Appointed to the bench in 2007, Judge Douglas Thomas scores on average with his district court peers in all survey categories. Survey respondents praise his respect for courtroom participants, his attentive listening, and his commitment to ensuring that those appearing in his court fully understand the proceedings. From a list, respondents choose 97% positive adjectives to describe him, characterizing him as knowledgeable, polite, and considerate. Both survey respondents and courtroom observers note that Judge Thomas demonstrates excellent courtroom management skills. Observers further note that Judge Thomas consistently allows sufficient time for courtroom participants to present their cases and provides clear and explicit explanations of his decisions. All observers report they would feel comfortable appearing before him. Of survey respondents answering the retention question, 98% recommend that Judge Thomas be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Thomas has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Douglas B. Thomas was appointed to the Seventh District Court in 2007 by Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. Judge Thomas graduated from the University of Utah College of Law in 1989. He practiced law with Van Cott, Bagley, Cornwall and McCarthy and later became a shareholder at Gridley, Ward and Shaw. He then served as a Second District Court Commissioner from 2003 – 2007. Since his appointment to the bench, Judge Thomas has served as presiding judge of the Seventh District Court and on the Board of District Court Judges. Judge Thomas currently co-chairs the Judicial Council’s Standing Committee on Children and Family Law and serves on the Utah State Bar’s Family Law Executive Committee.