Appointed to the juvenile court bench in 2016, Judge Douglas Nielsen’s scores are statistically above the average of his juvenile court peers on legal ability and administrative skills and consistent with his peers on all other scored minimum performance standards. Ninety-eight percent of survey respondents recommend him for retention. Survey ratings of judicial attributes indicate Judge Nielsen is notably respectful, patient, decisive, and prepared. Several respondents laud the judge’s legal knowledge and skills. Respondents and courtroom observers enthusiastically agree that he displays a courteous demeanor and excels at treating everyone in court fairly. Furthermore, they appreciate the judge’s timeliness and value that he listens and gives all court participants an opportunity to be heard. All court observers report confidence that they would be treated fairly if they were to appear in Judge Nielsen’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 Douglas Nielsen was appointed to the bench in January 2013, first serving in the Lehi City Justice Court and Alpine/Highland City Justice Court until being appointed by Governor Herbert to the Fourth Judicial District Juvenile Court Bench in September 2016. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University in 2004 and graduated from Oklahoma City University Law School in 2007. During law school, Judge Nielsen interned for the Oklahoma County Public Defenders Association and the Utah County Public Defenders Association. In 2007, he became an associate at Young, Kester & Petro and in 2010, formed the law firm of Petro & Nielsen, where he served until his appointment to the bench. During his time in the judiciary, Judge Nielsen has served on various boards and committees including the Board of Justice Court Judges, Board of Juvenile Court Judges and as chair of the Fourth District Child Welfare Interagency Committee.