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Utah Business is proud to present the 2026 Legal Elite to spotlight Utah’s most outstanding attorneys as exceptional advocates, trusted advisors and dedicated community leaders. From landmark multimillion-dollar transactions and precedent-setting litigation, to pioneering new practice areas and championing pro bono service, these honorees reflect the remarkable breadth and caliber of Utah’s legal community.
The following individuals are recognized for their outstanding legal acumen, unwavering integrity and meaningful contributions both inside and outside the courtroom.
Honorees
Jeffery B Adair
Partner | Olson & Hoggan
Estate, Trust, Probate & Private Wealth
“Mr. Adair has successfully helped clients and their successors plan and administer trusts and estates ranging in value from $20 million to as much as $500 million.”
Kyle D Adams
Chief Legal Officer | BCC Group
Construction
“Kyle has been part of many high-value and complex projects, and previously served on the J. Reuben Clark Law Society executive team and Legislative Committee for the Utah Bar.”
R Jeremy Adamson
Partner | Buchalter
Labor, Employment, Benefits & Compensation
“Jeremy joined Buchalter in March 2025 and immediately established the firm’s Labor & Employment practice in Salt Lake City, expanding Buchalter’s capabilities in a high-demand practice area for Utah businesses.”
Michael S Anderson
Partner & Shareholder | Parr Brown Gee & Loveless
Entertainment & Sports
“Michael has become one of the primary architects of Utah’s reputation as a hub for the global media industry as the founder and leader of Parr Brown’s Entertainment Law practice group.”
Carl W Barton
Partner | Holland & Hart
Real Estate
“Carl has led large and complex transactions in residential, industrial, retail, multipurpose, office and hospitality projects, with more than 35 years of real estate experience.”
Stevan R Baxter
Partner | Skoubye Nielson Johansen & Baxter
Transportation & Construction
“Stevan is an expert in transportation law and is ahead of the curve. A decade ago, he won a massive settlement predicting the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling on broker negligence. Stevan was cutting edge then and continues to be so now.”
Tanner J Bean
Partner | Fabian VanCott
Civil Rights
“Tanner is consistently producing top results for his clients. Another highlight is Tanner’s efforts to defend the constitutional and statutory religious freedoms of a small minority religious group.”
Wayne Z Bennett
President & Shareholder | Clyde Snow & Sessions
Estate, Trust, Probate & Private Wealth
“Mr. Bennett, aside from his work, assists several local community banks and other lenders with lending-related needs, including advising ways to improve bankers’ relationships with struggling borrowers.”
Nina Kim Bertelli
Shareholder | Fabian VanCott
Business, Corporate & Transactional
“Nina has played a significant role in several sophisticated financing and restructuring transactions. Her practice continues to focus on helping businesses navigate growth-stage transactions while balancing operational, legal and strategic objectives.”
Jordan C Bledsoe
Partner | Foley & Lardner
Litigation, General Commercial
“Jordan has continued to demonstrate exceptional legal skill and a strong ability to build lasting client relationships. His dedication to service is equally commendable, and he is actively involved in volunteer efforts.”
Melinda K Bowen
Partner | Spencer Fane
Litigation, General Commercial
“Melinda loves collaborating with clients to address complex issues at the most difficult times of life. In addition to her work, she gives extensive time to volunteering in the larger community.”
Trav R Bowen
Founder & President | Private Wealth Law Group
Estate, Trust, Probate & Private Wealth
“Trav is personable but remains professional with his clients and his staff. His integrity and work ethic are great assets that are appreciated by his clients.”
Ryan B Braithwaite
Partner | Bennett Tueller Johnson & Deere
Construction
“Ryan has won dismissals of a $1 million contract claim and a $6 million construction damages claim. Additionally, he has regularly made CLE (continuing legal education) presentations on construction law and litigation topics.”
Wade R Budge
Partner | Snell & Wilmer
Real Estate
“Wade has significant experience advising developers and owners in all aspects of real estate development. He is an excellent property lawyer and tough litigator.”
Richard D Burbidge
Managing Attorney | Burbidge | Mitchell
Litigation, General Commercial
“Richard has built a strong track record across diverse practices, from securing multi-million-dollar medical malpractice outcomes to winning complete dismissals for corporate clients in high-profile defamation and misconduct suits.”
