Jacey Skinner, Former GC for Utah Governor, Joins Ballard Spahr

Jacey Skinner—an attorney who has held a variety of senior leadership roles in Utah state government, including serving as General Counsel to Utah Governor Gary Herbert—has joined Ballard Spahr in its Salt Lake City office.

As of counsel in the firm's Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs and Contracting Group, Ms. Skinner joins a national team of attorneys recognized for their success in helping clients identify and pursue development opportunities and navigate regulatory and policy challenges.

Ms. Skinner served as General Counsel to Gov. Herbert from 2013 to 2017. In that role, she negotiated legislation, oversaw the Governor's legislative review and bill signing, coordinated litigation with the Attorney General's Office, advised the Governor, his cabinet, and the Lieutenant Governor on legal, policy, and ethical issues, and oversaw Gov. Herbert's judicial appointment process. She most recently served as the Deputy State Court Administrator for the State of Utah, where she facilitated policy development and managed relations with the state legislature, executive branch agencies, the Utah Judicial Council, and the Utah Supreme Court.

"Jacey's experience directing policy initiatives and her ability to work successfully with leaders in every branch of state government will make her a valued advocate for our clients," said Kenneth M. Jarin, co-leader of Ballard Spahr's Government Relations team. "She has a deep understanding of Utah and its politics, processes, and people. We're thrilled to welcome her."

Ms. Skinner's experience includes serving as Director of the Utah Sentencing Commission and President of the National Association of Sentencing Commissions, where she oversaw sentencing guidelines, assisted with judicial appointments, and advised the legislature, judiciary, and Governor's Office on sentencing policy. She was a Deputy District Attorney from 2003 to 2009 at the Salt Lake County District Attorney's office, where she tried both felony and juvenile cases and oversaw policy development and advocacy as Vice Chair of the Statewide Association of Prosecutors Legislative Action Committee.

"Jacey's arrival adds considerable strength to our government relations capabilities in Utah," said Mark M. Gaylord, managing partner of Ballard Spahr's office in Salt Lake City. "She spent years working as a liaison to the state legislature, experience that will enable her to provide our clients with valuable perspective on strategic planning."

Ballard Spahr's Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs and Contracting Group offers a range of services to clients in state capitals across the country. Attorneys in the group work on both sides of the aisle to provide direct assistance in legislative efforts, assist with economic development and government contracting matters, and help clients structure transactions that meet the requirements of public programs. Ms. Skinner will also work with the firm's Political and Election Law Group, which represents government agencies and officials, candidates and contributors, lobbyists and PACs, trade associations, political parties, and corporations engaged in—or wishing to engage in—the political process.

"Jacey's extensive experience at the highest levels of Utah State government will enhance the firm's ability to help clients with government-related issues," said Joseph Kanefield, Practice Leader of the Political and Election Law Group. "There are few attorneys in Utah that can offer this kind of insight and understanding of state and local government."

"It has been an honor to serve the State of Utah and to work with the exceptional leaders of each branch of our state government," said Ms. Skinner. "I am excited to join a firm that values the work of those leaders, prioritizes community partnerships, and where I can continue to help individuals, industries, and the state solve difficult problems."