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J. Craig Smith and Earl Jay Peck have been named Mountain States 2011 Super Lawyers, and Matthew E. Jensen, Kathryn J. Steffey, and Jeffry R. Gittins have been named Mountain States 2011 Rising Stars by Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers magazine names attorneys in each state who received the highest point totals, as chosen by their peers and through the independent research of Law & Politics. Mr. Smith was recognized for his work in the Energy and Natural Resources practice area, and Mr. Peck was recognized for his work in the Business Litigation practice area.

Rising Stars names the state's top up-and-coming attorneys. Mr. Jensen and Mr. Gittins were recognized for their work in the Energy and Natural Resources practice area, and Ms. Steffey was recognized for her work in the Business Litigation practice area.

J. Craig Smith Recognized For Legal Work In Creating Park City Rail Trail
J. Craig Smith of Smith Hartvigsen, PLLC was recently recognized for his role in the creation of the Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park that stretches thirty miles from Park City to Echo, Utah. The rail trail was recently inducted into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame by the National Rails to Trails Conservancy. Smith was the attorney for the successful effort to convert a, soon to be abandoned, rail line to a recreational trail. The first such conversion in Utah under a provision of federal law that allows for the rail banking of corridors for interim trail use. According to Smith, this was one of his more unusual legal projects. “I would rank this with the passage of federal legislation to secure title to Duchesne City’s water rights and the development of the Amangiri Resort in Kane County as landmark legal projects,” says Smith. “It was a unique and difficult project with a lot of hurdles. I am pleased that we were able to create the trail and it has become such a success since its creation twenty years ago.”

At the recent hall of fame induction ceremony, Smith was recognized for his legal work. The rail trail is part of the Utah State Park System and provides year round recreation to bicyclists, hikers and cross-country skiers, with over 100,000 users each year.

Smith|Hartvigsen successfully obtains summary judgment for St. George City in a Fair Housing case in which the Plaintiff alleged more than $7 million in damages.
In 2009, Cinnamon Hills Youth Crisis Center filed suit against St. George City, alleging that the City’s zoning ordinances and/or decisions violated the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Rehabilitation Act. Represented by J. Craig Smith, Daniel J. McDonald, and Kathryn J. Steffey of Smith|Hartvigsen, the City moved for summary judgment on all claims. After a hearing was held in December 2010, the United States District Court for the District of Utah granted St. George City’s motion in its entirety and dismissed all claims against the City.

J. Craig Smith, David B. Hartvigsen, Daniel J. McDonald, Matthew E. Jensen, and Earl Jay Peck named 2010 Utah Business Magazine Legal Elite
Smith|Hartvigsen attorneys J. Craig Smith, David B. Hartvigsen, Daniel J. McDonald, Matthew E. Jensen, and Earl Jay Peck were named again among the 2011 Utah Legal Elite. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hartvigsen, and Mr. Jensen were recognized for their work in the Energy and Natural Resources practice area. Mr. McDonald was recognized for his work in Business Litigation, and Mr. Peck was recognized for his work in Civil Trials. Utah Business Magazine conducts a yearly survey where attorneys are chosen by their peers to be named Utah’s Legal Elite. This is the fifth year in a row that the majority of the Smith|Hartvigsen partners were chosen as Legal Elite.

J. Craig Smith, Kyle C. Fielding, and Jeffry Gittins present at the Rural Water Association of Utah in March 2011
Craig Smith’s presentation was entitled “Ten Simple Steps to Protect Your Water Right,” and presented information on how to avoid claims of forfeiture, title disputes, and other common water right calamities. Jeffry Gittins and Kyle Fielding’s presentation was entitled “Records Management,” and focused on document retention and disclosure requirements under the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) and the Utah Revised Nonprofit Corporation Act.

R. Christopher Preston named a member of the Utah State Bar Appellate Practice Section Executive Board
The Appellate Practice Section is devoted to enhancing the standards of practice before the state and federal courts of appeal. As a member of the Appellate Practice Executive Board, Mr. Preston will be involved in helping manage and plan events sponsored by the Appellate Practice Section.

Smith Hartvigsen Welcomes Kathryn J. Steffey as Its Newest Partner Kathryn J. Steffey has accepted an invitation to become a member (i.e., partner) of Smith Hartvigsen, PLLC, effective January 1, 2011. Katy has been an associate with the firm since completing a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Justice Jill Parrish in 2005. Katy provides excellent service to clients in the areas of commercial litigation, appellate practice, and labor and employment law.

Smith Hartvigsen Opens a Utah County Office
To better serve our clients in Utah County and surrounding areas, Smith Hartvigsen has opened an office in Highland, Utah. The office is located at 5255 West 11000 North, Suite 125. Dan McDonald and Rick Arnold anchor the office, and attorneys from our main office also meet with clients at the Utah County office.

Kathryn J. Steffey, Matthew E. Jensen, Jeffry R. Gittins, and Bryan C. Bryner have been named 2010 Mountain States Rising Stars by
Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers magazine names attorneys in each state who received the highest point totals, as chosen by their peers and through the independent research of Law & Politics. Rising Stars names the state's top up-and-coming attorneys.

