Appointed to the bench in 2012, Judge James Blanch receives outstanding evaluations from survey respondents. He scores well above the average of his district court peers in all survey categories, particularly in legal ability. Many describe Judge Blanch as one of the best judges before whom they’ve appeared. Respondents note that his demeanor, intelligence, and preparation combine to provide attorneys and litigants with well-reasoned, fair, and understandable decisions and outcomes. One hundred percent (100%) of the adjectives selected by respondents to describe him are positive. Courtroom observers are also enthusiastically positive about Judge Blanch. They note that he is both efficient and patient, that he listens intently, and that he treats all court participants fairly and respectfully, regardless of appearance or background. Notably, all 95 respondents (100%) answering the retention question recommend retention for Judge Blanch.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Blanch has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge James T. Blanch was appointed to the Third District Court in 2012 by Governor Gary Herbert. Judge Blanch earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in 1990 and graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1993. Prior to his appointment, he maintained a civil litigation practice with Parsons Behle & Latimer. He now handles a primarily criminal calendar, including the Alternative Substance Addiction Program specialty court, which he helped establish. Judge Blanch has taught at the University of Utah College of Law. He chairs the Committee on the Model Utah Criminal Jury Instructions, is a long-standing member of the Utah Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Civil Procedure, and is a member of the Utah Pro Bono Commission.