Parsons Behle & Latimer

Parsons Behle & Latimer is a prominent regional law firm headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is one of the oldest and largest legal practices in the Intermountain West. Founded in the late 19th century, the firm has played a significant role in the development of Utah's legal and business landscape, representing major corporations, financial institutions, and government entities. With a full-service practice, it operates across a diverse range of industries including natural resources, technology, and healthcare.

History

The firm traces its origins to 1882 when John Henry Smith, a prominent political figure and later an LDS Church apostle, partnered with John W. Judd to establish a practice in Salt Lake City. In its early decades, the firm, then known as Smith & Judd, was deeply involved in the legal affairs surrounding Utah's transition to statehood and the development of its foundational industries. Key early clients included the Utah Power & Light Company and various mining and railroad interests, helping to shape the region's infrastructure. The modern name emerged through a series of mergers, notably with the firm of LeRoy B. Young, and solidified with the addition of partners like Arthur E. Moreton and Rulon W. Clark in the mid-20th century, expanding its reach beyond Salt Lake County.

Practice areas

The firm maintains a comprehensive, full-service legal practice with deep expertise in several core sectors. Its natural resources group has a longstanding reputation, advising clients on matters related to mining law, oil and gas law, water law, and environmental law across the Rocky Mountains. The corporate and transactional practice handles mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation, and venture capital for clients in the technology and life sciences sectors. Other significant areas include labor and employment law, litigation and appellate advocacy, intellectual property, real estate law, and estate planning, serving a client base that ranges from Fortune 500 companies to startups and individuals.

Notable attorneys and alumni

Throughout its history, the firm has been a launching pad for attorneys who have achieved distinction in law, business, and public service. Notable alumni include former United States Senator Jake Garn, who served as a Navy pilot and chaired the Senate Banking Committee. James H. Backman, a renowned scholar, served as a professor at the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. The firm's legacy also includes figures like R. J. Snow, who argued before the Supreme Court of the United States, and Kathleen Abke, who has held leadership roles in the Utah State Bar. Current managing director Kent T. Yano leads the firm's strategic direction.

Offices

The firm's primary office is located in the Key Bank Tower in downtown Salt Lake City, serving as its administrative and largest practice hub. It maintains additional offices in Utah within the growing tech corridor of Lehi and in the state capital of Salt Lake City. Beyond Utah, the firm has expanded into neighboring states with offices in Reno, serving the Nevada market, and in Boise and Idaho Falls, catering to clients across Idaho. This multi-state footprint allows it to serve the broader Intermountain West region effectively.

Recognition and rankings

The firm is consistently ranked in national and regional legal directories for its practice strength and attorney quality. It is regularly listed in Chambers and Partners for its work in natural resources, corporate law, and litigation in Utah, and receives high marks from Best Lawyers in America. Numerous attorneys are recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" in their respective fields by Best Lawyers and are included in the Mountain States Super Lawyers list. The firm's mining law group is particularly noted as a top-tier practice by publications such as U.S. News & World Report in its "Best Law Firms" survey.

Category:Law firms of the United States Category:Companies based in Salt Lake City Category:Law firms established in 1882