Sept. 23, 2026
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall has appointed Nick Stiles to a newly created sixth judgeship on the Salt Lake City Justice Court, which the City Council approved Tuesday night.
The City’s Justice Court is the part of the court system many residents are most likely to interact with. It handles Class B and C misdemeanor cases and infractions that occur in Salt Lake City, along with traffic citations and small claims cases.
For more than two decades, the court has operated with nearly the same judicial capacity even as Salt Lake City has grown and court cases have become more complex.
“Our court needed more capacity to give people the time and attention their cases deserve,” said Mayor Mendenhall. “Nick brings years of experience across Utah’s justice system, from prosecuting cases to making legal services easier to access. He understands both how courts work and how they can work better for the people they serve.”
A workload analysis by the Utah Administrative Office of the Courts found that the City’s Justice Court had enough work to support more than six judges, compared with the five currently serving. The Utah Judicial Council unanimously approved the additional position in December 2025.
Stiles was selected after a judicial nominating commission reviewed applicants and forwarded five finalists to Mayor Mendenhall. The Mayor selected Stiles from that group, and the Salt Lake City Council approved his appointment. After Stiles completes new judge orientation with the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Utah Judicial Council must certify his appointment prior to his judgeship becoming official.
“It is an honor to be appointed by Mayor Mendenhall and confirmed by the City Council to be Salt Lake City's next judge,” said Stiles. “I love this city, and I am eager to continue the high standard of service at the Justice Court while ensuring access, fairness, and dignity for all who come before the bench.”
Stiles currently serves as Administrator of the Utah Supreme Court and Utah Court of Appeals, where his work has focused on improving and expanding court services. He previously served as an associate and assistant city prosecutor, managed the Utah Judiciary’s Domestic Violence Program, and directed the Access to Justice Office at the Utah State Bar. Throughout those roles, he has focused on making the legal system more accessible. Stiles lives in District 5 in Salt Lake City with his wife, Jennie.
