When she was in 4th grade, Associate Chief Justice Jill Pohlman was brought to a courthouse for a school field trip. It was then that she decided that she wanted to be a judge.
Pohlman spoke with Highland’s Kindness Class along with others on Tuesday, Dec. 16 about what it is like to be a judge and some of her experiences from her time in this position.
After graduating from the University of Utah and received her Juris Doctorate from the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah Pohlman practiced law as a lawyer for 19 years at the law firm of Stoel Rives LLP in Salt Lake City as well as clerking for Honorable David K. Winder of the United States District Court for the District of Utah.
Pohlman was appointed to the Utah Supreme Court in June 2022 by Governor Spencer Cox. She currently serves as chair for the Judicial Council’s Office of Fairness and Accountability Committee and has previously served on numerous other committees within the Utah Supreme Court.
As a supreme court judge, Pohlman hears cases from every area of state law. From criminal matters to civil disputes, Pohlman handles it all. But being in the position to make a life changing can pose a difficult task.
“I have to separate my own thoughts or feelings about something and look at the law,” Pohlman said.
Pohlman explained the difficulty that comes with separating her own beliefs with the law and how these influences can affect decisions.
In the court room, Judicial temperament plays a role in how lawyers build relationships with others in the law field and the impression that they make on them. Judicial temparment is the way that lawyers and judges handle themselves in high-stress situations. Pohlman is known in the Utah law scene to have incredible judicial temperament.
“You just see everyone’s worst day and so you’re always imagining it,” Pohlman said. “I always think ‘why did this happen to someone else? Why not me or my family?’”
Pohlman leads with compassion and patience inside and outside the courtroom. She brought these ideals to Highland on Tuesday to kindness class. She spoke about law school, what it takes to be in the law field, and gave some anecdotes on what she has seen as a judge and lawyer.
Although Pohlman’s position requires her to make life changing decisions, she still manages to maintain a kind and respectful tone in the courtroom. Pohlman is an outstanding example for students to see how leading with respect and building positive relationships can influence someone’s future. She is someone Highland students can look up to.
