Senate to vote on appointment of Dale to 2nd District

SALT LAKE CITY — Davis County resident and 34-year veteran attorney Robert J. Dale is on course to be appointed as a judge in the state's 2nd District Court.

Robert J. Dale, who is currently a shareholder with the law firm of Fabian & Clendenin, was chosen by Gov. Gary Herbert to fill a vacancy left by the retirement of 2nd District Judge Rodney Page.

The five-member Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee unanimously confirmed the nomination recently, after Dale read a statement that discussed the love he has for his family and the path that has led him to where he is today. He mentioned specifically the impact of his wife and daughters and his mother and stepfather, who he said was like a father to him.

"They taught me the meaning of hard work. They taught me how to make ends meet and taught me how to live with integrity," Dale said. "The words ring in my mind and in my heart to this day of my stepfather telling me that above everything else, he would wish that I would become a good citizen of this country."

He said that has translated into his desire to serve as a judge and work alongside what he believes is the finest group of judges the state has seen.

"I want to give that meaningful public service," he said. "I have the experience and the meaningful opportunities in practice that helped me to become familiar with the practice of law."

Dale has specialized in the areas of real property, commercial, construction, contract and banking law. He is a former member of the Layton Planning Commission, previously co-chaired the Utah State Institutional Trust Lands nominating committee and also was on the board of directors of the Utah Wildlife Federation.

As a judge, he said he believes it is important to act like "ladies and gentlemen" and said he was committed to acting respectfully.

"I want to be the person that is approachable, knowledgeable and makes decisions when they need to be made quickly and decisively."

Dale's appointment will now be put to a vote before the full Utah Senate on June 23.

The 2nd District covers Davis, Morgan and Weber counties.

e-mail: emorgan@desnews.com