CEDAR CITY — Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen, who has served as a 5th District Court judge in Iron and Beaver counties since 2020, has been nominated to serve as a United States District Court Judge for the District of Utah.
Allen was one of several federal judicial nominees announced earlier this week by President Joe Biden’s administration.
In the wake of the announcement, both of Utah’s U.S. Senators, Mitt Romney and Mike Lee, issued public statements in support of Allen.
“Having reviewed her record and evaluated her qualifications, it is clear that Judge Allen is exceptionally qualified to serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Utah,” said Romney, who recommended Allen for the position.
“After speaking with her, I have no doubt that Judge Allen will serve our state and country with honor and integrity, and I look forward to supporting her nomination when it comes before the Senate,” Romney added.
In a statement posted on Tuesday on the social media platform X, Lee mentioned he had attended law school with Allen (both are 1997 graduates of Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School).
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Judge Allen since law school, and she understands that the proper role of the judiciary is to discern what the law says, never to rely on force or personal preference while interpreting it,” Lee wrote in the post, adding, “Her experience presiding over a wide range of cases, civil and criminal, and her outstanding work as a judge and as a practicing attorney demonstrate she’s the right candidate for the job.”
Lee also called Allen’s nomination “a commendable choice – one that recognizes her extensive qualifications and steadfast commitment to the law and the Constitution,” and said he is looking forward to supporting her nomination.
Allen has served as a 5th District Court judge since 2020, when she was appointed by then-Gov. Gary Herbert. Her primary assignment has been to adjudicate cases in Iron and Beaver counties.
Prior to that appointment, Allen worked for Southern Utah University as special counsel and director of ethics and compliance from 2016-17, and as the university’s general counsel from 2018-20.
Allen’s background experience includes six years as a deputy county attorney for the Iron County Attorney’s Office in Cedar City, from 2007-2013. See has also worked for private law firms and as a solo practitioner.
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