Douglas John Nielsen

Survey Respondent Recommendation: 100% of survey respondents recommend Judge Nielsen for retention.

Performance Measures: Survey scores are analyzed for statistical significance to determine if the judge scored well above, above, consistent with, below, or well below their juvenile court peers.

Above Peers: Legal Ability, Integrity & Judicial Temperament, Administrative Skills, and Procedural Fairness

Respondent and Observer Feedback: Respondents laud Judge Nielsen as a model judge that shows fairness, integrity, and genuine interactions with those in court. They, along with courtroom observers, praise his caring demeanor and respectful behaviors, his attentiveness and impartiality, and him allowing all participants to be heard. One respondent said that he “sets the bar for judicial performance,” while a courtroom observer called him “the most impressive juvenile court judge” they had observed. All four observers report confidence that they would be treated fairly if they were to appear in Judge Nielsen’s court.

Judge Douglas Nielsen was appointed to the bench in January 2013, first serving in the Lehi City Justice Court and Alpine/Highland City Justice Court where he served until being appointed by Governor Herbert to the Fourth Judicial District Juvenile Court Bench in September 2016. He earned a bachelor degree from Utah State University in 2004 and graduated from Oklahoma City University Law School in 2007. During law school, Judge Nielsen interned for the Oklahoma County Public Defenders Association and the Utah County Public Defenders Association. In 2007, he became an associate at Young, Kester & Petro and in 2010, formed the law firm of Petro & Nielsen where he served until his appointment to the bench. During his time in the judiciary, Judge Nielsen has served on various boards and committees including the Board of Justice Court Judges, Board of Juvenile Court Judges and chair of the Fourth District Child Welfare Interagency Committee.