SUN VALLEY, Idaho — The Utah State Bar honored lawyers, judges and other members of Utah’s legal community during its 95th Anniversary Summer Convention, which also marked the organization’s final summer gathering in Sun Valley.
About 230 legal professionals attended the convention, according to the Bar. The organization said it is ending a decadeslong tradition of holding its summer convention in the Idaho mountain community, where generations of Utah attorneys, judges and their families have gathered.
“As we celebrate 95 years of the Utah State Bar, we also honor the people whose service has shaped our profession and improved access to justice for Utahns,” Bar President Kim Cordova said. “This year’s award recipients exemplify the highest ideals of professionalism, integrity, leadership and public service.”
Cordova said recognizing the recipients during the final Sun Valley convention was particularly meaningful as the organization reflected on its history and future.
Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant received the Bar’s Lifetime Service Award for his contributions to the state’s judiciary and legal profession. Durrant has served more than two decades on the Utah Supreme Court, including 14 years as chief justice.
The Bar credited Durrant with leading efforts to modernize Utah’s courts, expand court technology, improve access to justice and strengthen public confidence in the judicial system.
R. John Moody was named the 2026 Lawyer of the Year for his work representing vulnerable children. Moody was one of the original attorneys with Utah’s Office of Guardian ad Litem and has spent more than three decades advocating for children and families. He is also a nationally certified Child Welfare Law Specialist.
Third District Court Judge James D. Gardner was named Judge of the Year. Gardner, who was appointed to the bench in 2014, has served on the Utah Judicial Council, Utah State Bar Continuing Legal Education Advisory Committee and other committees focused on professionalism and the administration of justice.
D. Gilbert “Gil” Athay received the Special Service Award for more than five decades of work in Utah’s legal profession. Athay is a criminal defense attorney and longtime chairman of the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association.
The Bar named its Governmental Relations Committee the 2026 Committee of the Year for its work during Utah’s 66th legislative session. Led by co-chairs Jaqualin Friend Peterson and Sara Bouley, the committee analyzed legislation and provided policy recommendations and advocacy on measures affecting attorneys, the courts and the public.
The Utah State Bar Paralegal Division was named Section of the Year. The 30-year-old division was recognized for its professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, leadership and service to paralegals across Utah.
The convention comes as the Utah State Bar approaches its centennial in 2031. The organization was established in 1931 and operates under the authority of the Utah Supreme Court. It has more than 12,000 licensed attorneys.
The Bar said future summer conventions will be held elsewhere, although it did not identify a future location in its announcement.