duties. Additionally, the event honors the Litigation Section's Litigator of the Year with the "Litigator's Cup."

The sold-out event featured a day of CLE events including a panel on ethical considerations in court advocacy and summary of Supreme Court cases by Judge Matthew Bates. 
 
This year's honorees were: Presiding Judge Jennifer A. Brown, Judge Samuel P. Chiara, Presiding Judge Michael A. DiReda, Presiding Judge Angela A. Fonnesbeck, Judge Ryan M. Harris, Judge Noel S. Hyde, Judge Barry G. Lawrence, Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen, Justice Paige Petersen, Judge Kara L. Pettit, Judge Derek P. Pullan, Judge Laura S. Scott, and Judge Todd M. Shaughnessy. This year's "Litigator's Cup" was awarded to Edwin Wall for his outstanding service to the community. Congratulations to the winners of this year's awards!

On Saturday the Litigation Section became the “Jeeping Section” with participants taking to the red rock country around Moab for three separate Jeep Safaris. With a sold-out crowd the event required jeeps from two separate outfitters in town. Those new to jeeping took a nice tour that included Gemini Bridges and Long Canyon. Those who wanted more challenge found it on the Klondike Trails outside of Arches National Park. Ten jeeps and two guides braved the many elements found on Seven Mile Rim. All jeeps and participants returned unscathed. 

This event is just one of many offered by the various sections of the Bar. If you’re not active in a section, make sure to take a look at the things the sections are doing. There’s a plethora of great events in every area of law, from family to IP to litigation. Every section has something to offer you as a Utah attorney. Check the  list of Bar sections to find the most relevant to your practice and join today. You’ll be glad you did.

On another note, the announcement of the retirement of Justice Deno Himonas is making news nationally. Justice Himonas is a nationally recognized voice for improving access to justice, and his leadership has brought Utah to the forefront of legal reform. In his resignation letter, Justice Himonas noted that he was especially proud of the Court’s effort in creating the “world’s first legal regulatory sandbox” to address the access to justice gap. Thank you, Justice Himonas, for your years of service on the bench and best wishes in your future endeavors.

Hope to see you all at the Bar Review coming up on November 18. See details below, and don’t forget to bring a donation of socks and/or gloves to donate to the family shelter!
Registration is Now Open for the Utah State Bar Fall Forum, Starting November 18!
The Bar's 2021 Fall Forum will be held virtually only, beginning November 18. The program is made up of eight virtual sessions, one each week, with the program ending January 27. Registration is now open, with five regular e-verified CLE credits, two professionalism and civility credits and one ethics credit. Contact the CLE department with any questions. Special thanks to the Fall Forum Co-chairs, Judge Su Chon of the Third District Court and Michael Stahler of the Utah Attorney General's Office.
Bar Commission Election Nominations Open for Second, Third and Fifth Divisions
Nominations to the office of Bar Commissioner are hereby solicited for:

• One member from the Second Division
(Davis, Morgan and Weber Counties)
• Two members from the Third Division
(Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele
Counties)
• One member from the Fifth Division
(Beaver, Iron and Washington Counties)

Each commissioner will serve a three year term. Terms will begin in July 2022.
 
To be eligible for the office of Commissioner from a division, the nominee's business mailing address must be in that division as shown by the records of the Bar. Applicants must be nominated by a written petition of ten or more members of the Bar in good standing whose business mailing addresses are in the division from which the election is to be held. Nominating petitions are available here.  Completed petitions must be submitted to Christy Abad, Executive Assistant, no later than February 1, 2022 by 5 p.m.
Life-Altering Events: Prepare Now to Protect Your Practice, Clients and Family
Life-altering events like significant illness, freak accidents, or other kinds of impairments can unexpectedly derail your practice.

While it’s hard to think about the unpredictable happening, it can happen to any one of us at any time.

We are here to help you prepare.  Join us for an interactive session with a panel of legal, ethical, human resources, insurance, solo practice, malpractice, general-counsel, and well-being experts to discuss how to plan ahead to protect your practice, colleagues, and family if such an event arises, and to explore strategies, resources, and support available to legal professionals during a time of need. Listen to Martha Knudson's most recent podcast to learn more.
Young Lawyers Division Announces Upcoming Activities
The Young Lawyers Division of the Utah State Bar is excited to sponsor and collaborate with a variety of organizations for a number of great events in the coming months. Hope to see you there!
 
First Generation Law Society 3L networking event— Thursday, November 11, 5:00-7:00pm at Kirton McConkie.

Utah Defense Lawyers Association Mediation Academy— full-day intensive mediation training geared towards young lawyers, Friday, November 12, 2021, registration link. 
 
Wills for Heroes— November 13, 2021 for the next Wills for Heroes event sponsored by the Young Lawyers Division and in partnership with the Davis County Fraternal Order of Police.
 
Utah Minority Law Caucus Scholarship Banquet— The 2021 Scholarship & Awards Banquet will be Tuesday, November 16th at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held in-person at the Salt Lake Marriott at City Creek located at 75 South West Temple in downtown Salt Lake City.
Have You Checked Out Beneplace's Member Benefit Offerings?
For many years, the Utah State Bar has partnered with Beneplace Employee Discount Services to provide Bar members with discounts on everything from travel to new car purchases. You can learn more about this great service by watching this video.

Additionally, the Utah State Bar has organized a Marketplace consisting of vendors offering services to Bar Licensees. These services are designed to help you in your practice. If you have questions or need additional information, please visit the Marketplace or contact the Utah State Bar.