Smith|Hartvigsen earns recognition for the 2010 Utah Business Magazine Legal Elite!
Smith|Hartvigsen attorneys J. Craig Smith, David B. Hartvigsen, Lyle J. Fuller, Matthew E. Jensen, Daniel J. McDonald, and Earl Jay Peck were named again among the 2010 Utah Legal Elite. Mr. Smith, Mr. Hartvigsen, and Mr. Jensen were recognized for their work in the Energy and Natural Resources practice area. Mr. Fuller & Mr. McDonald were recognized for their work in Business Litigation and Mr. Peck was recognized for his work in Civil Trials. Utah Business Magazine conducts a yearly survey where attorneys are chosen by their peers to be named Utah’s Legal Elite. This is the fourth year in a row that the majority of the Smith|Hartvigsen partners were chosen as Legal Elite.

Lyle J. Fuller and Matthew E. Jensen have been named 2009 Mountain States Rising Stars by Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers magazine names attorneys in each state who received the highest point totals, as chosen by their peers and through the independent research of Law & Politics. Rising Stars names the state's top up-and-coming attorneys.

Smith|Hartvigsen earns recognition for the 2009 Utah Business Magazine Legal Elite!
Smith|Hartvigsen attorneys J. Craig Smith, David B. Hartvigsen, Lyle J. Fuller, Eric Todd Johnson, Daniel J. McDonald, Clark R. Nielsen, Earl Jay Peck, and Steven H. Stewart were named again among the 2009 Utah Legal Elite. Mr. Smith and Mr. Hartvigsen were recognized for their work in the Energy and Natural Resources practice area. Mr. Fuller & Mr. McDonald were recognized for their work in Business Litigation. Mr. Johnson was recognized for his work in the Government practice area, especially as municipal bond counsel. Mr. Nielsen was recognized for his work in Family Law. Mr. Peck was recognized for his work in Civil Trials and Mr. Stewart was recognized for his work in the Construction practice area. Utah Business Magazine conducts a yearly survey where attorneys are chosen by their peers to be named Utah’s Legal Elite. This is the third year in a row that all of the Smith|Hartvigsen partners were chosen as Legal Elite.

Smith|Hartvigsen attorneys recognized in the Utah Bar Journal for their pro bono work
Smith Hartvigsen attorneys have been providing "pro bono" (free) legal services to needy clients at the Guadalupe Legal Clinic for the past three years. Each month, two or three of the firm's attorneys attend the Clinic and advise individuals on contract disputes, employment issues, landlord/tenant disputes, commercial transactions, and other legal matters. In the May/June issue of the Utah Bar Journal, Bryan C. Bryner, Kathryn J. Steffey, and Steven H. Stewart were named to the Pro Bono Honor Roll for their service at the Guadalupe Legal Clinic. We appreciate their pro bono work and that of other Smith Hartvigsen attorneys who serve in our community.

Lyle J. Fuller and Matthew E. Jensen have been named 2008 Mountain States Rising Stars by Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers magazine names attorneys in each state who received the highest point totals, as chosen by their peers and through the independent research of Law & Politics. Rising Stars names the state's top up-and-coming attorneys.

Matthew E. Jensen Is the New President Elect for the Utah Chapter of the AWRA
During the 36th Annual Utah Section Water Resources Conference, Mr. Jensen was chosen by members of the water resource community as the President Elect of the Utah Chapter of the American Water Resources Association. As President Elect, he will be involved in planning the fall field trip and annual luncheon. He will also be Chairman of the Annual Utah Section Water Resources Conference to be held in May 2009. The AWRA is a multidisciplinary, non-profit professional association dedicated to the advancement of water resources management, planning, development, research, and education.

Smith|Hartvigsen earns recognition for the 2008 Utah Business Magazine Legal Elite!
Smith|Hartvigsen attorneys J. Craig Smith, David B. Hartvigsen, Lyle J. Fuller, Eric Todd Johnson, Daniel J. McDonald, Clark R. Nielsen, Earl Jay Peck, and Steven H. Stewart were named among the 2008 Utah Legal Elite in the January 2008 edition of Utah Business Magazine. Mr. Smith and Mr. Hartvigsen were recognized for their work in the Energy and Natural Resources practice area. Mr. Fuller & Mr. McDonald were recognized for their work in Business Litigation. Mr. Johnson was recognized for his work in the Government practice area, especially as municipal bond counsel. Mr. Nielsen was recognized for his work in Family Law and Mr. Stewart was recognized for his work in the Construction practice area.

