Photo of Alta submitted by Harry Caston. Share your photos by emailing communications@utahbar.org

Utah is rightfully known as the “Giving State” with a tremendously charitable and generous population. This culture is extremely valuable when seeking to address some of the persistent problems facing our community.

For those without the financial resources to hire an attorney there is no access to justice. It is estimated by the Legal Services Corporation that over 80% of the civil legal needs of low-income people are unmet. The provision of pro bono services is essential if access to justice is to be a reality for all.

The Utah State Bar Pro Bono Commission is a state-wide body tasked with improving voluntary pro bono legal services throughout the state. Pursuant to Rule 2-201 of the Utah Rules of Judicial Administration, the Utah Judicial Council endorsed the creation of the Pro Bono Commission, which was launched in April 2012. We are grateful for the leadership of Hon. Michele Christiansen Forster and Hon. Angela Fonnesbeck who co-chair the Commission.

The Commission oversees a myriad of pro bono programs while recruiting and training volunteer lawyers to provide vital legal services to those in need and increase access to equal justice. Programs include subject matter areas of Family Law, Immigration, Bankruptcy, Debt Collection, and Guardianship while also providing volunteers with different levels of involvement from brief advice, to limited scope, up to full representation. The Signature Programs include secondary professional liability insurance for volunteers from the Utah Bar. Last year, over 3,600 Utahns received pro bono assistance through these programs. 

Over the next few months, we’ll be highlighting the different pro bono programs right here. The Access to Justice Office is also available upon request to conduct CLEs covering an introduction to ethics rules regarding pro bono work and an overview of the different volunteer opportunities. 

Lawyers and Allies: join the network of advocates who are building and expanding solutions across Utah. Reach out to us to learn how you can provide access-expanding services, volunteer, and much more.

We are delighted to offer a premier meeting place for the Utah legal community and have updated our room rates at the Utah Law & Justice Center. Whether you're planning a CLE event, section or committee meeting, mediation, or any other law-related gathering, our facility is designed to meet your needs.

Exclusive Offer for Utah Bar Licensees: As a benefit of Utah Bar membership, licensees in good standing are eligible for 2 hours of complimentary building usage for quick practice-related meetings (e.g., notarization, signings, client meetings).

Reservations and Contact Information: To make a reservation or for more information, please reach out to our Events & Building Manager, Travis Nicholson:

• Email: tnicholson@utahbar.org
• Direct Telephone: 801-297-7029

For education-related events or CLE, please email cle@utahbar.org.

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.

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.