Sharon A. Donovan

     

Sharon A. Donovan has practiced law for over 40 years, primarily in the areas of family law, alternative dispute resolution and litigation. Sharon is recognized as a leader in the family law community in Utah. She has extensive experience with large marital estates and all aspects of family law practice. Sharon is a strong advocate who uses experience and common sense to resolve problems.

Sharon has seen the benefits of the collaborative process in reducing the emotional and financial cost of divorce and empowering individuals in resolving their disputes out of court. She focuses her practice on mediation and collaboration to resolve family law disputes. However, Sharon has extensive experience litigating, as well, if needed. Sharon has a personal and organized skill set to assist clients in obtaining a favorable result, preferably in a more collaborative setting, creating amicable and cost- effective solutions.

Sharon is also a member of many prestigious legal associations: The Utah Chapter and Mountain States Chapter of the AAML, American College of Trial Lawyers, Utah State Bar and has served as a lecturer and panelist in a number of Continuing Legal Education seminars.

Education:

  • University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law, J.D., 1979
  • University of Utah, B.A., Political Science, 1976
    • Magna Cum Laude
  • Sorbonne, Paris, France, 1972

Bar Admissions:

  • Utah, 1979
  • Washington, 1989
  • U.S. District Court, District of Utah, 1979

Professional Associations:

  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
    • First Female Attorney in Utah
    • President of the Mountain State Chapter
  • American Bar Association
  • Utah State Bar
    • Pro Bono Commission, 2012
    • Mentor Training and Resource Committee, 2012
    • Co-Chair of the 2004 Bar Convention
    • Bar Commissioner, 1998-2001
    • Judicial Conduct Commissioner, 1998-2001
  • Family Law Section of Utah State Bar
    • Executive Committee Member, 1994-2002
    • Family Law Lawyer of the Year, 1992
    • Chair, 1987-88
  • Legal Aid Society
    • Board Chair, 2003-04
    • Board Member, 1998-2004 and 2009-present
  • Utah Legal Elite, Family Law Section
  • Utah Business rankings, 2007-present
    • Mountain States Super Lawyers, Top 70
    • Top 40 Women Lawyers, 2011
    • Best Lawyers in America
  • Salt Lake County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of Utah State Bar
  • Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 1993-Present
  • Fellow, Association of Collaborative Professionals of Utah (ACP)
  • Member, American College of Trial Lawyers, 2007-Present
  • Judicial Conduct Commission, 1998-2001
  • Trained Mediator in Domestic Relations

Awards:

  • 2017 Christine M. Durham Utah Woman of the Year Award
  • “Outstanding Mentor”, Utah State Bar Association, 2012
  • “Outstanding Family Law Lawyer of the Year,” Utah State Bar Association, 1992
  • “Best Lawyers in America,” Family Law Section, 1993-Present
  • “Utah Legal Elite” for Family Law, Utah Business, 2005-Present
Martindale Hubbell Rating: AV Preeminent, highest rating by both Judges and peers for both legal and ethical standards