Business and Chancery Court
Overview
The establishment of the Business and Chancery Court in Utah, as outlined in Utah Code Section 78A-5a-102, marks a significant advancement in the state's judicial system, aimed at efficiently addressing complex business disputes and equitable claims. This specialized court serves to streamline legal processes for commercial matters, providing a dedicated forum for resolving intricate issues such as corporate governance, contract disputes, and other business-related litigation. By focusing on these areas, the court enhances the predictability and effectiveness of legal resolutions, ultimately fostering a more robust business environment in Utah. The Business and Chancery Court is a trial court with limited and statewide jurisdiction over actions and claims as described in Section 78A-5a-103.
How to eFile
Attorneys will file through their EFSPs. For more information, visit our eFiling page.
Judge Biography
Judge Rita M. Cornish was appointed to the Second District Court in November 2020 by Governor Gary R. Herbert. She took the bench in January 2021. On July 26, 2024 she was appointed by Governor Spencer Cox as the judge to the first Business and Chancery court in Utah. Judge Cornish received a bachelor's degree and Ph.D in Chemistry from the University of Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law with highest honors, Order of the Coif in 2006, where she served on the staff of the Utah Law Review and was an editor for the Journal of Law and Family Studies. Following her graduation from law school, Judge Cornish clerked for the Hon. Carolyn B. McHugh on the Utah Court of Appeals. Judge Cornish joined the law firm of Parr Brown Gee & Loveless in 2007, where she maintained a complex-civil litigation practice, including ADR, trial, and appellate work, until her appointment to the bench. Judge Cornish's practice focused on construction litigation and control disputes, and breaches of fiduciary duties by officers, directors, or managers in closely-held business entities. Prior to her appointment, Judge Cornish served as the President of the S.J. Quinney College of Law Young Alumni Association, a member of the S.J. Quinney College of Law Board of Trustees, Treasurer and Secretary of the Salt Lake County Bar Association, and a member of Closer to Cure Foundation Board of Directors. Judge Cornish received the Young Alumna of the Year award from the S.J. Quinney College of Law in 2009.
Location
Matheson Courthouse
450 South State
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact Information
BCCornishteam@utcourts.gov
801-238-7867
Published Decisions
View published decisions on the Business and Chancery Court Opinions page.