This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Gov. Gary Herbert on Thursday appointed attorney Diana Hagen and Judge Ryan Harris to fill vacancies on the Utah Court of Appeals.

Herbert said in a Thursday news release that Harris, whom he appointed to the 3rd District Court six years ago,"has demonstrated a superior intellect and has become known for his writing and thorough legal analysis."

Before his appointment, Harris' law practice focused on civil litigation and appellate advocacy, according to the release. Harris said in the release that he looks forward to "the opportunity to serve the citizens of Utah in a different capacity."

Before Hagen's appointment as first assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Utah, she served as chief of the Appellate Section and as an assistant U.S. attorney. Hagen has "a unique expertise in the realm of appellate advocacy," Herbert said.

Harris and Hagen have taught as adjunct professors at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah. Hagen attended the U. for her undergraduate and law degrees. Harris attended Brigham Young University for his undergraduate degree and later graduated from Stanford Law School.

The two appointees are subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate. If confirmed, they will fill the vacancies created by the retirement of Judges J. Frederic Voros and Stephen Roth.

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