Salt Lake City (April 11, 2025) – The Utah State Bar is pleased to announce that Michelle M. Oldroyd, Director of Professional Education, Outreach, and External Relations, has been honored with the Spirit of Quinney Award by the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. This prestigious award recognizes her dedication to public service, commitment to civic engagement, and unwavering passion for advancing the rule of law.

“To have my name mentioned in the same sentence as Joe Quinney, regarding the quality and rigor of my lawyering, is a deep honor, by which I am very humbled. I have such gratitude for what S.J. Quinney has provided for me - not just a platform for my career, but tremendous relationships, treasured colleagues to learn from, and opportunities to give back to our legal community; so I am grateful to my alma mater for recognizing my work and my contribution,” said Oldroyd.

Born just outside of Washington, D.C., Oldroyd’s early life revolved around her parents’ careers in federal government and public education, instilling in her a strong sense of service. After moving to Utah, she discovered a passion for civic education, a calling that ultimately shaped her legal career. She went on to earn her Juris Doctorate at S.J. Quinney and has since become a well-regarded voice in professional education, ethics, and inclusion for the legal community.

At the Bar, Oldroyd develops high impact Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses, partners with higher education institutions, and provides strategic outreach to strengthen ties between the bar, the judiciary, and local communities.

“Michelle Oldroyd truly deserves the Spirit of Quinney Award for her unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to the legal profession and our wider community. As a colleague, she exemplifies the values of collaboration, kindness, and integrity. Michelle consistently goes above and beyond to support her team, always willing to lend a helping hand and offer thoughtful insights,” said Lydia Kane, assistant CLE director. “Her positive attitude and enthusiasm create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and heard, enabling ideas to flourish. Michelle's ability to balance professionalism with warmth makes her an outstanding colleague, and her impact is felt throughout the entire legal community. This recognition is a testament to the positive influence she has on those around her.”

Prior to her current role, Oldroyd served as Director of the Utah Commission on Civic and Character Education within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. She was also a Staff Attorney for the U.S. District Court in Utah, mediating complex litigation and overseeing press relations for high-profile trials. Honored throughout her career, Oldroyd has been named a UCCR Peacekeeper, earned the Scott M. Matheson Award for law-related education and was listed among Utah’s Legal Elite.

“Michelle’s work exemplifies the highest ideals of our profession,” said Bar Executive Director Elizabeth Wright. “Her dedication to public service, her passion for teaching, and her willingness to mentor new attorneys make her a worthy recipient of this important award.”