Beau R Burbidge
Partner | Burbidge | Mitchell
Civil
“Mr. Burbidge seamlessly pairs a formidable practice, recovering over $15 million in catastrophic injury settlements, with influential leadership on Utah’s Supreme Court and District Court rules committees.”
Jed Burton
Partner | Buchalter
Real Estate
“Jed serves as co-chair of Buchalter’s Real Estate practice group with a deal footprint spanning more than 35 states. He closes complex acquisitions, dispositions and leases for a wide variety of clients.”
James T Burton
Shareholder | Kirton McConkie
Litigation, General Commercial
“James has successfully represented the largest hospital chains in Utah on various confidential matters, while also contributing as a Salt Lake Community College paralegal program presenter.”
Tyler R Cahoon
Shareholder | Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar
Environmental & Natural Resources
“Tyler represents clients throughout the country in transactions and litigations involving state and federal environmental laws. He also serves as the chair of DDJP’s Environmental and Natural Resources practice group.”
Keith A Call
Partner | Spencer Fane
Litigation, General Commercial
“Keith has resolved multiple confidential high-dollar lawsuits. He is also a popular presenter at numerous CLE presentations, frequently focused on legal ethics and risk avoidance for lawyers.”
Monica S Call
Managing Partner | Foley & Lardner
Litigation, General Commercial
“Monica exemplifies legal excellence and leadership in Salt Lake City. As managing partner of the Salt Lake City office and the litigation practice group leader for the firm’s western region, she has significantly influenced the legal community.”
Clark Cannon
Counsel | Fragomen Del Rey Bernsen & Loewy
Immigration
“Clark has demonstrated exceptional leadership in helping companies across Utah and the Mountain West build more competitive immigration programs. His work has had a strong impact within Utah’s growing technology sectors.”
Dianna Cannon
Managing Attorney | Cannon Disability Law
Disability & Social Security
“Dianna’s combination of exceptional character and legal competency makes her one of the best attorneys in the state of Utah.”
Jacquelynn D Carmichael
Partner | Cutt Kendell & Olson
Personal Injury
“Jackie was non-intimidating, explained all of the legal information well and answered all of our questions. She was professional, knowledgeable, patient and pleasant to work with.”
P Matthew Cox
Partner | Spencer Fane
Bankruptcy & Debt
“Matthew excels in complex financial matters, recently negotiating a $10 million estate settlement and securing a $10 million cross-border acquisition credit line.”
Nathan A Crane
Partner | Spencer Fane
Criminal Defense
“Nathan’s knowledge of federal crimes is particularly notable. He has extensive experience in defending clients against charges of different kinds of fraud.”
Jason W Croft
Global Chair & Partner | Buchalter
Intellectual Property
“Jason serves as Buchalter’s global chair of patent procurement and strategy, advising some of the world’s most innovative technology companies on patent strategy, portfolio management, IP transactions and post-grant proceedings.”
David A Cutt
Founding Partner | Cutt Kendell & Olson
Personal Injury
“Dave recently obtained a jury verdict for the plaintiff that was five times the defense offer in Godin-Campbell v. RC Willey, Third District Court for Salt Lake County.”
Lena Daggs
Partner | Cutt Kendell & Olson
Personal Injury
“Lena notably holds leadership positions with the Utah Association for Justice Litigation Section, the Utah Association for Justice Board, the Utah Association for Justice Women’s Caucus, and the Women Lawyers of Utah Board.”
Steven M Day
Attorney | The Advocates Injury Attorneys
Personal Injury
“Working with Steven has been a great experience. I have referred many others to him after they were involved in an accident. His team is great to work with, and they always take the time to answer questions 24/7.”
Jennifer E Decker
Shareholder | Fabian VanCott
Estate, Trust, Probate & Private Wealth
“Jennifer has over 26 years of experience in elder law, estate planning and probate. She is an experienced problem-solver whose passion is helping families and individuals protect their assets and plan their legacies.”
David B Dibble
Shareholder | Ray Quinney & Nebeker
Labor, Employment, Benefits & Compensation
“Mr. Dibble has experience representing large and small companies at all stages of litigation. He is also involved in a broad range of litigation and commercial matters.”
