Appointed in 2011, Judge Todd Shaughnessy scored higher than the average of his district court peers in all survey categories. Respondents described Judge Shaughnessy as professional, humble, careful, practical, thoughtful, and engaged. From a list of adjectives, they selected 98% positive words to describe him. Both survey respondents and courtroom observers characterized Judge Shaughnessy as intelligent, polite, and well-prepared. Courtroom observers also praised Judge Shaughnessy for his attentive listening skills, professional demeanor, and careful explanations of decisions. They noted that he demonstrated equal respect for attorneys and defendants and allowed all courtroom participants to have their say. Of those who answered the retention question, 97% recommended Judge Shaughnessy be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Shaughnessy has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Todd Shaughnessy was appointed to the Third District Court in May 2011 by Governor Gary Herbert. Judge Shaughnessy received his law degree from the University of Utah College of Law where he was managing editor of the Utah Law Review. Prior to his appointment, Judge Shaughnessy was a partner at Snell & Wilmer in Salt Lake City. He previously worked at Van Cott, Bagley, Cornwall & McCarthy. In addition to his membership in the American, Utah, and Salt Lake County Bar associations, Judge Shaughnessy is a member of the Utah Supreme Court Advisory on Rules of Civil Procedure.