Obama nominates Utah judge for U.S. District Court

SALT LAKE CITY — President Barack Obama has nominated Judge David Ogden Nuffer to become a federal judge at the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah.

Nuffer has been a full-time U.S. magistrate judge in Utah since 2003. He held that position part-time from 1995 to 2003.

“The U.S. District Court in Utah is very busy, and filling this vacancy is a real priority of mine,” Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said. “Judge Nuffer’s integrity, training and legal experience make him well-qualified for the position.

GOP Sen. Mike Lee also had praise for Nuffer. In a written statement, Lee said, "Judge Nuffer is an experienced, highly regarded judge who will serve the people of Utah well in his new role.”

From 1979 to 2002, Nuffer practiced law at Snow Nuffer, focusing on civil litigation, real estate development, and municipalities.

Judge Nuffer served as the president of the Utah State Bar from 2000 to 2001. He received his J.D. cum laude in 1978 from Brigham Young University's J. Reuben Clark Law School and his B.A. cum laude in 1975 from BYU.

In a press release, Obama said Nuffer demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice throughout his career, and that he was confident Nuffer would continue to serve the American people with integrity.

Nuffer, whose nomination has to be confirmed by the Senate, would fill one of two vacancies on the federal bench in Utah. The Obama administration has also not nominated a permanent U.S. Attorney for Utah.