Gov. Cox announces appointments to Utah Supreme Court and Third Judicial District Court

SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 28, 2026) - Gov. Spencer J. Cox today announced the appointments of Judge Matthew L. Bell and Michael R. Menssen to serve on the Utah Supreme Court, and Elizabeth "Liz" Butler to serve on the Third Judicial District Court.

The Supreme Court appointments fill vacancies created by the retirement of Chief Justice Matthew Durrant and the resignation of Justice Diana Hagen.

Judge Bell serves as a district court judge in the Fifth Judicial District, a position he has held since 2017. He currently serves as the District's presiding judge. His career in public service includes nine years as an assistant United States attorney for the District of Utah, service as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division, and prior work as a sworn peace officer. Judge Bell earned his Juris Doctor magna cum laude from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University, where he served as lead note and comment editor for the BYU Law Review.

"Over his decade of service on the Fifth District bench, Judge Matthew Bell has distinguished himself as one of our state's finest judges," Gov. Cox said. "He routinely receives top evaluation scores from attorneys, staff, and jurors alike. Having risen through Utah's justice system from literal boots-on-the-ground law enforcement to federal prosecution and district court service, Judge Bell brings unparalleled practical wisdom, broad case experience, and a vital southern Utah perspective to our state's highest court."

The governor selected Judge Bell following an extensive review process conducted by the Appellate Court Nominating Commission.

"I am humbled and honored by the trust Governor Cox, his staff, and the Appellate Court Nominating Commission have placed in me," Judge Bell said. "I understand the profound responsibility this appointment carries. If confirmed, I will remain steadfast in my sworn duty to support, obey, and defend the Constitution."

The governor selected Menssen following the same review process.

"Michael Menssen brings an exceptional legal mind, top-quality experience, and a career-long dedication to textualism and originalism to the bench," Gov. Cox said. "In addition to his success in complex commercial litigation, Michael has generously given his time to pro bono work for vulnerable Utahns. What impressed me most is his genuine humility and desire to serve-he is seeking this seat for all the right reasons."

Menssen currently serves as a partner at Mayer Brown LLP in Salt Lake City, specializing in complex commercial litigation, labor and employment law, and appeals. He previously practiced as a partner at Stoel Rives LLP and as an associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Menssen earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he served as Articles Editor for the Virginia Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif.

Menssen has held leadership roles with local legal aid nonprofits and has been recognized for his pro bono work. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake, which assists low-income families and individuals and victims of domestic violence. He also chairs the Leadership Committee for And Justice for All, whose mission is to improve access to justice for all Utahns.

"I am humbled and honored by this nomination," Menssen said. "I have a deep love and respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the role of an independent judiciary. If confirmed, I will always strive to be a faithful steward of the trust placed in me."

To fill a vacancy on the Third Judicial District Court created by the retirement of Judge Hruby-Mills, Gov. Cox selected attorney Liz Butler following a nominating process conducted by the Third Judicial District Nominating Commission.

"Liz Butler is a dedicated practitioner and leader within Utah's legal community," Gov. Cox said. "Her impressive background in complex civil litigation, coupled with her service as an educator and community leader, makes her an outstanding addition to the district court bench."

Butler currently serves as shareholder and co-chair of the Litigation Department at Parsons Behle & Latimer, overseeing more than 100 attorneys across the Mountain West. She previously served as shareholder and chair of the board at Jones Waldo Holbrook & McDonough. Butler also serves as an adjunct professor of law at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law. She earned her Juris Doctor with highest honors from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, where she served on the Utah Law Review and graduated fifth in her class. Butler also volunteers with Salt Lake County Sheriff's Search and Rescue.

"It is a tremendous honor to be appointed to serve on the Third Judicial District Court," Butler said. "I am humbled and grateful to Governor Cox for the trust he's placed in me and for the opportunity to serve the people of Utah. If confirmed, I will work hard to faithfully uphold the law and to ensure that all who appear before me are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect."

Under the Utah Constitution, judicial appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Utah Senate. The Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee will review each appointee's record, consider public comments, and hold confirmation hearings prior to consideration by the full Senate.

Photos of the appointees are available here.

###