Denise A Dragoo
Partner | Snell & Wilmer
Environmental & Natural Resources
“Over her legal career of over 40 years, Denise has worked extensively on environmental permitting for mining and energy-related projects and assists clients with compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and related administrative appeals.”
Matthew Durham
Partner | Dorsey & Whitney
Labor, Employment, Benefits & Compensation
“Matt helps employers find efficient, common-sense ways to resolve employment issues that further their business objectives.”
Brett Foster
Partner | Dorsey & Whitney
Intellectual Property
“Brett is responsive, incredibly talented and a great extension of our team. He helps his clients protect and enforce their intellectual property rights, and defends them against improper attacks.”
Kaitlyn E Gibbs
Partner | Dolowitz Hunnicutt & Gibbs
Family
“I cannot say enough good things about my experience working with Kaitlyn. She was extremely knowledgeable, available, reassuring and professional. When a trial is required, Kaitlyn presents extremely well.”
Michael B Giles
Partner | Bennett Tueller Johnson & Deere
Estate, Trust, Probate & Private Wealth
“Michael recently structured a complex estate plan and estate tax saving plan for a $30 million client in a second marriage with a non-citizen spouse and children from multiple spouses.”
Eric G Goodrich
Partner | Bennett Tueller Johnson & Deere
Labor, Employment, Benefits & Compensation
“Eric is one of the top employment lawyers in Utah and endeavors to help his clients implement effective strategies for avoiding unnecessary claims wherever possible.”
Ashley M Gregson
Shareholder | Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar
Litigation, General Commercial
“Ashley has extensive experience handling all phases of litigation in Utah state, federal and appellate courts. She works closely with clients to understand their unique circumstances to help them reach their goals.”
Cheylynn Hayman
Director & Shareholder | Parr Brown Gee & Loveless
Labor, Employment, Benefits & Compensation
“Cheylynn chairs the firm’s Employment Law group. The group, and Cheylynn specifically, represents some of the largest employers in Utah and serves as outside counsel to several of the state’s flagship universities.”
Clancey S Henderson
Attorney | Burbidge | Mitchell
Litigation, General Commercial
“Clancey serves as a committee member in weekly leadership meetings aimed at improving the local community, addressing the needs of the financially burdened community members and benefiting the community’s youth.”
Mark Hindley
Partner | Mayer Brown
Litigation, General Commercial
“Mark has successfully settled numerous wildfire cases for PacifiCorp and California Resources Corporation in a way that was very advantageous to the client.”
Kara M Houck
Shareholder | Parr Brown Gee & Loveless
Litigation, General Commercial
“Kara is wonderful to work with and very capable as an attorney and advisor. She is committed to advocating on behalf of her clients with civility and integrity.”
Megan Houdeshel
Partner | Dorsey & Whitney
Environmental & Natural Resources
“Megan is the regulatory affairs practice group leader and served as lead environmental counsel on one of Utah’s largest and most complex voluntary cleanup projects.”
Loyal C Hulme
Shareholder | Kirton McConkie
Real Estate
“Loyal was named a fellow in the American Bar Foundation (top 1% of attorneys) in 2025, which is a lifetime membership. He is currently recognized in chambers and consistently recognized for many years.”
James M Hunnicutt
Partner | Dolowitz Hunnicutt & Gibbs
Family
“Jim is a brilliant lawyer and a wonderful person. His associates and staff are kind, professional and capable. What more can I say?”
Adrienne Jack
Associate | Holland & Hart
Estate, Trust, Probate & Private Wealth
“Adrienne regularly works on billion-dollar estate matters, advises some of the largest private foundations in Utah and served as president of the Salt Lake Estate Planning Council.”
Curtis M Jensen
President & Shareholder | Snow Jensen & Reece
Construction
“I recommend Curtis without reservation. He is an esteemed colleague and a great asset to the Utah Bar. His practice is rooted in a practical, industry-informed perspective.”
Mickell Jimenez
Partner | Holland & Hart
Labor, Employment, Benefits & Compensation
“Mickell has had a standout few years while also being a trusted advisor to businesses navigating the full spectrum of employment law.”
