Legal practice focuses on litigation related matters, with an emphasis on domestic relations. Prior experience includes over 20 years of service as a District Court Judge in the 5th Judicial District, which includes Washington, Iron, and Beaver counties. Mike began his legal practice in 1981 with the law firm of Gallian and Westfall in St George, Utah, after he graduated from the J Reuben Clark School of Law at Brigham Young University. His legal practice included criminal defense, personal injury and civil litigation, probate matters, including guardianships and adoptions, and domestic relations matters. As a District Court Judge, he was able to draw upon that experience but also gained valuable experience in other areas of the law as well. In 2009 he became an ASTAR Science and Technology Fellow. As a Judge he served on the State Judicial Counsel and as Presiding Judge in the Fifth District. Prior to becoming a Judge, Mike served as a mediator, focusing on domestic relations matters. However, he suspended that practice when he took the bench. Since his retirement, in August 2023, he has resumed service as a mediator and, while he focuses mediation on domestic matters, is available to mediate other matters as well.
BAR ADMISSIONS
Utah State Bar 1981
United States Supreme Court 1991
EDUCATION
Brigham Young University: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Minor in German 1978
J Reuben Clark School of Law at Brigham Young University: Juris Doctor 1981
HOBBIES
Family; Travel; Hiking; Team Sports
Practice Areas
Adoptions
Divorce
Child Custody
Termination of Parental Rights
Guardianships
Mediation
Prenuptial Agreements
Protective Orders
Paternity
Grandparent Rights
Common Law Marriage
Separation Agreements
Criminal Defense