The Third District Judicial Nominating Commission has officially unveiled a list of nominees poised to fill two soon-to-be-vacated seats on the Third District Court, set in motion by the forthcoming retirements of Judge Paul Parker and Judge Keith Kelly. According to the Utah Governor's Office, the retirements will take effect on August 1 and September 16 of 2025, respectively. The commission has shortlisted six legal professionals, three Assistant United States Attorneys, a Division Director/Assistant Attorney General, a Third District Court Commissioner, and a partner from a local law firm, as top candidates for these imminent vacancies.
Among contenders vying for the positions are Andrew Choate, Joel Ferre, and Todd Hilbig, who all serve as Assistant United States Attorneys at the U.S. Attorney's Office. Also in the running is Amanda Montague, presently the Division Director/Assistant Attorney General at the Utah Attorney General's Office. Todd Olsen brings to the table his current experience as Commissioner for the Third District Court, while Derek Williams, Partner at Campbell Williams Ference Nelson Hall, rounds out the slate. Public input is not only welcomed but encouraged, with the commission ready to, according to the news release, request further information or investigate the nominees post-review of the commentary submitted by the community.
Utahns with opinions or insights regarding the qualifications of these nominees have a designated avenue to express their perspectives. The commission has opened its lines for written comments, which can be dispatched either via email to [email protected] or through snail mail addressed to the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, housed at a P.O. Box in Salt Lake City. Those wishing to make their voices heard should note that the cutoff for submissions is pegged at noon on June 29, a timeline granting the public a limited window to contribute to the discussion.
