Utah Federal Judges

Tel: (801) 948-9996

Evergreen Attorneys know that part of winning any federal case is understanding your audience. Utah federal judges hear all federal criminal cases in the great state of Utah.

When facing criminal charges or a civil matter in Utah, many people ask:

• “Who will hear my case in Utah?”
• “Which court will my case be assigned to if I’m arrested in Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, or another Utah city?”

Below, you’ll find an overview of key federal court judges and courts across Utah, offering insight into the legal system and who may preside over your case. This article is about Utah federal judges only. At Evergreen Attorneys we are federal lawyers first and foremost so we want to provide a resource about our local Utah federal judges. 

Evergreen Attorneys are proud to defend federal criminal cases in Utah. Contact us today by phone at 801-948-9996 or email to [email protected] if you need to get in touch.

Utah Courts and Judges

Utah has a complex legal system of federal courts, state appellate courts, and trial courts. Each court serves a unique purpose in ensuring justice is carried out. While it may seem like a no-brainer, many clients facing legal proceedings in Utah fail to understand the court system and the judges who may preside over their case. Knowing these details can help you better prepare for success in the courtroom.

The federal U.S. District Court for Utah hears cases involving federal law and constitutional matters. The Utah State Supreme Court addresses important appeals and oversees the judicial branch, followed by the Court of Appeals, which reviews decisions from trial courts. District Courts handle serious civil and criminal matters, including felonies, divorce, probate, and juvenile cases. Below that, County Courts deal with misdemeanors, traffic offenses and small civil disputes. Each level of court involves judges with distinct responsibilities. Understanding their roles can make a real difference in how your case unfolds. 

Utah Federal Court Judges: District Court

Utah hosts one federal trial court, the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, which handles federal cases, including constitutional issues, federal crimes, and interstate disputes. Located in Salt Lake City, this court serves as the federal trial-level court for the state. Utah federal judges are appointed for life after being confirmed by a 2/3rds majority of the U.S. Senate. Utah federal judges may only be removed from office through formal impeachment proceedings. Needless to say, Utah federal judges sit on the bench for a long time and are virtually impossible to take off the court. Here are some of the judges who preside over this court:

• Notable Utah Federal Judges:

Active Article III Judges:

Honorable Jill N. Parrish, Chief U.S. District Court Judge

• Appointed By: Barack Obama
• Assumed Office: August 17, 2015
• Legal Education:Yale Law School, 1985
• Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: Lindsay Hola – 801-524-6018
• Chambers Email: [email protected]
• Court Reporter: Laura Robinson – 801-201-9731
• Docketing Clerk: 801-524-6618
• Practices and Procedures: https://www.utd.uscourts.gov/judge-jill-n-parrish

Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Court Judge

• Appointed By: Barack Obama 
• Assumed Office: September 12, 2012
• Legal Education: University of Virginia School of Law, 1998
• Noteworthy Decisions: On December 20, 2013, Judge Shelby struck down Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage in a landmark decision.
• Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: Mary Jane McNamee – 801-524-6790
• Chambers Email: [email protected]
• Court Reporter: Ed Young – 801-328-3202
• Practices and Procedures: https://www.utd.uscourts.gov/judge-robert-j-shelby

Hon. Howard C. Nielson, Jr., U.S. District Judge

• Appointed By: Donald Trump
• Assumed Office: June 12, 2019
• Legal Education: University of Chicago Law, 1997
• Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: Kimberly Sheffield – 801-524-6730
• Chambers Email: [email protected]
• Court Reporter: Teena Green – 801-910-4092
• Scheduling Clerk: 801-524-6730
• Docketing Clerk: 801-524-6618
• Practices and Procedures: https://www.utd.uscourts.gov/judge-howard-c-nielson-jr

Hon. David Barlow, U.S. District Court Judge

• Appointed By: Donald Trump
• Assumed Office: January 6, 2020
• Legal Education: Yale Law School, 1995
• Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: Tracy Schofield – 801-524-6781
• Chambers Email: [email protected]
• Law Clerks: 801-524-6782, 6783,  6784
• Court Reporter: Michelle Mallonee – 801-209-4979
• Scheduling Clerk: 801-524-6781
• Docketing Clerk: 801-524-6616
• Practices and Procedures: https://www.utd.uscourts.gov/judge-david-b-barlow

Hon. Ann Marie McIff Allen

• Appointed By: Joe Biden
• Assumed Office: April 12, 2024
• Legal Education: J. Reuben Clark Law School, 1997
• Practices and Procedures: https://www.utd.uscourts.gov/judge-ann-marie-mciff-allen

  • Active Senior Judges:

