Capabilities

Biography

Jim Butler is a shareholder in Parsons Behle & Latimer’s Environmental, Energy & Natural Resources practice group and practices in the natural resources and environmental areas.

Before joining Parsons Behle & Latimer, he worked for the Utah State Energy Office, the Utah State Planning Coordinator's Office, and, from 1981 to 1985, he served as a senior policy assistant to Utah Governor Scott M. Matheson for natural resources. Mr. Butler also served as a clerk to Judge Stephen H. Anderson of the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit from September 1987 to October 1988.

In law school, Mr. Butler received an Edward Clyde Fellowship and a Marriner S. Eccles Fellowship and was elected to Order of the Coif. He also served as editor-in-chief for the Utah Law Review.

Experience

Mining Appeal

Intervened on behalf of mining LLC to support the defense of project approval, addressing challenges from environmental and Tribal non-governmental organizations related to project's approval and subsequent environmental analysis.

Mine Development

Representing mining client in permitting and development of property into a producing mine, including resolution with the U.S. Forest Service and Environmental Impact Statement.

Defended Mining Project Approval From Appeal

Intervened on behalf of mining business to assist in the defense of the Bureau of Land Management's approval of a mining project after an appeal and subsequent environmental analysis.

Accomplishments

Academic

University of Utah College of Law (J.D., 1987)

University of Utah (B.A., 1977)

Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Professional

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, Mining Law, 2008 - 2024

Recognized in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers For Business

Recognized in Utah Business Magazine’s 2023 Legal Elite

Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ rating

Associations

Professional


Utah State Bar Association,
Futures Commission
(1992 - 1993)
Energy, Natural Resources and Environmental Law Section,
Public Lands Committee
Chairman
(1994)

American Bar Association,
Environment, Energy and Resources Section,
Public Lands Committee
Chairman
(2010)
Litigation Section
Member

Scott M. Matheson Leadership Forum
Board of Directors

Insights

Credentials

Licensed

U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit
U.S. Dist. Court, Dist. of Utah
Utah
Nevada

Education

University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law