E. Barney "Barney" Gesas

A graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in Economics, Steven earned his J.D. from Gonzaga Law School, where he served as an editor of the Gonzaga Law Review. Steven is actively involved in professional and community organizations, including the Utah Association for Justice, and has been recognized among the National Lawyers Top 100 and Top 10 Attorney in Utah by American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. Outside the office, he is dedicated to family, education initiatives, ...

When real estate and construction projects fall into dispute, the administration of an estate becomes contentious, or business partnerships implode, commercial litigator Douglas Farr finds resolution for project owners, entrepreneurs, investors, and other commercial clients. He has prevailed for clients in bench trials and jury trials, including a recent week-long trial involving a business divorce between real estate investors. Additionally, Doug achieves favorable outcomes in arbitration, m...

Jonathan Hafen has extensive experience representing clients in federal and state courts. He has been widely praised by clients and peers for his skilled and efficient approach to litigation. As a trial lawyer, Mr. Hafen handles a wide variety of litigation, including cases in the areas of securities law, employment law, breach of contract, land disputes, road disputes, intellectual property, disputes over ownership and control of businesses, class actions, and construction law. Mr. Hafen&rsq...

Matthew Driggs is the founder of The Advocates, a leading personal injury law firm with offices across the western United States. Recognized by Best Lawyers since 2025, he specializes in Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs. This recognition reflects the high regard in which he is held by his peers in the legal community. Since earning his J.D. from the University of Utah in 1991, Matthew has dedicated...

Along with a focus on appellate work in federal and state courts, Michelle represents clients in Utah and California in a wide range of business litigation matters, including business torts, breach of contract cases, and First Amendment litigation. Michelle also represents clients in environmental and natural resources litigation matters, including public lands litigation. Michelle regularly has cases in front of, and argues before, the Utah Supreme Court, Utah Court of Appeals, and the Unite...

Andrew Collins is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Andrew practices law in Salt Lake City, Utah Best Lawyers has recognized Andrew Collins since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Andrew Collins is held by other lawyers.

Austin J. Riter is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Individuals, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment and Litigation - Real Estate. Austin J. practices law in Salt Lake City, Utah Best Lawyers has recognized Austin J. Riter since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the profession...

Mark Stewart is a highly regarded personal injury attorney practicing in Salt Lake City, Utah. Recognized by Best Lawyers since 2025, he specializes in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, reflecting the high esteem in which he is held by his peers. Since joining The Advocates in 2013, Mark has successfully resolved thousands of personal injury cases, consistently achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. Known for his exceptional negotiation skills and clear, accessible communi...

Kara M. Houck is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Kara M. practices law in Salt Lake City, Utah Best Lawyers has recognized Kara M. Houck since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Kara M. Houck is held by other lawyers.

James S. Wright is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. James S. practices law in Salt Lake City, Utah Best Lawyers has recognized James S. Wright since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which James S. Wright is held by other lawyers.