Areas of Practice
Appeals
Our appellate attorneys draw on years of experience in handling appeals and developing strategies for our clients before state and federal appeals court. We have a wealth of experience and leadership in the appellate arena which has resulted in a to a strong appellate record.Successful appeals begin even before a case goes to trial. If an appeal is likely, we are ready to work with the trial team in the pre-trial and trial stages. Once a verdict or judgment is rendered, we take a fresh look at the case, evaluating the merits of an appeal and counseling clients about whether an appeal or alternative dispute resolution might better serve their interests. If the decision is made to move forward, we draw on our experience to preserve hard-won victories and reverse unjust or incorrect decisions.
Criminal Defense
At Christensen Thornton, our clients are usually people who never expect to need a criminal lawyer. We understand the importance of each case to the client and that the mere accusation of criminal wrongdoing can have a dramatic effect on a person’s life, family and career. If you have been charged with a crime or your child is facing allegations in Juvenile Court, the attorneys at Christensen Thornton can help. We have significant experience with a criminal judicial system. We work to find creative resolution to difficult cases. Our experience allows us to clearly understand what evidence is available and the impact it will have on your case. You can rely on this experience when making decisions that will affect the rest of your life.
Estate Planning
Perhaps nothing is more important and yet, so often neglected as planning for and protecting the future distribution of personal and business interests. The attorneys at Christensen Thornton are skilled in creating a solid estate plan tailored to the needs our each of our client's. Whatever the extent of our clients' needs and desires, we work closely with them to ensure that the estate plan is comprehensive and effective their goals.
Christensen Thornton has extensive experience in all aspects of estate planning, succession planning and probate. Our attorneys represent individuals, corporations, business owners, and nonprofit organizations and foundations in a broad range of trust, estate and tax matters.
Family Law
The attorneys of Christensen Thornton are experts in family law. The firm has handled some most complex family law cases in the State of Utah in the last several years. We have represented many wives and husbands in all facets of family law cases and have handled many trials and evidentiary hearings.
General Litigation
Christensen Thornton attorneys help our clients avoid litigation, where possible, by providing advice and counsel founded upon a tradition of experience and sound judgment. When litigation cannot, or should not, be avoided, we provide exceptional courtroom representation to our clients at the federal, state and administrative levels. In addition, our attorneys are skilled in mediation, negotiation and alternative methods of dispute resolution. We settle cases promptly and economically when fair settlements are possible and acceptable to our clients.
Personal Injury
Christensen Thornton attorneys have handled dozens of plaintiff’s cases for our clients and have a combined recovery for them of over $1,000,000.00 in personal injury cases. We have handled hundreds of personal injury cases from the opening of the case through discovery and settlement. Our experience representing both defendants and plaintiffs not only allows us to value cases for clients and manage their expectations, but prepare cases well for mediation or arbitration and for trial, if necessary.
When a baby with special needs is born, parents are initially consumed with meeting the medical needs of their child and coming to grips with the fact that their baby and likely will not have the kind of life they expected. Soon a routine of Doctor visits, therapy, and worry settles in as "normal." Nagging fears soon arise about who will care for their child if and when the parents cannot. Somewhere along this journey, hopefully sooner rather than later, parents of a child with disabilities should get legal documents in place to protect themselves and their child. Generally, a special needs trust should be established for a child with disabilities. By age 18 it is often necessary for the family to secure guardianship over a disabled individual and the parent should also applied for Social Security income and Medicaid for their child. It is also recommended that each parent have a will that names a guardian for his or her minor children, a power of attorney, and a medical directive. Parents may also want to consider a revocable trust as part of their planning.
Transactional
Transitional law touches many substantive areas of law, and it is closely identified with bankruptcy, business associations, contracts, commercial law, intellectual property, labor and employment law, securities regulation, and taxation. Christensen Thornton's attorneys have the experience to address all aspects of Transactional Law.