Steven Joffee
Managing Partner | Michael Best & Friedrich
Litigation, General Commercial
“Steven is a fantastic attorney. He’s highly intelligent, motivated and enthusiastic. His advocacy and writing skills are phenomenal, and his communication skills are excellent.”
Tsutomu Johnson
Founder & Attorney | The Broad Axe
Technology, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy
“Tomu is an experienced privacy attorney who has been advising clients on privacy matters for approximately a decade. He has worked with companies of all sizes on international, federal and state privacy laws.”
Kristin Raffone Jordan
Principal | Raffone Dessiné Legal Services
Family
“Working with Kristin has been an absolute privilege. As a master in family law, she brings unparalleled expertise, blending profound understanding with a supportive approach that made all the difference.”
Trinity Jordan
Shareholder | Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar
White Collar & Investigations
“Trinity was recently involved in the voluntary dismissal by the government of the largest paleontological resources federal criminal case in the United States after motions were filed regarding Franks Motion.”
H Michael Keller
Of Counsel | Fabian VanCott
Environmental & Natural Resources
“Mike’s natural resource practice focuses on public lands, mining, oil and gas, and water rights. He represents Indian Tribes on public land and environmental matters affecting their communities.”
Jordan P Kendell
Managing Partner | Cutt Kendell & Olson
Personal Injury
“Jordan is a superb attorney. He is kind and compassionate, but also a very good negotiator. He is an excellent attorney who will do his best to help you.”
Laura G Kennedy
Vice President & Shareholder | Parr Brown Gee & Loveless
Litigation, General Commercial
“Laura is responsible for making day-to-day business decisions, working with colleagues to address any issues that arise and interfacing with the community.”
Amy H Kennedy
Senior Partner | Dart Adamson & Donovan
Family
“Amy is one of the most capable family law attorneys in Utah. In addition to her stellar reputation in her practice, she serves the legal community. She is always willing to impart her knowledge.”
Shane L Keppner
Partner | Bennett Tueller Johnson & Deere
Litigation, General Commercial
“Shane has successfully represented multiple commercial tenants in litigation with their landlords, resulting in them being able to continue doing business in established locations.”
Jess Krannich
Partner | Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Intellectual Property
“Jess has led multiple high-stakes litigation matters for emerging technology companies — often presenting existential challenges, and often involving the critical field of competition law.”
Larry R Laycock
Shareholder | Kirton McConkie
Intellectual Property
“Larry is known for his extraordinary range of experience and his effective advocacy in complex litigation and IP disputes.”
Carolyn LeDuc
Partner | Burbidge | Mitchell
Litigation, General Commercial
“Ms. LeDuc handles all aspects of the litigation process — from the pre-trial process through appeal. Ms. LeDuc and her team devote unparalleled effort to uncovering facts.”
Charles H Livsey
Shareholder | Ray Quinney & Nebeker
Estate, Trust, Probate & Private Wealth
“Charles is experienced in representing ultra-high-net-worth individuals and is a trustee of multiple trusts and foundations. He is involved in transactions regularly for trusts and foundations.”
Victoria R Luman
Shareholder | Parr Brown Gee & Loveless
Entertainment & Sports
“Ms. Luman negotiated and closed several sophisticated, high-value media and entertainment transactions. She is also deeply committed to community leadership and service.”
Tony Mejia
Partner | Buchalter
Business, Corporate & Transactional
“Tony has more than 21 years of experience advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, business law, and complex transactional matters.”
Michael R Menssen
Partner | Mayer Brown
Litigation, General Commercial
“Michael is the Salt Lake office’s pro bono coordinator and representative on the national Mayer Brown pro bono committee, and was part of the team that won Utah State Bar Pro Bono Firm of the Year.”
Mark O Morris
Managing Partner | Snell & Wilmer
Litigation, General Commercial
“Mark is a fantastic, talented lawyer. He always seeks efficient, amicable and reasonable resolutions to his clients’ problems, and he has tried over 75 cases.”
David L Mortensen
Partner | Foley & Lardner
Litigation, General Commercial
“Dave is a highly respected litigator in Utah and a partner at Foley & Lardner, who is widely recognized for his strength as a trial attorney and his command of complex business disputes.”
