Top Best Family Lawyers | 14650 Available

Jesse West was born and raised in East Tennessee and attended the University of Tennessee, receiving his bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in business. He then attended Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate degree. While at LMU, he honed his trial skills; he and his partner won the LMU Kimsey Cup intramural mock trial competition and served as the Vice-President of the LMU Mock Trial organization. After graduating, he passed the bar exam and spent the next 6 months as a lobbyist to the Tennessee State Legislature. There he testified multiple times to the legislature on legal issues related to bills and even served on a panel. Jesse has spent countless hours in the courtroom, mediations, and has conducted numerous evidentiary hearings. He provides strong advocacy skills, extensive knowledge in family law, and a zealous pursuit of his clients’ goals.. During law school Jesse visited Utah multiple times where he fell in love with the natural beauty of the state and the healthy and active lifestyles lived by Utahns. He moved to Utah in the Spring of 2022 and has been enjoying it ever since. Jesse believes he felt called to Utah for a purpose and is passionate about helping people solve their problems and live their best possible lives.

I became interested in practicing family law while doing an intership for a judge during law school. During that internship, I became fascinated at how many different areas of law family law touches.  I have been practicing family law for more than a decade now and every day brings a new challenge.  The most rewarding part of my job is working together with clients as an advocate and a counselor during what is for most people the most difficult experience they will go through in life.. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family vacationing in warm locations, coaching youth football, watching sports, and waterfowl hunting.

I served as a Small Claims Judge Pro Tempore from 2012 to 2018. I performed this service 2-3 times per month in the Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County Justice Courts. I have practiced in the areas of family law, Hague Convention child abduction cases, criminal defense, tax controversies, and bankruptcy during the course of my career. I have tried hundreds of cases to verdict, and am a very experienced trial and appellate lawyer.. I keep abreast of changes in the law by attending continuing legal education courses inall four areas of law on a regular basis. I have appeared before judges and hearing commissioners throughout the State of Utah since 1999. I became licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia in 1991, and practiced law there for six years.  I was a member of the Virginia State Bar from 1997-2010.  I am also a member of the American Bar Association's Family Law and International Law Sections.. Regarding family law, I have been a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts for several years. This organization consists of clinical psychologists and family law attorneys and meets annually several times to discuss the best practice to deal with family law issues. I have attended several of their continuing legal education courses and regularly review their quarterly publications. I have represented scores of clients with family law matters in Utah since 1999. I have served as a private guardian ad litem in Utah. I also served as a private guardian ad litem in Washington, DC, for approximately six years.. Regarding Hague Convention child abduction cases, I have represented clients in both State and federal court on this kind of case.  The cases move quickly, and if there is a valid defense, a party can schedule a trial also very quickly.  I have found that because State court judges have more experience in child custody matters generally, the State Court is a better forum to bring these kinds of cases.  A knowledge of international law is not needed when the case is filed in the United States.. Regrading criminal law, I was appointed counsel through the federal Criminal Justice Act in Washington, DC for approximately six years, and then in Utah for approximately five years. I have represented criminal defendants in serious cases like murder, armed carjacking, distribution of controlled substances, and sexual molestation of a minor – as well as various kinds of misdemeanor charges. I have represented a client on Utah’s death row, have argued his State habeas case before the Utah Supreme Court, and petitioned for the issuance of a writ of certiorari with the United States Supreme Court on his case.. I have also argued several appellate cases before various appellate courts, i.e., the Utah Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and the United States Tenth Circuit. I have approximately 20 published appellate opinioins, have petitioned the United States Supreme Court for the issuance of a writ of certiorari seven times, and have argued before the U.S. Tenth Circuit in Denver six times.. Regarding tax law, I worked for the IRS for approximately ten years either as a Revenue Officer, a Congressional Liaison, or as an Assistant District Counsel. I have reviewed several offers in compromise, reviewed IRS audits, and represented IRS before the US Tax Court. As a revenue officer, I was assigned scores of collection cases, and became intimately aware of the collection process – including how offers and compromises are prepared and accepted.. I believe that being well versed in these areas of law makes me a more effective advocate, counselor, and negotiator for my clients. Frequently issues arise in one are of law which involve other areas of law.. I offer a thirty minute free consultation. Please give me a call to discuss your case. I work in the Wells Fargo Building downtown and have free parking validation. Thanks.

