State lawmaker, 2 others appointed to be 4th District judges

State lawmaker, 2 others appointed to be 4th District judges

(Spenser Heaps, Deseret News, File)


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SALT LAKE CITY — A state lawmaker will trade his desk in the Utah House for a seat on the Utah bench.

Gov. Gary Herbert appointed Rep. Kraig Powell, R-Heber City, to be a 4th District Court judge Friday. The governor also appointed assistant U.S. attorney Robert Lunnen and lawyer Anthony Howell to fill vacancies in the 4th District.

Powell, who practices municipal, real estate and probate law, has served in the Legislature since 2009. A moderate voice in the House, he filed for re-election this year but withdrew in April.

Herbert said Powell's academic background and his careful and thoughtful approach to the law make him well suited to be a judge.

"His respect for the process, unique appreciation for the role of each branch of government, and thoughtful demeanor will provide him exceptional foresight in this new role," the governor said.

Lunnen is currently the chief of the criminal division in the U.S. Attorney's Office. He previously served as judicial attache for U.S. embassies in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Bogota, Colombia.

Howell has served as chief counsel for the Utah Public Defenders Association in Utah County since 2003. He previously taught Moldovan law students about U.S. jury practices.

The three appointees are subject to Senate confirmation. If confirmed, Powell will fill the position of Judge Claudia Laycock, who retires at the end of the year; Lunnen will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge David Mortensen to the Utah Court of Appeals; and Howell will fill the position of Judge Fred Howard who retires on Dec. 1.

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