Matt Moscon
Partner | Mayer Brown
Litigation, General Commercial
“Matt’s legal expertise and abilities are unmatched, as are his abilities to communicate timely, effectively and efficiently regarding every aspect and phase of the litigation.”
Alexis Van Dyke Nelson
Founder & Owner | Silicon Slopes IP
Intellectual Property
“Alexis owns and operates Silicon Slopes IP, a successful intellectual property law firm where she has personally brought in almost 200 new IP cases since founding.”
Eric S Olson
Partner | Cutt Kendell & Olson
Personal Injury
“Eric is an amazing litigator who has successfully resolved several high-value cases over the last year. He is very knowledgeable about his particular field of law.”
F Joseph Paldino
Managing Partner | Fragomen Del Rey Bernsen & Loewy
Immigration
“In recent work, Joe has led multiple engagements involving the retention and strategic deployment of specialized foreign national talent in the U.S.”
Ashley Peck
Partner | Holland & Hart
Environmental & Natural Resources
“Ashley has earned consistent recognition as one of the leading environmental and natural resources attorneys in the region. She is also an active writer, speaker and presenter on environmental law topics.”
Richard W Poll
Associate Attorney | Thorpe North & Western
Intellectual Property
“Richard is an active member of the Utah State Bar, including the Appellate Practice, Intellectual Property and Young Lawyers Division sections, while also being a successful attorney.”
Lewis P Reece
Shareholder | Snow Jensen & Reece
Civil
“Lewis is a very experienced litigator. His work ethic and commitment to his clients are impeccable. He has an experienced view of outcomes that effectively push disputes to final resolution.”
Jeremy C Reutzel
Partner | Bennett Tueller Johnson & Deere
Litigation, General Commercial
“Jeremy is efficient, competent and knowledgeable in his respective field. He has helped many clients win various cases and resolve legal problems.”
Melissa L Reynolds
Partner | Holland & Hart
Environmental & Natural Resources
“Melissa has established herself as a leading voice on water rights, the Clean Water Act and environmental compliance. She has been quoted as an expert source in Bloomberg Law.”
Eric B Robinson
Shareholder | Kirton McConkie
Real Estate
“Eric served as the managing attorney for several large transactions and transacted over $1 billion worth of assets in the last three years in major transactions.”
Greg Saylin
Partner | Holland & Hart
Labor, Employment, Benefits & Compensation
“In the past three years, Greg has earned consistent and wide-ranging recognition as a leading employment and labor attorney. He has been an active thought leader through speaking engagements and publications.”
Emily Schilling
Partner | Holland & Hart
Environmental & Natural Resources
“Emily has accumulated an impressive record of recognition, thought leadership and professional achievement. She leads Holland & Hart’s Environmental & Natural Resources practice group, reflecting her significant leadership role within the firm.”
Barry G Scholl
Shareholder | Christensen & Jensen
Business, Corporate & Transactional
“Barry is extremely involved, including being the chair of the Business Section in the Business and Corporate Governance at Christensen & Jensen.”
Lauren Shurman
Partner | Mayer Brown
Labor, Employment, Benefits & Compensation
“Lauren’s expertise and advice on employment law are highly valued. She is active in her community and serves as Salt Lake County Bar president and president of Women Lawyers of Utah.”
J Craig Smith
Partner | Smith Hartvigsen
Environmental & Natural Resources
“Craig has more than three decades of experience as an attorney, in which he has successfully handled several complex water disputes, land use disputes, takings claims and other issues.”
V Lowry Snow
Senior Shareholder | Snow Jensen & Reece
Real Estate
“Lowry has represented a wide range of clients in both the private and public sectors. He served in the Utah House of Representatives for 11 years and was a member of the House Judiciary Standing Committee.”
Amy F Sorenson
Partner | Snell & Wilmer
Litigation, General Commercial
“Amy is a terrific lawyer with great presence and impeccable integrity. She is an excellent writer, thinker and advocate in the courtroom.”
Mark Stewart
Attorney | The Advocates Injury Attorneys
Personal Injury
“Mark has settled multiple seven-figure settlements. One of his best traits is communication, especially with his clients. He is a skilled negotiator and has a passion for advocating for his clients.”
