Walker fills judge vacancy

Gov. Olene Walker has appointed Robert W. Adkins to replace retiring judge Frank G. Noel on Utah's 3rd District Court.

Adkins has experience in criminal and civil matters. He has been the Summit County attorney since 1975 and has been a partner in Adkins and Christiansen since 1976. He worked as a deputy for the Salt Lake County Attorney's Office in 1972.

Adkins received a bachelor's degree from Weber State and a law degree from the University of Utah. He and his wife Helen have four children.

He lives in Coalville. The 3rd District Court includes Salt Lake, Tooele and Summit counties.

Adkins is Walker's last judicial appointment before she steps down as governor. The appointment is subject to confirmation from the Senate.