Washington • Utah’s senators lavished praise Wednesday on President Donald Trump’s pick to be a judge in the state’s federal court, David Barlow.
Barlow, a former U.S. attorney for Utah who also served as general counsel to Sen. Mike Lee, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee as part of his confirmation process, one that is likely to see him on the bench later this year.
“David has the judicial temperament more than perhaps any other potential candidate for this or any other judgeship like this,” Lee, R-Utah, said in introducing Barlow.
Lee said he’s known Barlow since they both attended the American Legion’s Boys Nation and they attended Brigham Young University together. Barlow later received his law degree from Yale.
“I am honored to know him and it is without reservation that I recommend him strongly for this position and look forward to voting him out of committee and on the floor to have him confirmed,” Lee said.
Barlow, a lawyer at Dorsey & Whitney LLP, an international law firm with an office in Salt Lake City, thanked a litany of people who have mentored him over his career, including those now serving as federal judges in Utah.
“I have long admired you and been grateful for your service,” he said of the Utah judges. “It is humbling to consider the prospect of joining you.”
If confirmed, Barlow would replace Judge Clark Waddoups, who has taken senior status, meaning he hears fewer cases now.
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said Barlow was a great pick for the federal judiciary.
“I have full confidence that David will faithfully apply the law and our Constitution to all matters and parties that come before him,” Romney said.
“He is a dutiful husband an exemplary father of four children,” Romney said. “His intellect and personal character convinced me that David will serve Utah and the country with honor and integrity, and I urge this committee and my Senate colleagues to enthusiastically support his swift confirmation.”
Barlow previously served as vice president for Walmart’s health and wealth business and was also a part of the law firm Sidley Austin, where first lady Michelle Obama practiced for a stint. President Barack Obama appointed Barlow as the top federal prosecutor in Utah in October 2011. He served until 2014 in that role.
