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Utah Law faculty updates: August 2026
Sep 01, 2026Each month, we share notable updates—including presentations, publications, panels, and other accomplishments—from Utah Law faculty members.
Research Professor John Ruple quoted in The Christian Science Monitor about Bears Ears Monument
Aug 07, 2026Research Professor John Ruple was quoted in The Christian Science Monitor about President Trump’s decision to cut the size of Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument by nearly 90%.
Alum Noella Sudbury’s legal expungement corporation Rasa featured on NPR
Aug 04, 2026Rasa, a public benefit corporation helping clients clear their criminal records that was founded by alum Noella Sudbury (JD ’09), was featured on NPR’s All Things Considered segment.
Keeping it real: Adjunct Professor Kevin Murray offers hands-on experience through Real Estate Development
Jul 29, 2026As a student, Adjunct Professor Kevin Murray took a class from Professor Eugene Jacobs designed to give students hands-on real estate experience. While waiting for his turn in front of a mock city council to get approval on their development projects, Murray watched a fellow student’s plan go up in smoke.
Professor Chris Peterson to direct the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
Jul 28, 2026Professor Chris Peterson, a consumer finance expert, has been nominated by New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill to serve as the director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Alum Stephen Dent appointed as new Utah Supreme Court justice
Jul 07, 2026As a high schooler, Justice Stephen Dent (JD ’14) recalls being very interested in the Constitution and the way the U.S. government works. When a lawyer helped Dent’s family through a difficult time—and when Dent worked for a law firm as an undergraduate—he realized he wanted to set his sights on a career in law.
Growing with Utah’s governors: Mike Mower reflects on 30-year political career
Jun 17, 2026In 2005, Mike Mower (JD ’93) joined the staff of Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on his first day in office. Mower is currently the longest-serving senior staffer in any governor’s office in America and has enjoyed being part of three governors’ administrations in that time.
‘The privilege of my lifetime’: Mary Ellen Sloan recalls restoring tribal rights during her long career in Indian law
Jun 08, 2026Stories of her father attending the Haskell Institute, a Native American boarding school in Kansas, profoundly affected Mary Ellen Sloan (JD ’75), who knew early in life that she wanted to practice Indian law.
Leading Women Lawyers of Utah: Get to know Holly Nelson and Ashley Gregson
May 27, 2026Since 1981, Women Lawyers of Utah (WLU) has provided opportunities for women lawyers to develop and advance their careers. We’re highlighting past WLU president Holly Nelson (JD ’09) and WLU president-elect Ashley Gregson (JD ’11).
Change in environment: Susan Taylor Hansen returns to Utah following 30-year legal career on East Coast
May 15, 2026Susan Taylor Hansen (JD ’76) was always hanging around her father’s law practice as a teen and wanted to go to law school as well—despite having met only one female lawyer ever.
Associate Professor Jamie Pleune co-leads multinational workshop in Albania on mining policy
May 12, 2026Associate Research Professor Jamie Pleune traveled to Tirana, Albania, in April as part of a team from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program that facilitated a multi-lateral workshop and legal consultation on mining policies and responsible mining.
See photos of Utah Law’s 2026 Alumni Awards and Golden Gavel events
May 04, 2026Christina Jepson (JD ’95), Phillip W. Lear (JD ’75), and Jon M. Lear (JD ’76) were recognized as Alumni of the Year at Utah Law’s annual Alumni Awards celebration, held Friday, April 24, 2026, at the College of Law building.
Young Alumni Association: Find out how you can get involved
Apr 23, 2026Did you know there’s a group exclusively for all Utah Law alumni who graduated within the past 10 years? The Young Alumni Association allows you to meet new friends and stay in touch with your classmates while also attending get-togethers throughout the year.
Meet the 2026 Alumni Award winners
Mar 25, 2026Congratulations to the following Utah Law alumni, who will be recognized at our annual Alumni Awards celebration on Friday, April 24, 2026!
Standing out: Kate Kendell leads The Gill Foundation in LGBTQ+ law
Feb 28, 2026Soon after graduating from Utah Law in 1988, Kendell began working as a litigation association at VanCott Bagley (now Fabian VanCott). While she gained experience litigating divorce and bankruptcy cases, Kendell wanted to live more authentically and find a position that allowed her to do so.
Utah Law faculty updates: January 2026
Feb 01, 2026Each month, we share notable updates—including presentations, publications, panels, and other accomplishments—from Utah Law faculty members.
International Law Clinic connects students with opportunities to help impacted communities throughout the world
Jan 30, 2026Utah Law’s International Law Clinic, directed by Associate Professor (Lecturer) Jackie Morrison (JD ’12), launched in January 2025. Morrison designed the clinic to give students hands-on experience and bridge international law classes with practical skills-building.
Professor Chris Peterson quoted in Associated Press about possible Utah Supreme Court expansion
Jan 21, 2026Professor Chris Peterson, a constitutional law expert, was quoted in an Associated Press article about how the Utah legislature is considering expanding the state Supreme Court.
Sparks fly: Britt Ide discusses her 15-year career in energy law consulting
Jan 08, 2026After earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Britt Ide (JD ’99) began working for a consulting company doing energy analysis and policy work. As she listened to hearings with the Department of Energy and saw what lawyers were involved in on the policy side, Ide started considering a different career path.
Utah Law faculty updates: December 2025
Jan 01, 2026Each month, we share notable updates—including presentations, publications, panels, and other accomplishments—from Utah Law faculty members.
Research Professor John Ruple quoted in Bloomberg Law about resource management plan rollback
Nov 26, 2025Research Professor John Ruple, an environmental law expert, is quoted in a Bloomberg Law article about lawmakers using the Congressional Review Act to get rid of land use plans restricting fossil fuel development.