Michael D. Zimmerman
Partner
Michael Zimmerman's practice is concentrated in commercial litigation, appellate advocacy, mediation, and arbitration.
Professional Recognitions & Awards
Utah Legal Elite, Utah Business magazine (2007, 2009)
The Best Lawyers in America® (2006-2010)
Mountain States Super Lawyers, Law & Politics magazine (2007-2009)
Recipient, Utah Council on Conflicts Resolution (2007)
Peacekeeper Award, 500 Leading Judges, LawDragon (2006)
Honorary Doctor of Laws, University of Utah (2001)
Distinguished Service Award, Utah State Bar (1998)
The Peter W. Billings, Sr. Outstanding Dispute Resolution Service Award, American Arbitration Association (1997)
Individual Achievement Award, Downtown Alliance (1997)
Excellence in Ethics Award, Utah Valley State College, Center for the Study of Ethics, inaugural recipient (1994)
Appellate Judge of the Year, Utah State Bar (1988)
Personal
Born in Chicago, Illinois
Professional Memberships & Activities
American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, Member (2005-present)
Utah Legal Services, Inc., Board of Directors, Member (2002-present)
Appointed Special Master for United States District Court (United States of America v. Douglas E. Brown, et al.; Civil No. 2:95CR 245B) (2001-present)
Association for Conflict Resolution, Member (2001-present)
Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Judicial System, Member (2001-present)
Registry of Independent Scientific and Technical Advisors at The Private Adjudication Center at Duke University, Co-Director (2000-2002)
American Arbitration Association, Member (2000-present)
Utah Judicial Council, Court Annexed Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, Member (2000-present)
The Utah Council on Conflict Resolution, Board of Directors, Chair (1999-present)
American Judicature Society, Board of Directors, Member (1995-2001)
Utah Judicial Council Task Force on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Judicial Systemm Chair (1996-2000)
American Law Institute, Member (1990-present)
Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, Member (1995-1998)
Conference of Chief Justices, Board of Directors, Member (1995-1998)
Utah State Bar Access to Justice Task Force, Co-Chair (1996-1997)
Utah Constitutional Revision Commission, Member (1987-1993)
Duke University Law School, Faculty Member, SJI-funded "Judging Science" program for appellate and trial judges (1992)
Utah Judicial Council Task Force on Gender and Justice, Co-Chair (1986-1990)
Judicial Conference of the United States, Federal Civil Rules Advisory Committee, Member (1985-1991)
Other Professional Experience
Supreme Court of Utah, Justice (1984-2000)
Supreme Court of Utah, Chief Justice; Utah Judicial Council, Chair ; Utah Judiciary, Chief Administrative Officer (1994-1998)
University of Utah College of Law, Adjunct Professor (1989-1993)
Watkiss & Campbell, Shareholder, Salt Lake City, Utah (1980-1984)
University of Utah College of Law, Adjunct Professor supervising National Moot Court Teams, Utah Supreme Court Internship Program, and Executive Internship Program (1978-1984)
Kruse, Landa, Zimmerman & Maycock, Of Counsel, Salt Lake City, Utah (1978-1980)
Governor Scott M. Matheson, Utah, Part-Time Special Counsel (1978-1980)
University of Utah College of Law, Associate Professor of Law (1976-1978)
O'Melveny & Myers, Associate, Los Angeles, California (1970-1976)
Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, United States Supreme Court, Law Clerk (1969-1970)
Representative Presentations & Publications
A New Approach to Court Reform, Judicature, Vol. 82. No. 3 (November-December 1998)
Where We Have Been and Where We May Be Headed: Some Thoughts on the Progress of the Utah Judiciary, 11 Utah Bar Journal 18 (1998)
Remarks Before First 100 Dinner of Utah State Bar, 11 Utah Bar Journal 75 (1998)
Point/Counterpoint: Mandatory Reporting of Pro Bono Service: Why is it an Issue, 10 Utah Bar Journal 13 (1997)
The Weakness of the Adversary System as a Foundation for Lawyer Ethics, Invited Speaker, ABA Litigation Section Board of Directors' Annual Meeting (1996)
The Chief Justice's Annual Seminar on Ethics, Host and Speaker, Park City Bar Association (1994-1997)
Soft Scientific Evidence: When is it Admissible and What Does it Prove? Faculty Member, ABA Appellate Judges Seminar (1993)
Professional Standards Versus Personal Ethics: The Lawyer's Dilemma, Commencement Speaker, University of Utah College of Law (1988)