FYI

To: Utah Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee

I am writing in support of the judicial appointment of Margaret Plane to the Utah Court of Appeals.  I have been a member in good standing of the Utah Bar since 2005 and have worked in both private practice and the public sector.  For the past seven and half years, I have served as a Senior City Attorney for Salt Lake City Corporation, representing the City in litigation.

I first met Margaret more than fifteen years ago and knew her as a fellow attorney and mentor.  I later came to work for the Salt Lake City Attorney's Office, where Margaret was the Salt Lake City attorney.  As an attorney with the Salt Lake City Attorney's office, I had the opportunity to work closely with Margaret for approximately six years.  I was constantly impressed by her ability to quickly identify the issue, even in new areas of law, and tackle the root of the problem in a professional and efficient manner.  Often on short notice and in high profile matters.  Margaret always rose to the occasion.

In addition to being a hard worker and the consummate profession, Margaret has always taken an active role in the legal community holding leadership and committee positions with the Women Lawyers of Utah and the American Bar Association and serving for a number of years on Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the Utah State Bar.  Margaret is also extremely generous with her time, having served formally as a mentor for several young lawyers and informally for countless of her peers.

Margaret is an extraordinary candidate and I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend that she be confirmed to the Utah Court of Appeals.

Samantha  J Slark,

Senior City Attorney

Salt Lake City Attorney's Office

451 S. State Street, Ste. 501

Salt Lake City, Utah 84111

Direct:  (801) 535-7628

Office:  (801) 535-7788