The quest to fill a vacancy on the Third District Court has advanced, with five legal professionals earmarked for potentially donning the judge's robes. This opening emerges from the resignation of Judge William K. Kendall, which became effective April 17, as reported by the Utah Governor's Office from the Third District Judicial Nominating Commission.
The shortlist of nominees includes Elizabeth Butler, a shareholder who also serves as co-chair of the Litigation Department at Parsons Behle & Latimer; Joel Ferre and Todd Hilbig, both of whom work as assistant United States attorneys; Breanne Miller, stepping in from her role as a deputy district attorney in Salt Lake County; and Todd Olsen, currently holding a Commissioner post with the Third District Court. The public has the opportunity to offer thoughts on the candidates, with a submission deadline set at noon on August 17th.
The task of sifting through public opinions on the nominees falls to the Nominating Commission, which retains the right to request additional information or carry out further investigations if deemed necessary. Following the public comment period, the Commission's selections will be forwarded to Utah's Governor Spencer J. Cox, who will then have a 30-day window to make his official appointment.
