At the 6th Annual Access to Justice Summit, Nathanael Player was honored for his outstanding contributions to the legal community and his tireless efforts to increase access to justice in Utah. Former Chief Justice Christine Durham, a long-time advocate for expanding legal access, bestowed the inaugural award to Player on behalf of the Access to Justice Commission.

As the director of the Utah State Courts’ Self-Help Center, Nathanael has been instrumental in providing free legal guidance and support to thousands of individuals struggling to navigate the complexities of Utah’s legal system. His work has not only helped individuals in need but has also strengthened the broader legal community’s efforts to ensure equal access to justice for all.

During the award presentation, Chief Justice Durham commended Nathanael for his dedication to helping underserved communities and highlighted his past work in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., where he represented low-income tenants facing eviction and oversaw hundreds of cases. Nathanael’s leadership and experience have been pivotal in shaping the Self-Help Center’s success and its critical role in the Utah legal system.

In addition to recognizing Nathanael Player, Chief Justice Durham, who has been a staunch advocate for justice throughout her career, was also celebrated at the Summit. She, along with Bonnie Rivera from Utah Legal Services and Brooke Robinson from Timpanogos Legal Center, received bouquets of flowers in recognition of their outstanding work and dedication to the Access to Justice Commission. Their combined efforts have played a key role in expanding access to legal services across the state, and their impact on the legal community continues to inspire those working toward greater equity in the justice system.

This year’s Summit highlighted the remarkable progress made in Utah’s access to justice initiatives, and Nathanael Player, along with these dedicated leaders, exemplify the spirit of service and advocacy that defines the mission of the Access to Justice Commission