Herbert appoints 4th District juvenile court judge

Gov. Gary Herbert announced his appointment Wednesday of F. Richards Smith to the 4th District Juvenile Court.

In his announcement, Herbert praised Smith's experience in child welfare law that will provide insight and guidance to the youth who come before his court.

Since 2007, Smith served as director of the Office of Guardian ad Litem and Court Appointed Special Advocate, which advocates on behalf of abused, neglected and otherwise vulnerable children within the court system. The BYU graduate has also been an attorney for that office and for Howard, Lewis & Petersen.

"As I strived to do throughout much of my professional career, I am passionate about helping youth improve their lives and understand the positive roles they can play in society to reach their potential," Smith said in a statement.

In 2004, the Utah County Abuse Council named Smith the Child Advocate of the Year.

The fourth district includes Utah, Wasatch, Juab and Millard counties.

mmcfall@sltrib.com