Jacey Skinner has held a variety of senior leadership roles in Utah state government and Utah business organizations. Before joining Ballard Spahr, served as General Counsel to Utah Gov. Gary 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 also 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.
Her experience includes serving as the 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. Ms. Skinner 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. In addition to her work at Ballard, from 2019 to 2021, Ms. Skinner held the position of Executive Vice President of Public Policy and General Counsel for the Salt Lake Chamber.
Professional Highlights
Professional Activities
Utah Business Coalition member, 2019-present
National Association of Sentencing Commissions, Board Member 2010- 2012, President, 2012-2014
Utah Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Evidence, 2012-2019
Recognition & Accomplishments
The Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate Law (Salt Lake City), 2025
Women Lawyers of Utah, Christine M. Durham Woman Lawyer of the Year Award, 2024
Utah State Bar, Dorathy Merrill Brothers Award for the Advancement of Women in the Legal Profession, 2019
Speaking Engagements
Frequent speaker and presenter at public sector and private sector conferences and university and law school classes
Board Memberships & Community Service
Utah State University, Board of Trustees 2019-present
And Justice For All, Board of Directors, 2019-present
First Lady, Abby Cox, Show Up Foundation Board, 2021-present
Related Insights
Credentials
Education
Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School (J.D. 2002)
Trial Advocacy Team, Chair
Moot Court Team
Utah State University (B.A., cum laude, 1996)
Languages
Admissions
Utah