Introduction
Our firm and its attorneys have been providing legal services to public entities throughout Utah for two decades. We are recognized as one of the leading public entity employment law firms in the state. The firm also actively represents public entities in areas ranging from land use regulations, GRAMA request representation, water rights issues, contract review, procurement policy review and advice, and request for proposal review and award issues.
In addition, our firm’s attorneys are among the leading, if not the leading, attorneys on local government entity policy and procedure compliance. Along with developing policies and procedures, we work closely with our clients in developing record retention policies. We have reviewed the form procedure manuals developed by the Utah Leagues of Cities and Towns and the Utah Association of Counties and have developed form procedures that correct many of their deficiencies. Our attorneys have audited, amended, or substantially rewrote, manuals, procedures, policies, ordinances, or resolutions and have given general advise on the Open and Public Meetings Act requirements, GRAMA requirements, proper voting procedures, water rights, and land use ordinances for many local government entities, non-profit organizations, or quasi-governmental agencies.
We pride ourselves on responsiveness to our clients, which we facilitate through the use of technology and our availability to clients through physical location, telephone, email, video conferencing, and text message. Our firm represents entities with offices in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, and North Carolina, and we are able to quickly make ourselves available without any problem. Each of our attorneys is extremely responsive to email communication and almost always responds to client emails within minutes. In addition to our receptionist who answers telephone calls during business hours, our firm’s clients have access to our attorneys’ cellular telephone numbers and are encouraged to call or text when the need arises. Through the use of technology, our attorneys’ practice is fully digital, allowing attorneys and staff mobile access to all of the firm’s documents and information from any location.
At Crook Legal Group PLLC, we believe we are the premiere law firm in Utah for providing legal services to local government entities. We offer the highest caliber of legal services available to public entities, not only because of our combined years of experience, but also because of our commitment to building strong relationships with our clients. Simply put, we understand the needs of our clients and pride ourselves on our ability to provide them with practical advice and quality services in a variety of legal scenarios.
Examples of Experience:
August 2018 to Present
Utah Protection of Public Employees Act Investigation
Representing Special Services District in investigation regarding employee complaints about alleged violations of the Utah Protection of Public Employees Act.
(Investigation)
July 2018 to Present
Personnel Policies and Procedures, Employment Application Forms, Employment Forms, Drug Abuse Policy, and Federal and State Employment Law and Regulation Review
Advised county on all aspects of its existing personnel policies and procedures, forms, and applications.
(Employment and Human Resources)
July 2018 to Present
Personnel Policies and Procedures, Employment Application Forms, Employment Forms, Drug Abuse Policy, and Federal and State Employment Law and Regulation Review
Advised local government association on all aspects of its existing personnel policies and procedures, forms, and applications.
(Employment and Human Resources)
June 2015 to Present
Employment and Labor Law Advice
Advise quasi-governmental entity on employment and labor law issues.
(Employment and Human Resources)
February 2015 to Present
Employment and Labor Law Advice
Advise county on employment and labor law issues.
(Employment and Human Resources)
May 2013 to Present
Employment and Labor Law Advice
Advise city on employment and labor law issues.
(Employment and Human Resources)
May 2013 to Present
Employment and Labor Law Advice
Advise city on employment and labor law issues.
(Employment and Human Resources)
April 2011 to Present
Employment and Labor Law Advice
Advise non-profit on employment and labor law issues.
(Employment and Human Resources)
May 2008 to Present
Employment and Labor Law Advice
Advise county on employment and labor law issues.
(Employment and Human Resources)
March 2017 to November 2017
Defense of GRAMA Appeal
Successfully defended county against claim for purported violations of GRAMA. County’s GRAMA response was upheld in all respects.
(Administrative/Litigation)
February 2016 to May 2016
Defense of Rule 65B Action against County and County Deputy Attorney
Successfully defended county as counsel retained by insurance carrier in claim against county attorney’s office demanding that the county attorney charge a person in criminal case. Obtained settlement that included dismissal of all claims without prejudice with no payment and no admission of liability.
(Administrative/Litigation)
May 2010 to July 2014
Defense of FMLA and Due Process Claims
Successfully defended county as inside counsel working with counsel retained by insurance carrier in federal lawsuit and subsequent appeal in claim alleging due process violations, intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing, interference with economic relations, FMLA, and civil conspiracy claims arising out of termination of employee.
(Administrative/Litigation)
July 2012 to June 2014
Employment and Labor Law Advice
Advise county on employment and labor law issues.
(Employment and Human Resources)
March 2011 to October 2013
Defense of Age Discrimination Claim
Successfully defended county before the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on claim of age discrimination.
(Administrative/Litigation)
December 2010 to September 2013
Defense of Unemployment Claim
Defended county in unemployment appeal in front of Department of Workforce Service, Utah Court of Appeals, and Utah Supreme Court.
(Administrative/Litigation)
July 2012 to January 2013
Personnel Policies and Procedures, Employment Application Forms, Employment Forms, Drug Abuse Policy, and Federal and State Employment Law and Regulation Review
Advised county on all aspects of its existing personnel policies and procedures, forms, and applications.
(Employment and Human Resources)
November 2010 to December 2010
Employee Complaint and Employee Morale Investigation
Conducted investigation regarding employee complaints about alleged illegal employment practices and employee morale for Nonprofit Corporation.
September 2010 to June 2011
Fair Labor Standards Compliance Investigation
Represented County in investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division.
(Investigation)
November 2004 to April 2011
Employment and Labor Law Advice
Advise Magna Water District on all employment and labor law issues.
(Employment and Human Resources)
September 2008 to July 2009
Defense of Union Grievance Arbitration and Litigation
Defended Local Government Entity in arbitration and litigation arising out of termination based upon employee failure of a drug test.
(Administrative/Litigation)
May 2008 to April 2009
Personnel Policies and Procedures, Employment Application Forms, Employment Forms, Drug Abuse Policy, and Federal and State Employment Law and Regulation Review
Advised county on all aspects of its existing personnel policies and procedures, forms, and applications.
(Employment and Human Resources)
August 2007 to September 2007
Employee Sexual Harassment Complaint Investigation
Conducted investigation regarding employee complaints about alleged illegal sexual harassment for city. Prepared written report, including findings and conclusions.
(Investigation)
January 2006 to March 2006
Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Audit
Audited Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual for city.
(Employment and Human Resources)
January 2005 to July 2005
Personnel Policies and Procedures, Employment Application Forms, Employment Forms, Drug Abuse Policy, and Federal and State Employment Law and Regulation Review
Advised water district on all aspects of its existing personnel policies and procedures, forms, and applications.
(Employment and Human Resources)