On his legal ability and administrative skills, Judge Derek P. Pullan, appointed in 2003, scores statistically above the average of his district court peers. Indeed, respondents appreciate Judge Pullan’s steadfast adherence to the law and excellent courtroom management skills. Judge Pullan scores consistently with his peers on other scored performance standards, and 98% of survey respondents recommend him for retention. Respondents identify several judicial attributes as particularly descriptive of Judge Pullan: capable, ethical, and knowledgeable. Survey respondents and courtroom observers agree that Judge Pullan is respectful and well prepared. Courtroom observers note that he gives participants adequate time to make their case and provides clear explanations of rulings. They also expect that if appearing in his court, Judge Pullan would treat them fairly. This judge meets discipline standards set by statute and has been certified by the Judicial Council as meeting all time standards, education requirements, and mental and physical competence standards.
Judge Derek P. Pullan was appointed in September 2003 by Gov. Michael O. Leavitt. He is a member of the Utah Judicial Council and chairs the Council’s Policy and Planning Committee. He has served on the Utah Supreme Court’s advisory committee on the civil rules of procedure and the advisory committee on indigent defense. He served as chairman of the Board of District Court Judges and presiding judge of the Fourth District Court. He is a frequent presenter on evidence law at judicial conferences and has taught evidence at the J. Reuben Clark Law School. Judge Pullan graduated cum laude from the J. Reuben Clark Law School in 1993 and was a law clerk at the Utah Supreme Court.