08/30/2026
We applaud and thank Chief Justice Matthew B. Durrant as he concludes more than a quarter century of distinguished judicial service on Monday, August 31.
Durrant was appointed to the Utah Supreme Court in January 2000 by Gov. Michael O. Leavitt after serving on Utah’s Third District Court. In 2012, his fellow justices selected him to serve as Chief Justice, a role he has held for 14 years. He retires as the longest-serving Chief Justice in Utah history.
Throughout his tenure, Durrant has been a steadfast advocate for an independent, accessible, and trusted judiciary. He championed technology and modernization of Utah’s courts, expanded efforts to improve access to justice, and worked to strengthen professionalism and civility within the legal profession.
He also made attorney well-being a priority. Following a 2019 report highlighting well-being challenges within Utah’s legal profession, Durrant helped launch a task force focused on addressing those concerns and advancing the well-being of Utah’s legal community.
His leadership extended nationally as well, including service as President of the Conference of Chief Justices.
We thank Chief Justice Durrant for his decades of leadership, service, and commitment to Utah’s judiciary and legal profession, and wish him well in retirement.
