For 28 years, I have benefitted from those who have sacrificed a portion of their practices to serve in the administration of the Bar. As a long-time recipient of those benefits, I feel an obligation to offer to contribute.  I’ve therefore thrown my hat into the ring as a candidate for Bar Commissioner of the Third Division.

I received a B.A. from the University of Utah and a J.D. from the University of Puget Sound.  I’ve been a member of the Utah State Bar and Salt Lake County Bar since 1984.

With the exception of the first six months of my career when I mistakenly believed my calling was tax and business planning, my practice has been in commercial litigation in the private sector.  I started with McKay, Burton, Thurman & Condie (1984-1991), founded and practiced at Stirba & Hathaway from 1991 to 2002, and joined Kirton McConkie in 2002, where I have served as Chair of the firm’s Business Litigation Section and on its Board of Directors.

I’ve participated in the Bar’s Litigation, Construction and ADR Sections, assisting in areas of policy making and continuing education.  Since 2004, I have served on the board of the Federal Bar Association’s Utah Chapter and most recently as its 2010-11 president.  This last year I was also honored to have been invited to serve as a mentor in the Utah Supreme Court’s and Bar’s mentoring program.

These practice associations have helped me to understand the diverse needs of Bar members from solo practitioners to attorneys in large firms in various fields of the profession.  I have learned that service as a Bar Commissioner needs to be informed by the best interest of its members, as well as the best interests of the Bar.

Over the years, it has been my privilege to have appeared in every district court in the state.  It has also been my honor to have argued before both the Utah Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.  I am most appreciative for those experiences, along with those from my practice in the Federal District Court and Tenth Circuit, all of which have imbued me with an acute appreciation for an independent judiciary.

 
Given the opportunity, my commitment is to defend that separation of powers, and to ensure that mandatory membership in the Utah State Bar continues to add value to its members’ practice.

Thank you.

Return to Candidates >>>