Lauren is AV rated by Martindale Hubble and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Lawyers. In 2013, the readers of the Catalyst magazine named Lauren one of Utah’s “Catalyst 100,” as a catalyst within our community. Also in 2013, the Community Foundation of Utah selected her as one of its “Enlightened 50” individuals who are “making a real difference in the lives of Utahns through innovation, collaboration and commitment to the common good.” Ms. Barros received the award of "Distinguished Family Law Practitioner" in 2005-2006 from the Utah State Bar and a "Most Fabulous Attorney" award from Q Salt Lake Magazine every year since 2007. She and her husband received Equality Utah's Allies Award in 2006. In 2004, Utah Business Magazine gave her the "Top 40 Under 40 Rising Stars" award. She is consistently listed in Utah Business Magazine's Family Law "Legal Elite" and in the American Trial Lawyers' Association "Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Utah.". In the Fall of 2009, Lauren co-founded the Rainbow Law Clinic, the first pro bono LGBT Law Clinic in Utah. She was also a Small Claims Court judge in the Third District Court (1998-2005), a member of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team (1998-2003), and a member of the Board of the Friends of the Utah Avalanche Forecasters (2005-2007.). Lauren regularly presents on topics within Family Law and Assistive Reproductive Technology Law, in Utah and nationally.. Lauren enthusiastically enjoys cycling, skiing, and hiking around Utah's mountains with her friends and family.

Jennifer Percy has been practicing family law for over a decade. Jennifer was raised in Idaho and completed her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Psychology at Boise State University, and spent a year studying abroad in France. Jennifer attended Gonzaga School of Law in Washington where she received her law degree. During law school Jennifer was an editor of the Gonzaga Law Review, member of the Moot Court Honor Counsel, president of the Women’s Law Caucus, and worked for the Spokane City Prosecutor’s Office.. After graduating from law school in 2011, Jennifer came to Utah to start her career as a family law attorney. She is passionate about helping families through challenging times. Jennifer’s background in psychology makes her uniquely skilled in working with high conflict dynamics, personality disorders and with other difficult family law situations. She is a skilled negotiator and often helps clients resolve their cases through mediation or settlement negotiations. Jennifer is also an experienced litigator and zealous advocate for her clients in the courtroom. Jennifer has experience in most Utah Court Districts but living in Heber, she has a particular love for the Heber and Park City Judge and Courthouses.. Jennifer is an avid reader and also enjoys cooking, skiing, yoga, camping, and spending time with her family, including her Weimaraner dog, Sapphire, and her cat, Titan.

In my practice I care about my clients and help them through the difficult time of divorce.  My practice is full service, ranging from first time divorce, to modifications, prenuptial agreements, and issues regarding child custody.  I am also familiar with employment law, specializing in highly compensated individuals.

I am attorney and co-director of Open Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm. I finished law school with the intention of helping people like me; people of modest means and without a lot of options for legal representation. I am passionate about serving those who really have no other options: those in the middle, who are working hard but can be easily crippled by a legal setback. When no such job existed, I started OLS, Utah's first and only nonprofit modest means law firm, with Daniel Spencer in the hopes of serving that group and also building a life for myself and my family. So far, it's working! It's sustainable, growing rapidly, and helping so many people. Plus, it's shaking things up and that is something I always try to do.

Outside the courtroom and the office, I like getting involved with community activism, local politics, and volunteer work. I love art, independent music and films, American and British history, and spending time with my friends and family.

