Gov. Gary Herbert selects assistant attorney general to 3rd District Court bench

SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Gary Herbert has selected Barry Lawrence to fill a upcoming vacancy on the 3rd District Court bench.

Lawrence, currently the Torts section chief in the Utah Attorney General's Office, will fill an opening resulting from the retirement of Judge William Barrett. Barrett's retirement goes into effect Nov. 1.

Lawrence has been with the attorney general's office since June 2000. Before that, he worked for the law firm of Jones, Waldo, Holbrook and McDonough. A graduate of Syracuse University College of Law, he received an undergraduate degree from Cornell University.

“Barry Lawrence will bring valuable perspective and analysis to the 3rd District Court,” Herbert said. “His combination of public and private sector experience, and his years of dedication to the rule of law will be a great asset to the court.”

Lawrence's appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate. The 3rd Judicial District spans Salt Lake, Summit and Tooele counties.