Richard (Rick) Van Wagoner

Partner
Contact
P 801.322.9168 | F 801.363.0400
Spencer Fane attorney Rick Van Wagoner

Overview

Richard Van Wagoner’s practice focuses on criminal defense – primarily white collar, First Amendment and civil liberties law, and commercial litigation.

In his active practice Rick represents clients who are under criminal investigation or are charged with serious and complex felonies in state and federal court. His civil practice often involves cases with potential criminal crossover, primarily where the underlying conduct involves financial transactions and allegations of fraud or professional misconduct. The final leg of Rick’s practice is civil rights law and cases involving First Amendment speech, religion, and association clauses, and individuals whose speech rights and rights of association have been infringed.

Credentials

Education

  • University of Utah College of Law, 1985 (J.D.)
  • Weber State University, 1982 (B.A.)

Bar Admissions

  • Utah

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Utah

  • American Civil Liberties Union of Utah, Member
    • Board of Directors, Former Member

  • Mountain States Super Lawyers, Criminal Defense, 2005-2023
  • Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent
  • Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, Salt Lake City, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2022
  • Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, Salt Lake City, Litigation – First Amendment, 2016
  • Utah Business Magazine, Utah Legal Elite, Criminal Law
  • Best Lawyers in America, Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Litigation – First Amendment

  • Utah Bar Association, Constitutional Law Section
  • American Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Salt Lake County Bar Association
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers