The Bar’s election process gives attorneys throughout the state a voice in the regulation of the practice of law in Utah.
The Board of Bar Commissioners for the State Bar of Utah consists of at least 13 but no more than 15 voting members, including 11 elected lawyers and two non-lawyers appointed by the Supreme Court.
The elected lawyer Commissioners are elected by the active licensees of the Bar whose official business address on record is in the division the Commissioner represents.
The 11 elected lawyer commissioners represent the following Divisions:
The terms of office are staggered, with each Commissioner serving a three-year term.
With regard to the open Bar Commission seats, Rule 14-205(h)(5) of the Bar’s bylaws states, “[i]f an insufficient number of nominating petitions are filed to require balloting in a division, the person or persons nominated must be declared elected”
Having served as a Bar Commissioner for several years, I am honored to run for President of the Utah State Bar. During my time as a commissioner, I have had the privilege of working with some of the best attorneys, judges, and legal minds in the state to make our profession stronger
One of the most interesting—and sometimes controversial—initiatives I have been involved in as a commissioner the Utah Sandbox (a.k.a. Utah Office of Legal Services Innovation). In fact, I committed to address this initiative when I first ran for the Bar Commission. Through ongoing collaboration with the Utah Supreme Court and committees of attorneys from diverse practice areas, I believe the Sandbox has improved. Our collective efforts have helped shape important changes to the Sandbox that better protect clients while still allowing us to explore ways to close the access-to-justice gap.
Moving forward, I am also gearing up to work with the Utah Legislature on proposed legislation that could shake up the practice of law in big ways. Lawyers need a seat at the table in these discussions, and I will do everything in my power to make sure we are heard loud and clear.
As a lawyer outside of Salt Lake City, I know how easy it is for attorneys in rural areas to feel disconnected from Bar functions. One of my big goals is to change that by facilitating monthly events in places like Moab, Richfield, Cedar City, Vernal, Price, Logan, and beyond. If you are an attorney in one of these areas and want to help coordinate a CLE luncheon (or just want an excuse to catch up with other lawyers over lunch), please reach out to me and let’s make it happen!
And now, a serious question: What would happen to your cases if you died? Do you have a plan? If not, you are not alone. Many lawyers do not have a plan, and that is a problem. Some states, like Michigan, have implemented succession planning programs to help attorneys prepare for the unexpected. My goal is to get a similar program in place for Utah lawyers by the end of my term in 2027.
At the end of the day, my focus is simple: strengthen our profession, protect the public, and ensure that the Bar supports attorneys in ways that matter. I am excited for the road ahead! I look forward to working with all of you to keep pushing things forward.
Uncontested Election: According to the Utah State Bar bylaws, “In the event an insufficient number of nominating petitions are filed to require balloting in a division, the person or persons nominated shall be declared elected.”
Matt Hansen is running uncontested in the Second Division and will therefore be declared elected.
Dear Colleagues:
I appreciate the opportunity to represent the Second Division on the Utah State Bar Commission. I have had the great honor to have worked with many of you throughout my career. Currently, I am a Deputy Davis County Attorney.
I hold in high regard all of those that have volunteered their time and worked so hard to help build the Utah Bar. The Bar does have several challenges. These challenges include a membership of diverse practice areas, vast geographic separation, and generational differences. As the legal profession grows in numbers and evolves with technology, we will have additional questions to consider.
Despite these challenges, the Utah Bar also has some amazing strengths. We have exceptional judges and court staff throughout the state. Similarly, when lawyers are provided an opportunity to work in a professional and collegial atmosphere, they can be a force for good in our community and state. I am proud of what is accomplished everyday by lawyers advocating for their clients and making a difference where they work and reside. I see our upcoming challenges as a great opportunity for our Bar and lawyers generally to prosper and excel. I think the Utah Bar can be an exceptional tool for our profession going forward. I hope to be a part of that process.
I would appreciate your support.
Matt Hansen
I was honored to be appointed to the Utah Bar Commission in January and am seeking your support to retain my seat in the 2025 election. As a dedicated family law attorney, I have spent my career providing ethical, competent, and compassionate legal representation to families in conflict. Serving on the Bar Commission allows me to advocate for the legal profession at large.
Over the past 15 years, I have navigated the challenges of building and growing a small firm focused on custody, divorce, child advocacy, adoption, and more. I have contributed to the community through leadership roles in organizations such as the Utah Adoption Council and the Children’s Service Society, as well as consistently providing pro bono services to underserved populations.
As Bar Commissioner, I will continue advocating for innovation, inclusivity, and enhanced member support. I am committed to addressing the evolving needs of attorneys, particularly in solo and small firms, by championing mentorship, mental health resources, and ethical adoption of AI technology. I believe in proactive leadership and fostering a diverse, accessible, and forward-thinking legal profession. I humbly ask for your support in this election.
