Utah Legislature honors General Counsel John Fellows after 37 years of service

The Utah Senate paused floor business on Jan. 23 to honor John Fellows, who is retiring after 37 years with the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.

Senator Evan J. Vickers introduced Fellows to the floor and described his decades of service, noting appointments as deputy general counsel in 2004 and general counsel in 2009. A reading clerk read a formal citation recognizing Fellows’s work drafting bills, advising the legislature in litigation and mentoring staff: “the legislature expresses deep appreciation for John Fellows and his dedicated service to the state of Utah,” the citation says.

Several senators offered tributes. Senator Milner recalled Fellows’s early role in new-legislator orientation and praised his protection of the legislative branch and mentorship. Senator Escamilla thanked Fellows for professional, nonpartisan service to minority caucuses. Senator Bramble and Senator Harper recounted legal guidance Fellows provided on subpoenas, depositions and legislative process. Colleagues underscored his mentorship of staff across multiple sessions.

President Stewart J. Adams asked Fellows and his family—his wife Robin and in-laws—to stand so the chamber could recognize them as well. Senators presented a citation publicly and invited Fellows and guests to the dais for a photo.

The floor then resumed business. The recognition included repeated personal remarks about Fellows’s institutional knowledge, legal skill and collegiality.