Today, Parsons Behle & Latimer (Parsons) attorney J. Michael Bailey was awarded the James B. Lee Mentoring Award by the Utah State Bar Commission at the Bar’s 2024 Fall Forum held at the Little America Hotel.
Bailey is a litigation and government relations shareholder at Parsons and has practiced for more than 35 years. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in commercial litigation and in environmental litigation including large-scale tort and qui tam matters. Bailey also serves as the firm’s director of strategic growth where he has played an integral role in Parsons’ expansion in the Intermountain Region over the last five years.
Bailey says, “I am honored to be recognized for this award, particularly since the late James Lee was a mentor of mine and someone for whom I have immense respect. Working alongside the future leaders of our profession as a mentor has been a privilege. Having seen the capabilities of these young attorneys, I know our profession is in very capable hands moving forward.”
According to the Utah State Bar, the James B. Lee Mentoring Award is given to a Utah attorney or judge who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the mentorship of Utah lawyers. The James B. Lee Mentoring Award recipient has guided lawyers throughout their professional careers in a continuing, multifaceted partnership sustained by mutual respect and concern. This mentor has made a broad impact on mentorship by facilitating communities or building infrastructure and has provided intellectual leadership, created a supportive environment, acted as an advocate and promoted diversity and inclusiveness.
Bailey was nominated by two attorneys at Parsons and one from an outside law firm whom he has mentored. In their nominations, the Parsons’ attorneys – one associate and one now a shareholder – said, “Over the years, Mike has consistently gone above and beyond to mentor young attorneys and help guide their careers, even after their mentorships have come to a close. Not only does Mike mentor Parsons' young attorneys, he also extends his guidance to associates outside the firm, when asked. Mike is well known at Parsons not only for helping mentor associates, but for listening and lending his experience when his lateral peers seek his input as well.” And, “Mr. Bailey was a great mentor – both because he is a phenomenal lawyer as well as just a really good person. He knows everyone and has an amazing ability to remember people, and more importantly to get to know people, and not just on a surface level (things I admire and hoped would rub off on me during his mentorship). I felt lucky to have access to his time and his wisdom so early in my legal career and still appreciate any time I get to spend with him.”
Shawn Ferrin, Parsons’ CEO and Board Chair, said “Mike Bailey is not only an outstanding lawyer and mentor to associates and colleagues at Parsons, but he is an exemplary ambassador to the legal community at large. Whether in the court room, on Capitol Hill or in the community, Mike is generous with his time and is always doing everything he can to make sure the legal community is held in the highest esteem. We at Parsons are very lucky to have Mike as our colleague, and I appreciate his guidance and mentorship on a daily basis. Mike is very deserving of the James B. Lee Mentoring Award.”
To learn more about Bailey, click here.