    • Hon. David Sam
      • Appointed By: Ronald Reagan
      • Assumed Office: November 1, 1999
      • Legal Education: S.J. Quinney College of Law, 1960
    • Hon. Tena Campbell
      • Appointed By: Bill Clinton
      • Assumed Office: January 1, 2011
      • Legal Education: Arizona State University College of Law, 1977
    • Hon. Dale A. Kimball
      • Appointed By: Bill Clinton
      • Assumed Office: November 30, 2009
      • Legal Education: University of Utah College of Law, 1967
    • Hon. Ted Stewart
      • Appointed By: Bill Clinton
      • Assumed Office: September 1, 2014
      • Legal Education: S.J. Quinney College of Law, 1972
    • Hon. Clark Waddoups
      • Appointed By: George W. Bush
      • Assumed Office: January 31, 2019
      • Legal Education: S.J. Quinney College of Law, 1973
    • Hon. David Nuffer
      • Appointed By: Barack Obama
      • Assumed Office: April 2, 2022
      • Legal Education: J. Reuben Clark Law School, 1978

  • Magistrate Judges:

    • Hon. Cecilia M. Romero
    • Hon. Dustin B. Pead
    • Hon. Daphne A. Oberg
    • Hon. Jared C. Bennett
    • Hon. Paul Kohler

Utah State Supreme Court

Founded in 1894, the Utah Supreme Court is the state’s court of last resort and primarily hears appeals on legal issues of great importance. The state supreme court deals with resolving disputes involving constitutional interpretation under Utah law and oversees the administration of the state’s judicial branch. This court operates with seven justices, each selected through an assisted appointment method. Their decisions shape statewide legal standards and interpretations.

You can find a list of the Utah State Supreme Court justices here: https://www.utcourts.gov/en/about/courts/judges-bios/appellate-courts/supreme-court.html

Utah Court of Appeals

The Intermediate appellate court, the Utah Court of Appeals reviews decisions from the lower trial courts to ensure legal procedures and rulings were correctly followed. Its judges typically sit in rotating three-judge panels and focus on written records, not live testimony.

Utah Court of Appeals judges are not appointed for life like Utah federal judges. You may find a list of the judges on the Utah Court of appeals at this link:https://www.utcourts.gov/en/about/courts/judges-bios/appellate-courts/court-of-appeals.html

Utah Trial Courts

Trial courts are where legal cases begin. In Utah, there are two types of trial courts: District Courts, which have general jurisdiction, and County Courts, which handle more limited matters. These courts are where evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and judges issue rulings or verdicts.

• District Courts (General Jurisdiction)

• • • Utah has 8 judicial districts, each with its own court serving one or more counties. These courts have broad authority to hear serious criminal cases (including felonies), large civil disputes, family law matters, probate, and juvenile cases.
    • Judges in District Courts preside over trials, manage pretrial motions, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and issue decisions or sentences.
    • Unlike Utah federal judges, Utah District Court judges are subject to retention elections every few years.

• County Courts (Limited Jurisdiction)

• • County courts deal with lower-level matters such as misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small courts claims. County judges typically handle fast-paced dockets and can influence plea agreements, fines, or probation terms. If you’re charged with a less serious offense, this is likely where your case will begin. While these courts are smaller in scope, the judges still have the power to issue jail time, probation, fines, and other penalties.

How to Know Which Judge Will Hear Your Case

To find which judge is assigned to your case, check your jury summons or court documents. In federal Court, the district clerk will assign initials of the judges on your case following the case number. You can look up your Utah federal judge on your case by creating a free PACER account and then searching for your name here: https://pacer.login.uscourts.gov/csologin/login.jsf?pscCourtId=UTDC&appurl=https://ecf.utd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/showpage.pl?16

There will typically be a federal magistrate judge assigned to a criminal case to hear certain pretrial matters. Then every federal criminal trial case will be heard by a U.S. District Court judge in Utah. That means you get an Article III judge who is appointed for life in your federal criminal case in Utah.

The assigned judge’s name is typically listed throughout these legal papers. You can also find case assignments on the Utah Judicial Branch Website. This website only applies to state court judges. Not Utah federal judges who hear federal criminal cases in Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo, West Jordan, and Orem.

Why Knowing Your Utah Federal Judge Matters

Judges aren’t simply ‘referees.’ Rather, they are decision-makers with their own approaches to the law, evidence presented, and courtroom management. Some judges operate with strict deadlines and decorum. Others emphasize rehabilitation or prefer to settle cases with early intervention efforts. Understanding the background and judicial philosophy of your assigned judge can:

Utah Federal Criminal Defense Team at Evergreen Attorneys

Need Federal Criminal Defense Legal Guidance?

When you’re facing a federal criminal charge or civil dispute in Utah, understanding your judge isn’t just helpful, it can be a real advantage. At Evergreen Attorneys, our attorneys don’t walk into court blind.

We’ve argued cases in front of federal judges across Utah’s District Courts, and we know how to represent our clients effectively. We are federal criminal defense attorneys in Utah. 

Our deep experience means we understand the expectations, preferences, and courtroom styles of the judges who may hear your case. Whether it’s negotiating a plea, making strategic pretrial motions, or presenting evidence at trial, our insight allows us to tailor your defense to the realities of your courtroom, not just the theory of the law.

Strong legal representation starts with knowing the terrain. And at Evergreen Attorneys, we’ve built a reputation for professionalism, preparation, and results. We are Utah federal criminal defense lawyers through and through. 

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Evergreen Attorneys today to schedule a consultation and get the legal guidance and courtroom experience you deserve. Telephone is (801) 948-9996 and our direct email is [email protected].