Today, Parsons Behle & Latimer attorney Erik A. Christiansen was sworn in as president of the Utah State Bar. Christiansen is a shareholder and bet-the-company litigator at Parsons with more than 30 years’ experience in high-stakes litigation. He is also the recipient of numerous accolades in the legal and academic communities. Christiansen will hold the office of Utah State Bar president for one year through June 2024. He continues the firm’s history by joining the ranks of former Parsons’ attorneys who have notably served the Utah State Bar as president.
Christiansen says, “It is a great honor to be of service to the lawyers and citizens of the State of Utah. At a time when lawyers, the judiciary and Bar associations are increasingly the target of forces attempting to weaken the vital role our profession plays in our democracy, I look forward to continuing to advocate for the rule of law, to support our excellent judiciary and to protect the equal rights of all citizens of Utah.”
In addition to being a seasoned litigator, Christiansen has devoted years of service to his alma mater the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah, serving as an adjunct professor of law, and being named Alumnus of the Year in 2019. He has been ranked by numerous legal ranking publications, including Chambers & Partners, Best Lawyers in America, Mountain States Super Lawyers, and “Utah Legal Elite” Utah Business Magazine. Christiansen maintains a Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ rating. He also has significant involvement with the American Bar Association (ABA) and is currently serving as a Member, ABA Standing Committee on Membership; the regional co-chair of the Utah ABA Judicial Intern Opportunity Program; the State membership chair, ABA State Membership Committee; and is a Member, ABA Litigation Section Membership and Marketing Committee. This experience and the relationships he has developed with ABA and lawyers across the country will provide an important and helpful perspective in leading the Utah State Bar.
“The Utah State Bar provides Utahns a myriad of public services including pro bono services, the Licensed Lawyer referral service, and public education and community events. Utah lawyers engage in a tremendous amount of public service, and I am proud of the work Utah lawyers and the Utah State Bar does to help the public. I look forward to continuing to look for ways in which lawyers and the Utah State Bar can better serve the citizens of Utah and foster civility and respect for the profession,” Christiansen says.
Shawn C. Ferrin, Parsons’ chairperson and CEO says, “Erik is an exceptional lawyer who not only deftly handles bet-the-company-litigation for many of Parsons’ clients, but he also commits significant time and talents in giving back to local and national Bars. Assuming the role of president of the Utah State Bar is another example of his commitment to building and leading the Utah legal community. Erik will do an outstanding job in this role. We are proud to be his colleague and thank him for his service.“
