Bluff Family Lawyers

Grew up a musician in Las Vegas. Went back to school and obtained accounting degree at UNLV. Then was accepted to law school at BYU. Graduated and passed Utah State Bar in 1978 and have practiced law throughout the state of Utah ever since. Sang with Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Taught college at Washington Institute of Graduates Studies. Written two articles for Utah State Bar Journal and published two books. Have five children, two grandchildren. Passionate about justice and the law.

Bruce Nelson
Principal Attorney

Bruce Nelson is the founder and principal attorney of The Nelson Law Firm, PLLC. Bruce focuses his practice on business & civil litigation, family law, alternative dispute resolution, business and corporate matters, personal injury and many others.

Bruce works closely with clients to achieve their desired legal solutions. Such results are frequently obtained through negotiation as opposed to litigation although each matter has its own unique characteristics.

Before founding Nelson Law in 2004, Bruce utilized his extensive business and corporate experience in new product and new business development, training, along with conducting needful discovery for mergers and...

As an attorney licensed in Nevada and Utah with the highest of ethical standards and client advocacy, I have served as in-house counsel for the largest transportation company in Nevada. I am an expert in providing quality, evidence-based advice regarding contracts, torts, and all manner of legal issues facing transportation companies. As In-House Counsel, I have established a reputation for settling cases far below reserve amounts and procuring over $10M in corporate savings. As a litigator, I have an unsullied record of providing the best possible outcomes for clients, regardless of whether the outcome is a favorable settlement or in-court victory....

A former federal prosecutor now representing businesses and individuals across a range of practice areas, Matthew R. Howell began his career as an Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. government in Salt Lake City, Utah, prosecuting crimes against federally insured financial institutions and crimes committed on Indian reservations and federal lands. After four years, Matt joined David K. Isom Law Offices, where he focused on coal contract litigation and arbitration and other complex commercial litigation, including qui tam (whistleblower) claims and class action lawsuits. Since joining Fillmore Spencer LLC in 2005, Matt has worked on cases large and...

Nonie Ferguson is a Partner at Just Law, LLC. She has been a practicing attorney since graduating from Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad Law Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2012. Currently, she practices almost exclusively in Family Law, but she has a vast amount of experience in Criminal Law and she does take on Criminal Law cases. While in Florida, Nonie practiced in the area of Criminal Law as an Assistant Public Defender. As a criminal defense attorney Nonie worked in the felony criminal trial division representing accused first, second, and third degree felony offenders and juvenile delinquents. Nonie has...

In practice since 2004, Matthew has become known as one of the premier attorneys in Southern Utah. With experience in the fields of psychology, social work, medicine, and the law, Matthew has the expertise to represent his clients at a personal level. Matthew has the experience to know how to be professional while still aggressively representing his client in order to obtain the best results. Contact The Harris Firm today for your legal needs so we can get you the results that you deserve.

With nearly 30 years as a legal professional, Vernon Jolley is an accomplished trial attorney who is admitted to practice in Utah and California and before various federal district courts, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court in Washington D.C. Vernon has helped thousands of clients in many areas of the law, including civil/business litigation, contract law, personal injury and family law. He is deeply committed to the cause of Fathers Rights and to helping fathers in all areas of the law. In addition to logging more hours in the courtroom...

Lonn is a Utah native who became a lawyer when he realized that well-meaning, well-trained lawyers could be forces for good in the world. Lonn earned his B.S. from the University of Utah in geography with a minor in mathematics. He earned his law degree (cum laude) from Brigham Young University in 1997. Lonn then earned a master of laws degree (with merit) from the London School of Economics and Political Science in international business law. Lonn has had many opportunities to help clients with situations that are unusual and complex—including bankruptcy disputes, brain injuries, breach of contract, business relationship liability, business...

JEFF D. RIFLEMAN, Attorney at Law, Mediator Mr. Rifleman holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (J.D.) from St. Mary's University School of Law of San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Rifleman completed his undergraduate work by earning his Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Consumer and Community Studies from the University of Utah. Additionally, Mr. Rifleman received training and certificates in Mediation and is qualified as a court appointed mediator in Texas courts, trained in peer-school mediation, family dispute/divorce mediation, domestic violence, and has volunteered time mediating small claims cases in Utah courts. Admitted: Utah Supreme Court U.S. District Court for the District of...

Ben’s focus is on developing quality relationships with clients and providing them with dedicated and personalized service. Ben graduated cum laude from the S. J. Quinney College of Law, where he was a Leary Scholar. He received the top grade in his Lawyering Skills and Law & Literature courses and placed second in a regional ABA Negotiation Competition. He completed an internship with the Third District Office of the Guardian ad Litem, where he worked to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in juvenile court. Prior to law school, Ben earned a dual Bachelor’s in...

Senior & Founding Partner at Bartlett & Webster. I practice in the following areas: Appeals (having successfully presented appeals before the Utah and Wyoming Supreme Courts); contract, real estate, and business litigation; family law; criminal defense; personal injury; medical malpractice; and business and estate planning. Bartlett & Webster is a small firm specializing in developing relationships and in providing expert, customized legal representation.

Wayne is a partner at Bearnson & Caldwell.

