Appointed in 2010, Justice Thomas Lee was described by a majority of survey respondents as vigorous in his preparations, confident in his rulings, and thoroughly knowledgeable about legal principles and procedures. He earned a perfect score for his diligent work habits. Most survey respondents characterized Justice Lee as extremely intelligent and particularly thoughtful in his application of the law. Some noted an arrogant demeanor and a style that was sometimes dismissive. Of those who answered the retention question, 89% recommended that Justice Lee be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys in addition to verifying that Justice Lee has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Thomas R. Lee was appointed to the Utah Supreme Court by Governor Gary Herbert in 2010. Justice Lee graduated with high honors from the University of Chicago Law School in 1991. After law school, he served as a law clerk at the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and then at the United States Supreme Court. Justice Lee then joined the Salt Lake City law firm now known as Parr, Brown, Gee & Loveless, where he was a partner. From 1997-2010, Justice Lee was a professor on the law faculty at Brigham Young University. During that time he also maintained a part-time law practice, arguing cases in federal courts throughout the country and in the United States Supreme Court.