John Lund brings decades of experience, an excellent reputation and formidable advocacy to every case he handles.
Capabilities
Biography
Mr. Lund focuses his practice on challenging litigation and trial work throughout the West. With a 30-year jury trial record that is both extensive and successful, he has earned his place as a go-to attorney for clients with high-stakes cases. Mr. Lund obtained one of the largest jury verdicts ever awarded in Utah – more than $50 million in lost profit damages for his client’s resort development rights. He also represented the landlord of the Park City ski terrain in successfully terminating the lease of the prior operator, which led to Vail Resort’s combination of Park City and Canyons into the largest single ski area in the country.
Mr. Lund uses all the tools of the litigation process to efficiently achieve the best outcome at the best time for his client – whether that is a settlement or a full-blown trial. Mr. Lund also provides trial consulting, including mock trials, focus groups, theme development and presentation techniques to help other lawyers as well as clients prepare for and navigate the real-life experience and risk of trial by jury.
Mr. Lund is recognized by Chambers USA as one of Utah's leading lawyers for commercial litigation in its top tier Band 1. Chambers USA writes: “John Lund's recent trial successes have served to bolster his already healthy reputation in the local market. He is experienced at dealing with the most complex of commercial disputes.”
He is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and is honored to have been so recognized by his peers.
Mr. Lund has served in numerous leadership positions within the profession, including as president of the Utah State Bar. Currently, he leads Utah’s first-in-the-nation regulatory sandbox for legal services as the chairperson of the Utah Supreme Court’s Office of Legal Services Innovation.
Experience
Bad Faith Insurance Prosecution
Obtained a jury verdict for a plastic surgeon client in a lawsuit against his insurance carrier for breach of the duty of good faith, then won on cross-appeal the right to pursue a punitive damages claim on his behalf. his medical malpractice insurer.
Successfully Represented the Landlord of the Park City Ski Terrain to Terminate the Lease of Pcmr and Facilitate the Arrival of Vail Resorts at Both Park City and Canyons Resorts
Successfully represented the landlord of the Park City ski terrain in terminating the lease of PCMR, bringing about Vail’s arrival in Utah at both Park City and Canyons. Over 2,000 acres of the prime ski terrain of Park City Mountain Resort were used under a long-term lease with 20-year options. The tenant failed to exercise as required by the lease but argued this should not result in a such a catastrophic loss because of its investment in the property and long-term interests. In the midst of the litigation, the landlord made a high-profile deal with Vail Resorts which brought Vail to Utah to operate Canyons and potentially Park City as well. After rulings favorable to the landlord, the case was resolved through Vail Resort’s acquisition of the rest of PCMR.
Obtained A $54 million jury verdict for ski resort company against land owner who obstructed development rights
Obtained a $54 million jury verdict for ski resort company against land owner who obstructed development rights. After the ski resort company invested millions in building up Canyons ski resort to enhance its development rights, the owner and landlord of the property attempted to terminate the lease and assume the development rights. After six years of legal maneuvering and seven weeks of trial, the jury ruled that the landlord owed the ski resort company $54 million in damages plus $6 million in attorney fees and court costs. This was one of the largest jury verdicts ever awarded in the State.
Accomplishments
Academic
University of Utah, J.D., 1984
National Moot Court Team
University of Colorado, B.A., 1981
magna cum laude
Professional
Recognized in Chambers USA, Americas Leading Lawyers for Business, Commercial Litigation
Recognized by Mountain States Super Lawyers since 2007; Top 10 list, 2019-2021
Recognized by Best Lawyers in America – US News and World Report since 2008
Named Best Lawyers in America 2017 and 2019 "Lawyer of the Year," for Product Liability Litigation, Salt Lake City
AV® Preeminent™ Rating (5.0) Martindale Hubbell
Utah Legal Elite 2008 - 2014, 2020
Associations
Professional
Chairperson, Office of Legal Services Innovation, Utah Supreme Court
Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers
Past President, Utah State Bar
Advocate, American Board of Trial Advocates
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
Chairperson, Advisory Committee on Evidence, Utah Supreme Court
Past President, Salt Lake County Bar Association
Insights
Credentials
Licensed
Utah
Colorado
Education
University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law