Russell is a founding partner of Atticus Legal Group, LLC.  His practice focuses on achieving optimal outcomes for individuals in domestic actions, including divorce, and custody actions. Nathan also defends individuals involved in minor criminal matters, often involving protective orders and domestic violence claims.
Russell has successfully conducted both jury and bench trials before various courts in the State of Utah.  He has argued a civil appeal before the Utah Court of Appeals, and drafted briefs for appeals before the Utah Supreme Court.
Russell received his J.D. from Gonzaga School of Law, in 2006 and B.S., from the University of Utah in...

John W Christiansen has many places to call home; living in Arizona, California, Virginia, and Utah while growing up. After graduating from high school in Salt Lake City, Utah he attended Brigham Young University and studied communications and marketing. While at BYU, he was a member of the Deanâs advisory board and the Marriot School of Businessâ representative to the Student Advisory Council. Following graduation, he worked for an Inc. 500 company as a manager in the marketing department and doubled as a graphic designer. During law school, Mr. Christiansen received high marks including an S.J Quinney Outstanding Academic Achievement Award...

I dedicate my practice to all areas of family law. I enjoy meeting, counseling, and advocating for my clients. Family law is tough, but I find great satisfaction in helping a client get through difficult or complex circumstances so they can move forward in life. Specifically, I assist clients in the following areas: Divorce, Separation, Annulment, Paternity, Adoption, Enforcement Actions, Modification, Protective Orders, Premarital Agreements, Guardianships, and Name Changes. I understand that no one really wants to hire an attorney. But individuals involved in family law matters need good legal advice and always...

A 20 year Air Force veteran, Darrin served his last 11 years as a Judge Advocate and has acquired a vast breath of legal skills and expertise. He has worked as a both as a criminal prosecutor and a criminal appellate defense attorney. He has drafted hundreds of wills and assisted numerous clients with divorce, child support, and child custody matters.

James R. Tanner is a Utah employment law attorney. He was an employment lawyer with the federal government until he retired in 1998. Since that date, he has had a private practice of law in Tooele, Utah. He currently has a private practice of law with his son, Richard J. Tanner. Their firm, Tanner Law Office PLLC, provides legal services in the area of employment law, divorce and family law, criminal defense, wills, and general practice matters.

Ryan E. Simpson is a partner with Ascent Law. He’s a native of Utah, and he’s licensed to practice law in both State and Federal Courts in Utah. Ryan graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from University of Utah. After completing his undergraduate studies, he went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law. Ryan’s area of expertise is in bankruptcy, asset protection, real estate transactions, construction law, collection law, and estate planning. He has helped thousands of Utah residents obtain debt relief through Bankruptcy.

Mr. Unrau has practiced law for over 19 years. His main areas of experience are: Family Law (divorce, custody, paternity, adoption), Criminal Defense (DUI, Possession, Murder, Assault, etc.), Juvenile Court (Juvenile Criminal Defense, DCFS matters), Bankruptcy and General Practice (Contracts, Landlord/Tenant, etc.). Mr. Unrau is an experienced Mediator with hundreds of successfully mediated cases. Mr. Unrau is also trained as a Guardian ad Litem, and is occasionally appointed to represent the interest of minor children or incapacitated adults in various cases. Mr. Unrau's staff is friendly, efficient and helpful.

Tulsi J. Patel is a former prosecutor who is very experienced in all aspects of litigation from beginning to end. She has handled a wide variety of cases such as divorce, adoption, custody, protective orders, narcotics, violent sex crimes, aggravated assault, armed burglaries, robberies, fraud, and thefts. With Tulsi on your side, you'll have an extremely compassionate, detailed, and aggressive advocate. You'll never have to worry about where you stand in your case. Most importantly, Tulsi is an honest advocate. She will help you understand the best path to achieving your goals while keeping you informed of cost expectations...

Eric earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational communication and business from Brigham Young University – Idaho and his Juris Doctor from the UNLV Boyd School of Law. While in law school, Eric distinguished himself by serving as an editor on the law journal and by making the Dean’s Honor List. Eric served the Las Vegas community as a certified county mediator and by volunteering at the Clark County Legal Aid Center. He also served as Vice President of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society. After school, Eric began practicing in Las Vegas before joining Fisher & Hunter in St....

Melanie Cook is licensed to practice law in Minnesota and Utah. She volunteers as an advocate for the Domestic Violence Pro Bono Initiative (Davis County) each Wednesday morning. Melanie is an adjunct professor at Broadview University and teaches law to paralegals. Also, Melanie mentors paralegal students with career goals and academic advice, providing volunteer opportunities at law firms and pro bono clinics throughout Salt Lake, Davis and Weber County. In 2012, Melanie received her Certificate in Advocacy and Problem Solving from Hamline University School of Law. In 2011, Melanie published an article entitled “Third Party Rights and Child Custody” in...

One of the best attorneys in Utah. He handles Divorce, Paternity, Custody, Child Support, Alimony, Protective Orders, Stalking Injunctions, DUI, Assault, Possession, and all other Felony and Misdemeanor Criminal Cases. Spencer has been able to secure favorable outcomes for his clients given his experience. Spencer fills in as a Pro Temp Judge as well as his normal legal practice, which brings a different perspective to the cases he handles. He brings a lot of experience to the table when dealing with alimony, child support, custody and property division. He is aggressive in criminal defense and knows most of the prosecutors...

Douglas D. Adair, Attorney at Law, has the distinction of being a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He is actively involved in the Family Law Executive Committee of the Utah State Bar. He earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the S. J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah in 1993. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance degree from the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah in 1989. He founded Adair Law Firm in 2006 after many years of practicing law in prominent law firms. His Family Law...