If I have learned one thing since I began my legal career over 20 years ago, it is that people seek personalized solutions for their families.  Whether helping resolve a complex family law matter or putting together an estate plan to create a more certain future, I help my clients achieve their goals and honor their values.  As a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, I am recognized as one of the best family lawyers in the nation.  Let me put my experience to work for you and your family.. Experience Matters. Family law has been the central part of my practice since day one and along the way, I have figured out what works and what does not.  With every step taken toward the courthouse, options become more limited.  I prefer to use mediation and collaborative law to address even the most complex family law matters because this allows me to find a creative solution for my clients.  Sometimes going to court is necessary and as an experienced litigator, I take a firm yet compassionate approach because judges hate theatrics and family relationships will long outlast litigation.. In addition to divorce and separation matters, I also assist clients with drafting and reviewing premarital agreements and cohabitation agreements.. Planning a Secure Future. A few years ago I added estate planning to my practice because I discovered that very few people have an estate plan but everyone needs one.  Perhaps it's because no one likes to think about death, the possibility of a serious, debilitating illness, or leaving loved ones behind is why many people put off estate planning.  I offer common sense solutions tailored to client's needs and, most importantly, peace of mind once the estate plan is in order.  Unlike some attorneys who only draft documents and leave you to figure out the rest, I walk you through every step of the planning process.  I assist clients with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives.  All of my estate planning work is performed on a fixed fee basis.  No more excuses!. Our firm's main office is in downtown Salt Lake City and we have a branch office in Park City where I also meet with clients upon request.

Kaitlyn is a passionate advocate and works tirelessly to meet the goals of her clients, understanding that family law matters can be overwhelming and highly emotional. Kaitlyn brings a level head to the table and is cognizant of her client's time and resources. Kaitlyn enjoys working with her clients to find creative solutions that work for their unique set of circumstances and family. When Kaitlyn is out of the office, she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her husband and two children.

Sally McMinimee has practiced law in Utah for over twenty-seven years with a focus on commercial and family law. While in law school she began clerking for Prince, Yeates & Geldzahler and joined the firm after graduation. She currently serves as counsel to a receiver in a large federal receivership.

Mark graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2004. After earning magna cum laude honors from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law in 2008, Mark spent two years clerking for three state court judges in Provo. Seeing every case from the judge’s point of view helped Mark gain a perspective he would not otherwise have had, learning, for example, just how much judges appreciate a respectful demeanor and being candid with the Court. Mark also worked for more than ten years focusing extensively on fathers' rights. He now uses that experience to help both his male and female clients, knowing what works best from both sides as they navigate through the court system. Mark has successfully argued cases throughout Utah, in both district and juvenile court.. Mark is skilled at dealing with all aspects of family law, including helping clients obtain modifications, enforce court orders, and achieve fair custody and support awards. Going through a painful divorce or a custody battle can be one of the most difficult times in someone’s life, and Mark is there to help every step of the way. He understands that some cases call for a resolution through mediation, and others require court intervention, and he helps his clients make the best decisions possible for their case. Throughout the process, Mark strives to be available to answer any questions about his clients’ cases and to provide candid counsel. Mark puts his clients’ interests first.. Mark loves spending time with his wife and four boys. He enjoys basketball, golf, movies, and spending time outdoors, and is an avid Utah Jazz fan.

Sarah Giacovelli has been practicing law since 2000. A graduate of Willamette University in Salem, Oregon and the University of Utah, Sarah has concentrated her legal career in the areas of domestic matters, juvenile court, and criminal proceedings.. Early in her career, Sarah worked for Utah Legal Services handling Protective Order proceedings and family law cases. Sarah then spent time in the City’s of South Salt Lake and Salt Lake as a criminal prosecutor. Sarah worked on various cases dealing with drugs, DUI’s and domestic violence. Sarah learned negotiation techniques and developed litigation experience by taking many cases to jury trial.. She left the city prosecutor’s office in 2005 and joined the law firm of Lokken & Associates. This firm administered the parental defense contract for Salt Lake County. While with this office, Sarah practiced in the juvenile court representing parents who were going through abuse/neglect/and dependency cases with the Division of Child and Family Services and the Attorney General’s Office. She became familiar with the various agencies and services available to individuals in challenging situations.. After working for Lokken & Associates, Sarah moved to the law firm formerly known as Corporon & Williams. Her practice continued to focus on criminal matters and family matters. Sarah opened her own office in 2011 and has continued to grow her practice while focusing on client relations and case management. She and her office pride themselves on being effective negotiators and litigators while keeping costs in mind and efficient case resolution. Sarah was listed in Utah Business Magazine as one of Utah’s Top Lawyers in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2014.. Sarah is the mother of three children and enjoys long walks on the beach and a good diet coke.