Over my 23 years of practicing law in Utah I handle criminal cases, civil rights cases against the police, civil rights cases against schools, consumer case against debt buyers, collectors, and predatory lenders, and other litigation matters. I am dedicated to advocating for real people in every case I handle. My work puts me in direct contact with the challenges faced by individuals seeking justice, as well as the struggles attorneys encounter in balancing life and managing the increasing burdens of legal practice. Throughout my career, I work alongside community action groups and great people protecting individual rights and ensuring access to justice for all. Now, I am seeking to bring this level of dedication, advocacy, and problem-solving to the Utah State Bar Commission.
The Utah State Bar is evolving. As a commissioner, I advocate for practical reforms benefitting attorneys and the people we serve in these times. I propose a conversation about the implementation of flat fee payment exceptions, up to a specific amount. This initiative protects clients from runaway fees for minor matters. Simultaneously, this reform will help small and solo firms by reducing clerical burdens and administrative costs. By allowing for reasonable flat fee exceptions, we create a win-win situation for both attorneys and consumers.
Another aspect of my platform advocates for expanded multi-day CLE (Continuing Legal Education) opportunities sponsored by the Bar. Currently, many attorneys earn CLE credits in scattered, online, one-hour increments, often interrupting their daily workflow and making it difficult to engage meaningfully with the material. I propose an increase in Bar sponsored multi-day CLE programs, where attorneys can immerse themselves in legal education, connect with colleagues, and gain valuable insights without distractions. Longer CLE sessions foster a stronger sense of professional community, giving members of the Utah State Bar an opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and build beneficial networks.
Lastly, as a solo practitioner, I fully understand the critical need for a strong succession plan. As a commissioner, I will advocate for the continued development of a Bar-supported framework to safeguard clients and ensure case continuity. This plan should clearly define eligibility criteria for succession attorneys, outline their responsibilities, establish a roster of willing attorneys categorized by practice area and experience level, and provide guidance on succession attorney fees—all to create a seamless transition that upholds professional and ethical standards.
The Utah legal community deserves a strong advocate on the Bar Commission—one who understands the challenges of the profession and is committed to finding meaningful solutions. I am ready to work on your behalf, ensuring that Utah attorneys and their clients receive the fairness, transparency, and professional support they deserve.
I ask for your support and your vote. Together, we can build a better Utah State Bar for all.
Uncontested Election: According to the Utah State Bar bylaws, “In the event an insufficient number of nominating petitions are filed to require balloting in a division, the person or persons nominated shall be declared elected.”
Tom Bayles is running uncontested in the Fifth Division and will therefore be declared elected.
Dear Colleagues,
The legal profession is constantly evolving, and as attorneys, we must evolve with it. Whether we are adapting to new technology, managing client expectations, or navigating changes in the law, success in this field requires innovation, collaboration, and strong leadership. That’s why I am seeking re-election as your Fifth Division Bar Commissioner.
As a practicing attorney and founder of ProvenLaw, PLLC, I understand the daily realities of running a firm, managing cases, and balancing professional responsibilities. I am particularly committed to helping attorneys—especially those in small firms—gain access to the tools and resources they need to operate efficiently while providing top-tier client service.
I look forward to continuing to focus on:
Law is a profession, but it is also a business, and we must ensure that our members are equipped to navigate both aspects successfully. I welcome your thoughts on how we can continue improving our legal community—please reach out at tom@provenlaw.com.
I appreciate your vote and the opportunity to continue serving you.
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 may be obtained from the Utah State Bar website by downloading the nominating_petition.
Completed petitions must be submitted to Elizabeth Wright, Executive Director, no later than close of business at 5:00 p.m. MST on February 1st of the year of the election.
In order to reduce out-of-pocket costs and encourage candidates, the Bar will provide the following services at no cost:
If you have any questions concerning this procedure, please contact Elizabeth Wright at (801) 531-9077 or at director@utahbar.org.
The Bar uses an online voting system. A website link, along with a login and passcode to access the online election system will be supplied to eligible voters via an email sent to your email address of record. Please review your bar record on your private account page located at https://services.utahbar.org to confirm the accuracy of your email address information. (If you do not have your login information please contact Onlinesupport@utahbar.org and your information will be sent to your email address of record.)
To help ensure that you receive your ballot please review your spam filters and email allow list the independent election service provider skypunch.tech.
If you do not receive your electronic ballot and would like to vote online please send an email to Onlinesupport@utahbar.org and they will assist you in receiving a ballot.
Online balloting will begin on or about April 1 and conclude April 15.
An email reminder will be sent from electionsonline.us 7 days after the beginning of the election along with a link to the ballot and the passcode. (Again, please take a moment to set any spam filtering technology on your email to allow email from skypunch.tech.
Upon request, the Bar will provide a traditional paper ballot. Please contact Christy Abad at adminasst@utahbar.org.
If you do not receive a ballot email, please take the following steps:
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