The University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law had some changes recently. We say farewell and thank you to retiring board members and give a warm welcome to its newest members.
Board of Trustees Leadership
President: Alexander R. Dahl
President-elect: Stephanie L. Warner
Past President: Christina M. Jepson
Retired Board members:
Richard M. Hagstrom
David E. Leta
Perrin R. Love
George J. Petrow
New Board members:
Blakely Denny ‘11
Denise A. Dragoo ‘76
Nicole Salazar-Hall ‘10
Sadé A. Turner ‘06
New Board member Bios:
Blakely Denny (’11) currently serves as Corporate Counsel for BioFire Diagnostics, LLC. While in law school she participated in the Utah Law Review as the Executive Articles Director, received the Highest Course Grades for Legal Methods and Trusts and Estates, served as a Quinney fellow and obtained the Pro Bono Certificate of Service. Denny received her undergraduate degree from Westminster College in the Economics and Philosophy departments.
Denise Dragoo’s (’76) practice focuses on natural resources, coal law, water law, environmental law, mining law, public land law, issues affecting the oil and gas industry, mine safety and health law. She currently serves on the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art Board of Trustees and just recently retired from the Utah Governor’s Advisory Council where she provided guidance to the Office of Energy Development regarding the changing energy landscape in Utah.
Nicole Salazar-Hall (’10) practices civil litigation with a focus on domestic law, representing individuals in domestic cases, juvenile court child welfare cases and actions challenging DCFS agency findings. Nicole assists clients with divorce, custody, parentage, adoption, child welfare, minor child guardianship matters, and Department of Child and Family Services agency actions. Nicole has worked with hundreds of clients in juvenile court throughout the State of Utah both prosecuting and defending abuse and neglect petitions. Nicole has appeared before multiple legislative committees and has worked with multiple legislators regarding child welfare and domestic legislation.
Since 2015, Nicole has been a lecturer on family law issues and continuing legal education classes. Nicole is also an active volunteer, working with Utah State Bar Indian Law Section (Section Officer); Centro De La Familia De Utah (Board of Trustees); the State of Utah Division of Child and Family Services – Child Welfare Improvement Council and DCFS Oversight Subcommittee Co-Chair; and the Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission.
Sadé Turner (‘o6) graduated from the University of Utah College of Law in 2006 and practices civil litigation at Strong & Hanni. Sadé’s practice focuses primarily on family law and insurance related matters, where she represents individuals as well as their companies when they are sued. She also represents insurers in first party lawsuits. Sadé is a skilled and experienced trial attorney. She is the chair of the firm’s Family Law practice group, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Information Technology Committee, and currently serves on the firm’s Board of Directors.
Sadé has successfully represented clients in a wide range of cases in both state and federal courts in Utah and Idaho. Sadé’s favorite thing about the practice of law is delivering positive results on behalf of her clients.
Outside the office, Sadé loves to be physically active, is an avid reader, and is addicted to adventure. She has completed 12 marathons, loves to ski, hike, and is a new convert to the church of mountaineering.