Smith|Hartvigsen attorneys J. Craig Smith, David Hartvigsen, Eric Todd Johnson, Clark R. Nielsen, Earl Jay Peck, and Steven H. Stewart named among the 2007 Utah Legal Elite
J. Craig Smith, David Hartvigsen, Eric Todd Johnson, Clark R. Nielsen, and Steven H. Stewart, members of Smith|Hartvigsen, PLLC, were named among the 2007 Utah Legal Elite in the January 2007 edition of Utah Business Magazine. Earl Jay Peck, who is of counsel with the firm, also was recognized. The magazine developed the list from a survey it conducted of thousands of practicing attorneys in Utah. The top vote-getters in each practice area were placed among the legal elite in that practice area. Mr. Smith and Mr. Hartvigsen were recognized for their work in the Energy & Natural Resources practice area. Mr. Johnson was recognized for his work in the Government practice area, especially as municipal bond counsel. Mr. Nielsen was recognized for his work in Family Law. Mr. Peck was recognized for his work in the Civil Trial practice area. Mr. Stewart was recognized for his work in the Construction practice area.

David B. Hartvigsen recognized by the Utah Section of the American Water Resources Association
Smith|Hartvigsen attorney David B. Hartvigsen was recognized on May 9, 2006, by the Utah Section of the American Water Resources Association for his outstanding service in the private sector to Utah's Water Resources Community. He is the first attorney awarded this prestigious honor by this multi-disciplinary association of water professionals. David has assisted the Utah Section of AWRA in putting on two national conferences and over a dozen statewide conferences and served as the President of the Utah Section in 1996-1997.

Smith|Hartvigsen attorneys J. Craig Smith, and Eric Todd Johnson named among the 2006 Utah Legal Elite
J. Craig Smith and Eric Todd Johnson, members of Smith|Hartvigsen, PLLC, were named among the 2006 Utah Legal Elite in the January 2006 edition of Utah Business Magazine. The magazine developed the list from a survey it conducted of thousands of practicing attorneys in Utah. The top vote-getters in each practice area were placed among the legal elite in that practice area. Mr. Smith was recognized for his work in the Energy & Natural Resources practice area. Mr. Johnson was recognized for his work in the Government practice area, especially as municipal bond counsel. Mr. Smith was also named among the Utah Legal Elite by the Utah Business Magazine in 2005.

J. Craig Smith named among the 2005 Utah Legal Elite - January 2005
J. Craig Smith, members of Smith|Hartvigsen, PLLC, were recently named among the 2005 Utah Legal Elite in the January 2005 edition of Utah Business Magazine. The magazine developed the list from a survey it conducted of thousands of practicing attorneys in Utah. The top vote-getters in each practice area were placed among the legal elite in that practice area. Smith was recognized for his work in the Energy & Natural Resources and Government practice areas.

J. Craig Smith recognized by peers as Lawyer of the Year.
- September 23, 2004
J. Craig Smith was named as the Lawyer of the Year for 2004 by the section of Energy Natural Resources, and Environmental Law of the Utah State Bar at its annual meeting. Only one member of the section is given this prestigious award each year. Smith's trial and appellate work in water matters was noted in presenting the award. Smith has argued eight water related cases to the Utah Supreme Court in the last eight years, more than any other lawyer in Utah during this period. When accepting the award, Smith thanked the attorneys and staff of Smith|Hartvigsen for making this award possible.

Municipal Bond Attorney Eric Todd Johnson joins firm
- January 16, 2004
Eric Todd Johnson joins the firm bringing with him an extensive knowledge of public finance, municipal bonds and municipal law. Mr. Johnson has experience in all aspects of public finance, having helped communities throughout Utah and surrounding states raise money for a variety of issues, including general obligation bonds, municipal building authorities, industrial revenue bonds, water revenue bonds, sales and excise tax bonds, sewer revenue bonds, certificates of participation, special assessment bonds, tax increment bonds and numerous other financings. Mr. Johnson has assisted cities, counties, school districts, special service districts, county improvement districts, inter-local agencies, water conservancy districts, and a variety of other governmental entities raise hundreds of millions of dollars for public improvements. Mr. Johnson received his law degree from Brigham Young University where he graduated magna cum laude, received Order of the Coif and was a law review editor. He also earned an M.B.A. degree. After graduation from law school, Mr. Johnson clerked for the Honorable Justice I. Daniel Stewart of the Utah Supreme Court. Mr. Johnson is a member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers and of the Utah Bar Municipal Law Section.

Smith|Hartvigsen, PLLC Has Relocated to 215 South State Street
- November 17, 2003
Smith|Hartvigsen PLLC has relocated its offices to a newly remodeled location at Suite 650, 215 South State Street in Salt Lake City, Utah.

David Hartvigsen Appointed Chair of Energy Natural Resources Law Section of Utah State Bar (ENREL)
- September 24, 2003
Today David B. Hartvigsen was sworn in as Chair of the Energy, Natural Resources and Environmental Law Section of the Utah State Bar where he will serve for the next 12 months. ENREL was established in 1977 as a forum for the interchange of ideas in the areas of natural resources, oil, gas and mining, public lands, energy, Native American, water, and environmental law. ENREL has over 100 members who participate on its six committees- Water, Oil and Gas, Mining, Public Lands, Environmental, and Native American Law.

Craig Smith Speaks on Utah Water Law during KSL 1160 NewsRadio's Greenhouse Show
- July 5, 2003
Craig Smith spoke today and answered questions from callers about Utah water law on KSL 1160 NewsRadio's Greenhouse Show.