Parsons Behle & Latimer (Parsons) is pleased to announce that today, Erik A. Christiansen was sworn in as the president-elect 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 educational communities. Christiansen will serve as president-elect from July 2022 through July 2023 after which he will serve as president of the Utah State Bar from July 2023 through July 2024.
“Parsons Behle & Latimer has a long tradition of Bar service,” Christiansen says, “and I am pleased to follow in the footsteps of other Parsons Behle & Latimer lawyers who have served as Bar president, including David Bird, James Lee and John Lund.”
In addition to being a seasoned litigator on Parsons’ litigation practice team, 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 SuperLawyers, 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.
“Bar service is an honor and a privilege. I would encourage more attorneys to get involved with the Utah State Bar. Bar service enriches your life, broadens your legal perspectives and deepens your professional and personal friendships with your peers in the legal profession,” Christiansen says.
Parsons CEO and Chairperson Shawn C. Ferrin says, “Erik is absolutely deserving of this position, and, I have no doubt, will do an outstanding job leading the members of the Utah State Bar in the coming years. For decades, Erik has represented Parsons’ clients with dedication and thoughtful determination. I know he will apply those same traits in service to his peers in the Utah State Bar.”
