Jesse began his legal career working for the Salt Lake District Attorney in 2008, but quickly learned that he’d rather defend someone who made a mistake rather than put an innocent person in jail. His interest in helping people at their worst moments comes from his belief that every person, regardless of their background or crime, deserves the best defense. He joined the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association (LDA) in 2012 where he excelled at achieving excellent results for his clients, despite at times having the highest caseload of any attorney. Recognizing his legal skills and ability to teach others, Jesse became LDA’s intern coordinator. He was responsible for training law students from the University of Utah and Brigham Young University on practicing criminal defense. Jesse’s passion for helping people at their worst moments persuaded Jesse to form Conyers & Nix.
Jesse was recognized for his legal expertise when he was nominated to become a Judge in the Salt Lake City Justice Court. After he was not selected by Mayor Jackie Biskupski, Utah Governor Gary Herbert appointed Jesse to serve on Utah's Third District Judicial Nominating Commission where he interviews lawyers applying to be trial judges.
Education
S.J. QUINNEY COLLEGE OF LAW
Juris Doctor, 2010
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
B.S., Political Science, 2005
Bar Admissions
Utah State Courts
United States District Court, Utah
Activities & Affiliations
Third District Judicial Nominating Commission
Member
Plan-B Theatre Company
Immediate Past President
Utah Minority Bar Association
Former Board President
Utah State Bar Commission
Former Ex Officio Board Member
Committee on the Model Utah Criminal Jury Instructions
Former Member Secretary
Utah Pride Center
Former Board Member
S.J. Quinney College of Law Young Alumni Association
Former Board Member
David K. Watkiss-Sutherland II Inns of Court
Member
Practice areas
12 years, 2,000 cases
12 years, 500 cases
I represent educators and teachers alleged of misconduct before the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission at the Utah State Board of Education.
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
UT | Active | 2010 | 02/07/2021 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Recognition of Service | S.J. Quinney College of Law Pro Bono Initative | 2010 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Trial Attorney | Conyers & Nix | 2018 - Present |
Trial Attorney | Salt Lake Legal Defender Association | 2012 - 2018 |
Associate Attorney | Clayton Simms, LLC | 2010 - 2012 |
Intern | Salt Lake City Prosecutor's Office | 2009 - 2010 |
Law Clerk | Salt Lake County District Attorney | 2008 - 2009 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Third District Judicial Nominating Commission | Commissioner | 2019 - Present |
Utah State Bar | Ex-Officio Board Member | 2014 - 2015 |
Standing Committee on the Model Utah Criminal Jury Instructions | Member Secretary | 2014 - 2018 |
Plan-B Theatre Company | President, Board Member | 2014 - 2018 |
Utah Minority Bar Association | President | 2013 - 2014 |
Utah Pride Center | Board Member | 2012 - 2015 |
---|---|---|
S.J. Quinney College of Law Young Alumni Association | Board Member | 2010 - 2014 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Utah Law Review | "You Only Donated Sperm ": Using Intent to Uphold Paternity Agreements | 2009 |
Journal of Law and Family Studies | Unwholesome Activities in a Wholesome Place: Utah Teens Creating Pornography and the Establishment of Prosecutorial Guidelines | 2008 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2010 |
University of Utah | Political Science | 2005 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
State of Utah v. R.R. | Court Probation |
Utah v. A.F. | Dismissed |
Salt Lake City v. Z.H. | Not Guilty |
Salt Lake City v. J.F. | Case Dismissed |
State v. K.M. | Case Dismissed |
Posted by Darby
Tue Jul 28 2020
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Tue Mar 10 2020
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Thu Feb 27 2020
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Tue Feb 25 2020
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Tue May 08 2012
Samuel Goble, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 16, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jesse is smart. He is also creative and communicates well with law enforcement and judges alike. He has more experience than most attorneys practicing criminal law. More than that, Jesse has cajones. He works hard for clients and is bold. I fully recommend him.
Brent Huff, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 20, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Joshua Baron, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 19, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jesse is a creative, passionate, hard-working attorney. I have seen him in all kinds of criminal hearings and he is always prepared and advocating effectively for his clients. If someone close to me were charged with a crime, I would recommend Jesse without hesitation.
Sean Druyon, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jesse is an excellent attorney. He is passionate about what he does and is willing to get involved in "extra curricular" activities with the Utah Bar Association and with the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I have seen him moderate "The Promise of Gideon", which was a forum where professors and legal scholars gathered to discuss how we can better serve the indigent community. Jesse also has a very warm and welcoming personality, making him easy to relate to. I would definitely trust him with my case.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 4, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Jesse. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Danielle Hawkes, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 23, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jesse is a smart and passionate lawyer who seeks justice at every turn of a case. He is also very accessible to his clients in a friendly and thoughtful way. I would refer a friend or family member to Jesse without hesitation.
Philip Wormdahl, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 4, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jesse is passionate defense attorney who works hard for his clients. I do not hesitate in recommending Jesse.
Andrew Draxton, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 16, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I recently had a family member approach me on behalf of a co-worker that had been charged with a crime. The implications of a conviction were severe: deportation was possible. Because I don't deal in Criminal Defense, I decided to provide a referral for the would-be client. I immediately thought of Jesse. Jesse immediately took control of the case, counseling the client, and eventually working out a plea agreement that avoided any longterm implications. I highly recommend Jesse for any and all criminal matters.
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