Richard A. "Rick" Van Wagoner
About Richard A. Van Wagoner
Richard A. Van Wagoner is a lawyer based in Salt Lake City, UT and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2008. Richard A. Van Wagoner is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Commercial Litigation
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- Litigation - First Amendment
Current Firm: Spencer Fane LLP
Education: University of Utah, J.D., graduated 1985
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Nearby Lawyers
David C. Castleberry is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. David C., who practices law in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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...
Thomas A. Brady is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Securities and Securities Regulation. Thomas A., who practices law in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Robert D. Vogel is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Robert D., who practices law in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Steven Christiansen has over 30 years experience with environmental permitting and enforcement matters, RCRA and CERCLA remediation, air emission credits transactions, climate change, state implementation plan development, environmental legislation, NEPA, public lands permitting, environmental aspects of business transactions, brownfield redevelopment, and the administrative rule-making process. He also works in the areas of energy and public utilities law. Mr. Christiansen actively represent...
John Huber is a statured leader with over 26 years of litigation experience. Over the course of his career John has personally tried hundreds of civil and criminal cases to verdict, including personally trying 11 cases to jury verdict and supervising and directing 30+ others in Federal Court. Having served as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah from 2015-2021, John was the longest-tenured active U.S. Attorney in the United States for four years. First nominated by President Obama and l...
Sara M. Nielson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Sara M., who practices law in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sara M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Austin J. Riter is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Individuals, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment and Litigation - Real Estate. Austin J., who practices law in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Austin J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practi...
Seth King is a member of the Firm’s corporate and securities group, working primarily in the areas of securities, mergers and acquisitions , commercial finance and general corporate and business law . Mr. King received his law degree in 2000, graduating magna cum laude from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School, as a member of the Order of the Coif . He also received a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, cum laude , from Utah State University in 1997. Mr. King was ...
Mr. Simmons has edited and contributed articles to the Utah Trial Journal and the American Bar Association’s Litigation Section’s Products Liability Newsletter. Among his publications are articles focusing on medical malpractice verdicts, strict products liability and comparative fault, pain pump litigation, and appeals strategies at trial, to name a few. He has served on the Utah Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on Model Utah Jury Instructions since 2003 and previously se...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.