Appointed in August 2011, Judge Ryan Harris scored higher than the average of his district court peers in all survey categories. Respondents described him as intelligent, attentive, and polite; in fact, 97% of adjectives they selected from a list to describe Judge Harris were positive. Several survey respondents complimented Judge Harris’ courtroom management and cited with approval his preparation, thoughtful demeanor, and legal knowledge. All courtroom observers agreed they would feel comfortable appearing before him. Of survey respondents who answered the retention question, 97% recommended that Judge Harris be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Harris has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Ryan M. Harris was appointed to the Third District Court in 2011 by Governor Gary Herbert. Judge Harris received an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, and a law degree from Stanford Law School. After law school, Judge Harris served as a judicial clerk to Judge Stephen H. Anderson of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Following his clerkship, Judge Harris practiced law in Salt Lake City at the firm of Jones, Waldo, Holbrook & McDonough. Judge Harris also worked as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Utah College of Law and is a past chair of the Utah State Bar’s Litigation Section.