John Nielsen appointed to the Third District Court

Utah's Third District Court. Photo: Utah Courts.

SALT LAKE CITY – Governor Spencer Cox appointed John Nielsen to Utah’s Third District Court yesterday, filling a void created by the Legislature during the 2024 Legislative Session.

The Third District Court serves Summit, Salt Lake, and Tooele counties.

Nielsen is currently a partner at Schaerr|Jaffe and was formerly a shareholder at the appellate boutique firm Lee|Nielsen.

He spent 11 years as an assistant solicitor general in the Utah Attorney General’s Office, where he also served as a fellow at the National Association of Attorneys General Supreme Court Center.

During his time with the Attorney General’s Office, Nielsen litigated over 100 appeals and contributed to several United States Supreme Court amicus briefs.

For the past four years, Nielsen has been an adjunct associate professor at the S.J. Quinney Law School, University of Utah. Nielsen also has previous experience as a deputy county attorney in Utah County.

“Mr. Nielsen brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this position,” Gov. Cox said. “I am confident he will serve the Third District Court well.”

Nielsen’s appointment is subject to the confirmation of the Utah State Senate.

If Nielsen is confirmed by the Senate, he will serve a four-year term.

“I’m honored and humbled by the governor’s nomination, and know how much trust is placed in our judiciary,” Nielsen said. “I will do my utmost to honor that trust, and am excited to get to work.”

Nielsen received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a J.D. from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University.