Jacey Skinner
The Utah State Bar Commission has awarded the Dorathy Merrill Brothers Award to Jacey Skinner, who is of counsel in Ballard Spahr’s Salt Lake City office. The award, which is named for one of Utah’s first female attorneys, is bestowed in r e c o g n i t i o n of efforts to advance women in the legal p r o f e s s i o n . Prior to joining Ballard Spahr, Skinner advised Utah Gov. Gary Herbert in his judicial appointment process for more than eight years. She also advised Herbert as he appointed judicial nominating commissions that reflected the makeup of the bar, as he appointed the Board of Pardons and Parole — which now has a female majority — and many other boards and commissions. Skinner also has spent her career helping to advance policies to address issues of discrimination and harassment for women, minorities and juveniles. She has worked closely with the Women Lawyers of Utah and spent time mentoring young lawyers and women interested in applying for judicial positions. She is also a member of the Board of the Utah Center for Legal Inclusion.