Bryant McConkie
Bryant McConkie’s practice focuses primarily on family law and divorce. His experiences and education led him to family law and they influence his approach to solving problems and working through issues. Bryant studied psychology at the University of Utah and continued his study of human behavior at the University of Hartford in Connecticut where he received his M.S. in Organizational Behavior. While studying organizational behavior, Bryant focused his studies on how people get into (and out of) conflict. He then obtained his law degree at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. At Mitchell Hamline, Bryant studied how methods of alternative dispute resolution can be used effectively in legal disputes.
Bryant is a skilled negotiator, litigator, and trial advocate, and he helps clients make educated and wise decisions as they determine whether it is in their best interest to go to trial. He understands the unique dynamics of conflict in family disputes, and is prepared and willing when necessary to take cases to trial. His judgment and ability to evaluate options gives clients sound advice and provides clarity.
Bryant is also committed to the development and improvement of family law and in 2010 co-founded the Utah Journal of Family Law. The Journal has quickly become an essential tool for Utah practitioners and it is circulated to all members of the Utah State Bar’s Family Law Section. A copy is also given as a courtesy to every judge and commissioner statewide. Bryant now serves as a consultant to the Journal. In addition to his work on the Journal, Bryant is a member of the Utah State Bar’s Family Law Executive Committee and as of 2019 is the Vice Chair of the Group.
Bryant maintains an AV Preeminent (4.8) rating with Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating awarded to attorneys for professional competence and ethics. He has been selected for inclusion in Mountain States Super Lawyers (2008-2015, 2018) in the category of Family Law and has been voted by his peers throughout the state as one of Utah’s “Legal Elite,” as published in Utah Business Magazine (2014-2018). In 2015, Bryant was appointed by the Utah Supreme Court to serve on the Utah State Bar Ethics and Discipline Committee.
Bryant formerly practiced at Strong and Hanni, and Ray, Quinney & Nebeker (two of Utah’s premier law firms), and is pleased to now practice with his dear friends, Jared Hales, and Greg Gunn.
Jared T. Hales
Jared Hales is one of the founding partners of the family law firm of McConkie Hales & Gunn. Jared practices family law because he believes in helping clients who are going through one of life’s most difficult challenges. Jared is committed to helping his clients understand every step of the legal process, providing sound advice and counsel, and making sure they know he is truly their advocate. After spending the majority of his career working for some of the most prestigious and well respected law firms in Salt Lake City, Mr. Hales partnered with others who have the same vision. That vision is to provide the very best representation to individuals and families with difficult and complex family law issues.
Jared is experienced in advising and representing clients in all issues related to family and matrimonial law. He is a member and former Chair of the Utah State Bar Family Law Executive Committee; a Board Member of the Utah Journal of Family Law; and, a Member of the Standing Committee on Children and Family Law. Jared has been recognized for many years in Mountain States Super Lawyers and has been voted by his peers as one of Utah’s “Legal Elite” by Utah Business Magazine in the area of Family Law. Jared has also been an Instructor at Utah State University and on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Jared is a regular lecturer and writer on various family law subjects.
In his free time, Jared enjoys spending time with his family and hunting with his two Boykin Spaniels.