Biden names Utah Law alumnae as US attorney nominees

SALT LAKE CITY — History was made when two alumnae of the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law were nominated simultaneously to serve as U.S attorneys. President Joe Biden announced nominations for Trina Higgins in the District of Utah and S. Lane Tucker in the District of Alaska.

“We’re tremendously proud of our alumnae Trina Higgins and S. Lane Tucker, and congratulate them on their nomination to such a significant role in our nation’s legal system,” said Elizabeth Kronk Warner, dean of the S.J. Quinney College of Law. “The president’s recognition of two Utah Law alumnae at once speaks to their prodigious talent and dedication, and to the far-reaching impact of Utah Law’s alumni community. We also celebrate the fact that these nominees are both women, which underscores the leadership of our female graduates across the profession and comes as Utah Law marks its first year with a majority female student body.”

If confirmed by the United States Senate, Higgins and Tucker will serve among 94 U.S. attorneys across the nation.

— Higgins would be the first woman to serve as U.S. attorney for the District of Utah if she is confirmed. She would succeed Acting U.S. Attorney Andrea T. Martinez, who also graduated from Utah Law — and who herself succeeded alumnus John W. Huber in the position. Higgins has served as an assistant United States attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah since 2002, holding various positions including special counsel to litigative programs (2017 to 2021), senior litigation counsel (2015-17), violent crime section chief (2008 to 2015) and tribal liaison (2005-15). From 1995 to 2002, she served as deputy district attorney in the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.

— Tucker has been a partner in the Anchorage office of Stoel Rives since 2010. From 2008 to 2009, Tucker was of counsel at Perkins Coie and from 2006 to 2008, she was a sole practitioner. Tucker previously served in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska (2002 to 2006), first as an assistant United States attorney (2002-03) and then as the civil chief (2003-06). From 1991 to 2002, Tucker served as a trial attorney in the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice. From 1987 to 1991, Tucker served as an assistant general counsel for the General Services Administration.