Michael Evans (lawyer)

Early life and education

Born and raised in Lehi, Utah, Commissioner Evans was the youngest in the family, having three older sibling. Evans attended public school and completed his high-school degree from Lehi High School in 1970. While in high school Commissioner Evans participated in Debate, Tennis, and Honor Society.

Commissioner Evans continued on with his education at the University of Utah and in 1973 he graduated with his undergraduate in journalism. Afterward, Commissioner Evans began seeking a law degree, from an out of state university. In 1976, Evans graduated from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, which was part of the Cleveland State University in Ohio. Throughout law school Comm. Evans often was found: writing, editing, and publishing newspapers and articles.

Legal career

Before serving as Third District Court Commissioner. Evans practiced in Salt Lake City as a solo practitioner for 6 years. He was also a staff attorney, and then Director of the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake for about five years. He also worked for two years at the Salt Lake Law firm of Cohne, Rappaport and Segal. Evans has been an Adjuct Faculty member at the University of Utah College of Law and is a Master of the Bench in the Sutherland Inn of Court.

Judicial career

Mr. Evans was appointed in 1990 to be a Commissioner for the Third District Court in Salt Lake City. Unlike judges, which are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, Commissioners are chosen by the judges that are presiding in the districts that need the commissioners (Due to legislation allowing courts to "hire" commissioners). They are then appointed by the Utah Judicial Council. One example of the differences in the powers between a Commissioner and a judge is that a Commissioner's contempt power is less; for a commissioner the maximum contempt charge is five days, unlike the thirty days a judge can give. Commissioners they still have bailiffs and wear robes.

As a Commissioner, Michael Evans has either chaired,or has been a member of many different committees such as: The Executive Committee of the Standing Committee on Judicial Branch Education; the Protective Order and Custody Evaluation sub-committees of the Standing Committee on Children; the Family Law Domestic Violence Advisory Council. The Utah Child Support Task Force; and Utah the Gender and Justice Task Force. The Commissioner is extremely involved with many family oriented disputes. Furthermore, Commissioner Evans has also taught classes "Divorce Education for Children." These two hour classes seek to educate children how to communicating their feelings and emotions. The course which is free to attend helps individuals understand that they are not alone in their struggles.

Notable Cases/Rulings

Commissioner's cases often ultimately belong to other judges, thus, they are not usually known for their cases. Commissioner Evan's most notable case was the case of PEARSON V. PEARSON 2008 UT 24. This case made its way to the Utah Supreme Court and the Commissioner's ruling was upheld. Throughout appeal cases Commissioner Evan's record is 7-1. With his opinions being upheld at an 87.5% retainment rate on appeals.

Personal Back ground

In his personal time Comm. Evans skiis, hikes, and enjoys the back-country.

Achievements and Awards

Commissioner Evans has received many awards of service; however the most respectable of these awards are: a Special Service Award from the Utah State Bar Association and he was also a participant and mentor in the Institute for Faculty Excellence in Judicial Education of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Commissioner Evans has also served on the Utah task force on Gender and Justice, and the Utah Child Support task force.