Evan S Strassberg
Partner | Michael Best & Friedrich
Civil
“Evan has achieved a complete victory for his client on a multimillion dollar claim for misappropriation of trade secrets and has been invited to speak at multiple major legal conferences.”
Kevin Swenson
Partner | Swenson & Shelley
Personal Injury
“Kevin is a skilled and well-respected attorney in his legal community. He is knowledgeable in the area of personal injury and is very passionate about his work and his clients.”
Nolan Taylor
Partner | Dorsey & Whitney
Business, Corporate & Transactional
“Nolan is a top-notch attorney. He is a trusted advisor with nearly 40 years of experience and helps companies achieve their business objectives.”
Diana L Telfer
Owner & Attorney | Telfer Family Law & Mediation
Family
“Diana is professional, objective and real. She is known to be no ordinary lawyer and has been actively involved in the Utah law community.”
Chris Thresher
Attorney | The Advocates Injury Attorneys
Personal Injury
“Chris has generated more than $3 million in fees for the firm and has consistently ranked among the top 5% of attorneys in fee generation within the Utah legal community.”
Jonathon T Tichy
Managing Partner | Envoy Legal & Consulting International
International
“Jonathon has been listed in Super Lawyers for eight consecutive years, the only international attorney listed for multiple consecutive years. Clients come to him for his exceptional legal and government relations acumen.”
Betsy T Voter
Partner | Michael Best & Friedrich
Securities
“Betsy has been at the forefront of helping several financial services firms design and implement anti-money laundering programs in compliance with their obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act.”
James C Waddoups
Shareholder | Fabian VanCott
Business, Corporate & Transactional
“James recently represented the seller in a sale of 10 national brand hotels and related hotel business and properties, across multiple states, in a deal valued at approximately $200 million.”
Daniel J Wadley
Shareholder | Greenberg Traurig
White Collar & Investigations
“Daniel has successfully resolved several nonpublic, complex securities investigations by the Securities & Exchange Commission, resulting in no charges against our client by the federal government.”
Robert D Walker
President & Shareholder | Kirton McConkie
Real Estate
“Rob serves as the president of Kirton McConkie and has seen a period of unprecedented employee and financial growth since starting in that role.”
Alison R Weinberg-Fahey
Shareholder | Greenberg Traurig
Real Estate
“Alison focuses on commercial real estate law, with a particular focus on leasing and purchase and sale transactions. Her practice also includes renewable energy and solar rooftop leases.”
John G Weston
Partner | Snell & Wilmer
Business, Corporate & Transactional
“John is someone you always want on your team. He provides excellent advice and work product. He gets things done quickly and correctly every time.”
Timothy M Wheelwright
Shareholder | Dentons Durham Jones Pinegar
Immigration
“Tim has successfully helped many public school districts throughout Utah by completing one or more steps in the application process for permanent work visas for dual language immersion teachers.”
Rachel C Witcher
Of Counsel | Clyde Snow & Sessions
Real Estate
“Rachel’s presence has generated significant value for both our clients and firm members. She has contributed substantial litigation expertise, particularly through her experience in real estate and California law.”
Kyle E Witherspoon
Owner & Partner | Witherspoon Law
Family
“Kyle’s genius negotiating, communication skills and knowledge of the law are top-notch. If you’re looking for a lawyer to protect your rights and stand up for you, then you need Kyle.”
Keith M Woodwell
Director & Shareholder | Clyde Snow & Sessions
White Collar & Investigations
“Mr. Woodwell focuses his practice on securities enforcement and white-collar defense and is currently part of a landmark, unprecedented case against the AG’s office for a $1 billion case.”
Rob Yates
Shareholder | Kirton McConkie
Business, Corporate & Transactional
“Recently, Rob closed eight mergers and acquisitions transactions with an aggregate value of approximately $500 million. He also worked with several clients in negotiating and placing approximately $2.5 billion across 70-80 private equity and hedge fund investments.”
Scott Young
Partner | Mayer Brown
Business, Corporate & Transactional
“Scott has participated in multiple high-value deals while also being actively involved in his community.”
