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Utah chief justice to lead two national court organizations
Williamsburg, Va. (Aug 19, 2024) – Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant has been named president of the
Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and chair of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Board of Directors.
Both one-year terms began earlier this month during CCJ’s annual conference and NCSC’s Board of Directors meetings in Sunriver, Oregon.
Founded in 1949 and comprised of the top judicial officers of each state, CCJ promotes the interests and effectiveness of state judicial systems by developing policies and educational programs designed to improve court operations. CCJ also acts as the primary representative of the state courts before Congress and federal executive agencies.
“Chief Justice Durrant has long been an innovative leader in examining improvements in the delivery of legal services in Utah, and we are delighted he will bring his insights to this national leadership role,” said NCSC President Mary C. McQueen.
Chief Justice Durrant was appointed to the Utah Supreme Court in 2000 and began his tenure as chief justice in 2012. His leadership on the bench includes service on the Utah Judicial Council and several Supreme Court committees responsible for judicial conduct, technology and professionalism.
Before his appointment to the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Durrant sat as a trial judge and practiced with the Salt Lake City law firm that is now known as Parr, Brown, Gee, & Loveless. A graduate of Harvard University law school, he also clerked for Judge Monroe G. McKay of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.