The Utah Supreme Court is currently accepting applications for three key committees, with positions available for both attorneys and public members. This is an opportunity to contribute to the ethical and professional standards of the Utah legal system. Applications are due by November 25th. Apply here.

Ethics and Discipline Committee

• Vacancies: 5 attorney positions, 1 public member position
• Role: The Ethics and Discipline Committee reviews cases concerning potential violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct by attorneys, as presented by the Office of Professional Conduct. Comprised of four panels, the Committee holds hearings about five times annually, typically on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Panel members are expected to review case files, participate in hearings, and contribute to decision-making processes. Additionally, panel chairs and vice chairs oversee hearings, draft decisions, and, when needed, prepare findings of fact and conclusions of law.
• Commitment: Includes one training session and one general member meeting per year, usually held in January at the Utah Law & Justice Center.
• Requirements: Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to professional ethics. Public members should have an interest in upholding professionalism in the legal field. Appointments will begin in January 2025 and last for three years.
• Contact: Beth Kennedy at chair@utahethicscomm.org. More information here.

Oversight Committee for the Office of Professional Conduct

• Vacancies: 3 attorney positions
• Role: Governed by Rule 11-503, this Committee supports reforms in attorney discipline, as directed by the Utah Supreme Court, and provides ongoing oversight of the Office of Professional Conduct.
• Commitment: The Committee meets according to members’ availability.
• Contact: Amber Griffith at amberg@utcourts.gov. More information here.

Legal Services Innovation Committee

• Vacancies: 3 positions available for attorneys or public members
• Role: This Committee assists in regulating approved legal service providers and entities within the Supreme Court’s Sandbox initiative, as per Standing Order 15. Responsibilities include responding to complaints, reviewing Sandbox applications, recommending policy changes, and providing monthly reports to the Utah Supreme Court.
• Commitment: The Committee meets monthly on the third Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. Meetings are hybrid, with in-person attendance at the Matheson Courthouse.
• Contact: Andrea Donohue at ADonahue@utahbar.org. More information here.

For general inquiries about committee service, contact Nick Stiles at Nicks@utcourts.gov. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful impact in Utah’s legal community.