Appointed in 2017, Judge Kirk Morgan’s scores are statistically above the average of his juvenile court peers on integrity and judicial temperament, administrative skills, and procedural fairness and consistent with his peers on legal ability. Ninety-eight percent of survey respondents recommend him for retention. Respondents appreciate the judge for his professional temperament and honesty. They also commend the judge for his strong work ethic. Courtroom observers and respondents, alike, value the judge’s concern for the input and feelings of children in his court. A respondent sums up the sentiments of many by observing that the judge “leads by example.” Survey ratings of judicial attributes indicate Judge Morgan is particularly open-minded and characterize him as notably prepared. All court observers report confidence that they would be treated fairly if they were to appear in Judge Morgan’s court. 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 Kirk M. Morgan was appointed to the First District Juvenile Court in February 2017 by Governor Gary R. Herbert. He serves in Box Elder, Cache, and Rich counties. Judge Morgan graduated from Utah State University and received his law degree from J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. After graduating from law school, Judge Morgan was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force and served as a judge advocate general. Judge Morgan also served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Hawaii. Following his military service, Judge Morgan returned to Brigham City and became a practicing attorney and shareholder at the law firm of Mann, Hadfield & Thorne. In addition to his civil practice, Judge Morgan served as the Brigham City Attorney and as the chief deputy county attorney in the Box Elder County Attorney’s Office.