Capabilities
Biography
Jim Butler is a shareholder in Parsons Behle & Latimer’s Environmental, Energy & Natural Resources practice group and practices in the natural resources and environmental areas.
Before joining Parsons Behle & Latimer, he worked for the Utah State Energy Office, the Utah State Planning Coordinator's Office, and, from 1981 to 1985, he served as a senior policy assistant to Utah Governor Scott M. Matheson for natural resources. Mr. Butler also served as a clerk to Judge Stephen H. Anderson of the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit from September 1987 to October 1988.
In law school, Mr. Butler received an Edward Clyde Fellowship and a Marriner S. Eccles Fellowship and was elected to Order of the Coif. He also served as editor-in-chief for the Utah Law Review.
Experience
Advising on Copper Mine Development and Environmental Impact
Served as legal counsel for a copper mining company in its efforts to permit and develop a new mine. Worked with the client and U.S. Forest Service to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and implement a federal land exchange.
Advising on Copper Mine Development and Environmental Impact
Served as legal counsel for a copper mining company in its efforts to permit and develop a new mine. Worked with the client and U.S. Forest Service to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and implement a federal land exchange.
Mining Appeal
Intervened on behalf of mining LLC to support the defense of project approval, addressing challenges from environmental and Tribal non-governmental organizations related to project's approval and subsequent environmental analysis.
Accomplishments
Academic
University of Utah College of Law (J.D., 1987)
University of Utah (B.A., 1977)
Honors: Magna Cum Laude
Professional
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, Mining Law, since 2008
Recognized in Chambers USA in Environment (2009 - 2025) and Natural Resources & Environment (2021 - 2025)
Recognized in Utah Business Magazine’s 2023 Legal Elite
Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ rating
Associations
Professional
Utah State Bar Association,
Futures Commission
(1992 - 1993)
Energy, Natural Resources and Environmental Law Section,
Public Lands Committee
Chairman
(1994)
American Bar Association,
Environment, Energy and Resources Section,
Public Lands Committee
Chairman
(2010)
Litigation Section
Member
Scott M. Matheson Leadership Forum
Board of Directors
Insights
Parsons Behle & Latimer Ranked Among Top Law Firms by Chambers and Partners USA: Twenty-nine Attorneys Ranked Among Nation’s Top Practitioners
Parsons Behle & Latimer Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America
Mining Law Alert: D.C. Circuit Upholds Longstanding Millsite Claim Rule in Victory for Mining Companies
Parsons Behle & Latimer Ranked Among Top Law Firms by Chambers and Partners USA
