John Gates
Overview
John Gates represented many of Utah’s most successful and long-standing businesses and individuals as a trusted and highly sought-after Utah business and estate planning lawyer.
His practice primarily focused on assisting individuals, families, and businesses in tax and organizational planning for current operations and long-range objectives. This involved the preparation of wills, trusts, and other estate planning documentation and probate and trust administration.
John was experienced in deferred compensation, qualified retirement, and cafeteria plans, as well as the organization and operation of corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and their sale, merger, and acquisition. He also represented medical groups, professional corporations, and medically related businesses.
Additionally, John had a general real estate practice that included representing clients in purchase, sale, leasing, real estate financing, condominium organization, and planned unit developments.
John was involved in his community and legal professional organizations and created a legacy of successful endeavors that represented and benefited the culture and history of Utah.
Credentials
Education
- New York University, 1970 (LLM)
- University of Michigan Law School, 1965 (J.D.)
- University of Utah, 1962 (B.A.)
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the District of Utah
- Springville Museum of Art, Executive Advisory Board, Former Chair
- Salt Lake County Art Collection Committee, 2003-2009
- Utah Medical Association Foundation, Trustee, 1976-2010
- Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, Executive Committee & Board of Governors, 2003-2006
- Salt Lake City Downtown Alliance
- Advisory Committee, Executive Committee, 2003-2010
- Chair, Director, Executive Committee, 1989-1997
- Primary Children’s Medical Center, Deseret Foundation & Holy Cross Hospital Foundation, Deferred Giving Committees, 1984-1994
- Salt Lake Art Center
- Advisory Committee, 1996-1999
- Chair, 1992-1993
- President, 1990-1992
- Trustee, 1988-1996
- Salt Lake City Historical Landmarks Committee
- Chair, 1991-1993
- Member, 1988-1995
- Salt Lake City Zoning Review Committee, 1991-1995
- Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency, Blk 57 Review Committee, 1991-1993
- Salt Lake City Downtown Design Review Committee, Chair, 1996-1997
- Best Lawyers in America, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law; Tax Law, 2015-2025
- Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year, Salt Lake City, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, 2015
- Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent
- Utah Business Magazine, Utah Legal Elite
- American Bar Association, Tax and Estate Planning Section
- Utah State Bar Association, Tax and Estate Planning Section