3rd District judge nominee is named

Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr. has nominated Michele M. Christiansen of Salt Lake City to serve as a judge in 3rd District Court. If confirmed by the Utah Senate, Christiansen will replace Judge Leslie Lewis, who was not retained by voters in November's election. "It is an honor for me to nominate Michele to the bench. She is one of the most dedicated, capable, and experienced lawyers with whom I have had the pleasure of working," Huntsman said.

"I am confident that Michele will bring her strong work ethic and individualized perspective to the 3rd District Court and will continue her strong commitment to public service in this new capacity."

Christiansen is currently serving as general counsel to Huntsman. Previously, she was the executive director of the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, an assistant U.S. attorney at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Salt Lake City, and an attorney with the Salt Lake-based law firm of Parsons Behle & Latimer.

Christiansen is a graduate of the University of Utah College of Law, Christiansen is the co-chair of the Joint Methamphetamine Task Force, chair of the Utah Sexual Violence Council and a member of the Guardian ad Litem Oversight Committee. Christiansen has also served as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem and a judge pro-tem for the Salt Lake City Justice Court. "I am humbled and thrilled to have been chosen by the governor to continue in public service as a Third District Court judge," said Christiansen. "I take the responsibility of judicial service very seriously, and if I am confirmed, I hope that my tenure on the bench will demonstrate my commitment to public service, impartial justice and to the rule of law."