With the retirement of Judge Marvin Bagley in 2024, Utah’s Sixth District Court - covering Kane, Garfield, Piute, Wayne, Sanpete and Sevier counties - has been overseen by interim judges from other districts. As of January 2025, as appointed by Governor Spencer Cox and pending confirmation from the Utah Senate, Kane County Attorney Rob Van Dyke has been selected to fill the vacancy. The Office of the Governor released a statement along with the appointment: “Robert has served as the Kane County Attorney for over a decade, and during that time, he has made significant contributions to the legal and broader community. He was instrumental in the creation of the Kane County Drug Court, the Children’s Justice Center and Sexual Assault Response Team. Additionally, Robert founded the youth soccer league in Kane County over ten years ago, demonstrating his long standing commitment to improving the lives of youth in his community. Robert earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law in 2009, where he was a William H. Leary Scholar. He graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in International Studies and a Music Minor from Utah State University in 2005.”
Governor Cox added to the Office’s press release, stating, “Robert’s extensive legal experience and deep commitment to his community make him an exceptional choice for the bench. As the Kane County Attorney he has demonstrated a strong dedication to justice, particularly through programs that support both crime victims and at-risk youth. I am confident that Robert will bring the same integrity and commitment to the Sixth District Court, serving the people of Utah with fairness and professionalism.”
Said Van Dyke “I am deeply humbled and honored to be appointed to serve as a judge for the Sixth District Court. It has been a privilege to serve the people of Kane County as the Kane County Attorney, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me throughout my career. If confirmed, I will strive to uphold the highest standards of fairness, integrity and respect for all who come before the court, dedicating myself to the thoughtful and impartial administration of justice.”
He went on to add in a statement to the County, “While I am thrilled about this next chapter, it is bittersweet to leave my position as County Attorney and, more importantly, the incredible team that we have here. Working alongside such talented and dedicated colleagues has been a privilege, and I will always cherish the experiences we’ve shared and the work we’ve accomplished together.
“I will continue to serve in my current capacity for the next month or two to ensure a smooth transition. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything I can do to support you during this period.” Per Van Dyke, Senate approval will most likely be resolved in time for him to assume his role within a few months.
