Judge Thomas Kay, appointed in 1998, is an experienced, no-nonsense judge, characterized by attorneys as intelligent and knowledgeable. Attorneys appreciated his clear and logical decisions. Survey respondents, including attorneys, jurors, and court staff, described him as attentive, well-prepared and diligent. Some respondents noted that Judge Kay has a tendency towards impatience. Courtroom observers gave Judge Kay favorable reviews, emphasizing his calm and professional demeanor, his efficiently-run courtroom, and his consistent composure with argumentative courtroom participants. All observers agreed they would feel comfortable appearing before him. Of survey respondents who answered the retention question, 91% recommended that Judge Kay be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Kay has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Thomas L. Kay was appointed by Governor Michael Leavitt in 1998. He received his law degree from BYU in 1979, where he served as a Note and Comment Editor for the BYU Law Review. Following a clerkship with U.S. District Judge David K. Winder, he worked as a trial attorney at Ray, Quinney & Nebeker and Snell & Wilmer. Judge Kay has served as the Presiding Judge of the Second District, Chair of the Board of District Judges, and President of the Rex E. Lee Inn of Court. He is the Chair of Bountiful Communities That Care, a frequent presenter to school and youth groups, and a member of the Rules of Evidence Committee. He also implemented the first paperless Utah state court.