Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Gary Herbert announced two appointees Friday to fill a pair of vacancies on the Utah Court of Appeals.
David Mortensen, currently a 4th District Court judge, and Jill Pohlman, a partner at the Salt Lake City-based law firm Stoel Rives, were named as Herbert's appointments.
Both appointees are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate. The Senate is seeking public comment on Mortensen and Pohlman. Anyone who wishes to submit a comment is asked to contact Jerry Howe at the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.
Comments should include the writer's name, mailing address and phone number, and should be addressed to the Utah State Capitol Campus, House Building, Suite W210, P.O. Box 145 210, Salt Lake City, Utah 84414. They must be be postmarked by May 20.
The Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee will later conduct a public hearing for each appointee before making a recommendation to the full Senate.
Herbert praised both of his appointees Friday in a statement.
“I am confident both Jill Pohlman and Judge David Mortensen will bring the highest degrees of integrity and competence to these positions,” he said. “For the past 10 years, Judge Mortensen has been an example of what a judge should be, dedicated to the rule of law, hardworking and fair to all parties. Jill brings an important perspective of dedication to the rule of law, and professional skill and experience that will serve the state well.”
Mortensen, a graduate of BYU's J. Reuben Clark Law School, would replace John Pearce, who joined the Utah Supreme Court in December. In addition to his judgeship in the 4th District Court since 2006, he has worked as an adjunct law school professor at his alma mater. He was also previously a managing member with Provo-based law firm Ivie and Young.
“I am humbled and honored to have been appointed by Gov. Herbert to serve on the Utah Court of Appeals,” Mortensen said Friday in a statement released by the governor's office. “I look forward to meeting with the Utah Senate in the confirmation process, and if confirmed, I will be ready to work hard with the many great judges who currently serve on the court.”
Pohlman, who received her juris doctor degree at the University of Utah, would replace Judge James Davis, who retired from the Utah Court of Appeals in November. Prior to her position at Stoel Rives, she served as a judicial law clerk for Judge David Winder, chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Utah.
“I am sincerely grateful for the confidence Gov. Herbert has shown in me through this appointment,” Pohlman said in a statement. “If confirmed, I look forward to working with the other members of the Court of Appeals. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve the citizens of Utah in this position.”
