Distinguished Jurist Strengthens Firm’s Litigation Bench in Salt Lake City and Nationwide

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, today announced that John A. Pearce, former Associate Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court, has rejoined the firm as a partner in its Salt Lake City office. One of Utah’s most respected jurists, Pearce brings more than 16 years of public service across Utah’s judicial and executive branches, including a decade on the state’s highest court.

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John Pearce, Partner, Wilson Sonsini

At Wilson Sonsini, Pearce will focus on complex commercial litigation, appellate advocacy, and strategic counseling for clients facing high-stakes disputes. His return reinforces the firm’s long-term commitment to the Mountain West and its continued investment in building one of the region’s leading litigation practices.

Since opening in 2021, the Salt Lake City office has experienced rapid and sustained growth, emerging as a cornerstone of the firm’s national litigation strategy and a hub for elite courtroom talent. Anchored by former Utah Supreme Court Justice Deno Himonas, the team has attracted an exceptional roster, including former U.S. Attorney for Utah Trina Higgins and nationally recognized litigators Jess Krannich and Paul Sampson.

“John’s return marks a defining moment for our litigation team,” said Doug Clark, managing partner at Wilson Sonsini. “He is one of Utah’s most eminent legal minds, valued for his intellect, judgment, and deep understanding of the judicial process. His experience on both the Utah Court of Appeals and the Utah Supreme Court gives our clients extraordinary perspective when navigating their most consequential matters.”

Pearce began his legal career as a securities litigation associate at Wilson Sonsini in Palo Alto before relocating to Utah in 1999 to join Jones Waldo, where he became a partner and served on the firm’s board of directors and executive management committee. From 2009 to 2013, he served as general counsel to Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert, advising on and guiding the executive branch’s legal and legislative strategies. In 2013, Governor Herbert appointed Pearce to the Utah Court of Appeals, and in 2015, he elevated him to the Utah Supreme Court, where Pearce served until retiring on December 1, 2025—including more than three years as Associate Chief Justice.

“John is a tremendous addition to our litigation platform,” said Caz Hashemi, head of Wilson Sonsini’s Litigation Department. “Having spent years on the other side of the bench, he understands not just how cases are argued, but how decisions are made—making him an invaluable ally for clients confronting bet-the-company matters.”

During his judicial tenure, Pearce authored numerous influential opinions across constitutional, administrative, commercial, and criminal law, earning a reputation for rigorous analysis, principled decision-making, and engaging opinions. He has also been recognized for advancing initiatives to improve access to justice and reform bar admissions standards. In 2024, The Salt Lake Tribune named Pearce, along with his Utah Supreme Court colleagues, “Utahns of the Year.”

“With John rejoining the firm, Wilson Sonsini further solidifies its position as the premier destination for sophisticated litigation in Utah and beyond,” said Himonas. “He brings a rare combination of judicial experience, practical insight, and deep community credibility—exactly what clients need when the stakes are highest.”

In addition to his judicial service, Pearce is an adjunct professor at the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah, where he teaches statutory interpretation. He holds a B.S. from the University of Utah and a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.

“Returning to Wilson Sonsini is both a homecoming and a new beginning,” said Pearce. “I’m excited to reconnect with my professional roots and do what I find exceptionally rewarding—advocating in court, mentoring the next generation of lawyers, and partnering with clients as they navigate complex legal challenges.”

About Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

For more than 60 years, Wilson Sonsini’s services and legal disciplines have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking legal counsel to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage governance and enterprise-scale matters; assist with intellectual property development, protection, and IP-driven transactions; represent them in contested disputes; and/or advise them on antitrust or other regulatory matters. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini has more than 1,000 attorneys and 17 offices in 16 technology, business, and regulatory markets across the United States, Asia, and Europe. For more information, please visit www.wsgr.com.

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