Share your photos to be used here by emailing communications@utahbar.org

President's Message

I'm Cara Tangaro, your new President of the Utah State Bar Commission. My more than 20-year journey in the legal profession has been diverse. I served as a prosecutor for seven years before transitioning to defense work in 2008, and I am the small business owner of Tangaro Law. I am in courtrooms across the state of Utah on average 10-15 times per week, gaining firsthand experience and insights that I bring to my role as your Commission President.

One role that I am particularly honored to have fulfilled is serving as an original member of the Wellness Committee and Co-Chair with Justice Peterson. For several years I advocated for well-being support services to enhance our professional lives and support our practices. One result of this effort was partnering with Tava Health for free, confidential mental health and therapy access for all Bar licensees and their family members. I am always searching for other ways to incorporate personal wellness into practice. My goal is to encourage mentorships, make our CLE events more accessible and comprehensive, and facilitate discussions about both the struggles and rewards of the practice of law.

Additional licensee benefits are:

1. Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Access to high-quality CLE programs and resources to stay updated on legal developments.

2. Professional Networking: Opportunities to connect with fellow attorneys, judges, and legal professionals through events and section meetings.

3. Legal Resources: Comprehensive legal research tools, publications, and practice management resources.

4. Advocacy and Representation: The Bar advocates for our interests at both state and national levels.

5. Ethics and Professional Responsibility: Guidance and support on ethical matters, including advisory opinions and a dedicated ethics hotline that can be reached by emailing ethicshotline@utahbar.org.

6. Public Service Opportunities: Encouragement and facilitation of pro bono work and public service initiatives.

7. Benefits and Discounts: Exclusive discounts on services and products to support your practice and personal well-being.

My commitment to our profession is unwavering, and that includes serving as your Commission President. I am dedicated to enhancing the practice of law in our state, advocating for the interests of all attorneys, and ensuring that our legal system remains just and equitable.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the legal profession. I look forward to working together to achieve great things for the Utah State Bar.

What's New at the Bar?

The Utah Hispanic Bar Association has been officially established. It's primary goal is to support Latino legal professionals in Utah and address the legal needs of the Latin America community.

Membership is open to any eligible licensee of the Utah State Bar, who can join through the Bar’s online Practice Portal during the renewal period or any time thereafter.

The new membership dues are set at an affordable $20. Email Javier Chavez, Jr. if you have questions.

Specialty Bars are a way for lawyers to connect with others who share their interests and to further their professional development in a specific area of law. You can find a list of all the regional and specialty Bars by clicking on the button below.

Regional & Specialty Bars

Beth Kennedy - New Chair of the Ethics & Discipline Committee

After clerking for Chief Justice Durrant, Beth worked as an appellate lawyer for more than a decade at Zimmerman Booher. Recently, she also served as Ethics Counsel at the Utah State Bar. She is active in the legal community, including serving as a Bar Commissioner and as President of Women Lawyers of Utah.

Try Decisis Today

We are moving away from Fastcase to Decisis, a new legal research tool now available to all licensees. Fastcase will no longer be available after August 30, 2024.

Online Licensing

The window for online license renewal for Active, Inactive, and Current status lawyers runs through August 31st. A late fee will be assessed if renewal is not complete and payment received by July 31st.

New Bar Commissioners

The Utah Supreme Court has delegated to the Utah State Bar Commission many responsibilities, including advancement of the administration of justice, and fostering and maintaining the integrity, learning competence, public service, and high standards of conduct among Utah lawyers.

Join us in welcoming the newly elected officers who will be sworn into office at the Annual Meeting on July 12th at 3:00 p.m., at the Utah Law & Justice Center.

Cara Tangaro – Bar President
Kim Cordova – President-elect
Christian Clinger – 3^rd Division
Miriam Allred – 3^rd Division
Olivia Shaughnessy – 3^rd Division

Re-elected Commissioners

Chrystal Mancuso-Smith – 3^rd Division
Tyler Young – 4^th Division

Award Winners

Judge of the Year

Section of the Year

Committee of the Year

Character & Fitness

Committee

Mandatory Online Licensing

Additional information on licensing policies, procedures, and guidelines can be found on our website. Click the button below.

Additional Information

The annual Utah State Bar online licensing renewal process has begun. An email containing the necessary steps to renew online was sent on June 3rd.

The Bar accepts all major credit cards. Payment can also be made by ACH/E-check. NO PAPER CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Your renewal and fee payment must be received by July 31st to avoid a $100 late fee. If your renewal is not complete and fees paid before September 1st, your license will be suspended.

To receive support for your online renewal, please contact us either by email at onlinesupport@utahbar.org. You may also call call 801-297-7023.

Latest Bar Blogs

The Fourth District Judicial Nominating Commission has selected nominees for a vacancy on the Fourth District Court. This position results from the

completion of Judge Robert Lund’s term, effective Jan. 5, 2025.

Nominee Info

The Business and Chancery Judicial Nominating

Commission has selected nominees for a vacancy on the Business and Chancery Court. This

position was created by the Legislature during the 2024 Legislative Session.

Applications are now being accepted for the position of judge of the Eighth District Court.

This position results from the retirement of Judge Clark McClellan, December 31, 2024. The application deadline is July 29, 2024.

Submit Application

Last Chance to RSVP

SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE! Email Aubrey Schade at aschade@utahbar.org

Are you coming to the Annual Meeting & Summer Social?

LOCATION

Utah Law & Justice Center, 645 S. 200 East

DATE AND TIME

07/12/24 3:00pm - 07/12/24 7:00pm US/Mountain

The Annual Meeting begins at 3:00 pm. You must RSVP by July 9th! Click the image or the headline to submit your attendance.

I'll Be There!

I Can't Make It

Job Opportunity

We are seeking an Ethics Counsel to manage the Bar’s Ethics Hotline. The Bar’s Ethics Counsel serves in the Office of General Counsel. The role provides informal ethics advice to licensed Utah lawyers and Licensed Paralegal Practitioners (LPPs), and staffs the Utah State Bar’s Ethics Advisory Opinion Committee.

The Ethics Counsel also provides regular education and guidance on ethical issues affecting Utah lawyers and LPPs. Excellent public speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills are essential to this job.

This role also provides regular education and guidance on ethical issues affecting Utah lawyers and LPPs.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Christy Abad at christy.abad@utahbar.org. This position will remain open until filled.

Job Description

ADDRESS:

645 South 200 East

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday – Friday

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.