RES GESTAE
The alumni magazine of the S.J. Quinney College of Law

Summer 2026 issue
Welcome to Res Gestae, Utah Law's alumni magazine!
In this issue, we feature David Schwendiman (JD '76), who reflects on his multi-layered career in the military, U.S. Attorney's Office, Department of Justice, and Department of State—including years prosecuting war crimes in Bosnia and Herzegovina and working for the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR).
We also speak to Chelsea Duke (MLS '23) about her work at the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and discuss how Utah Law helped her better understand natural resources law.
Finally, we highlight Stanley Adams (JD '72) and Craig Scott (JD '78), seasoned alumni with more than 100 years in combined legal experience, and hear about the lessons they've learned in private practice.
Learn more about Professor Chris Peterson (JD '01) and his position at the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. You can also take our short survey and have a chance to win credit to our new alumni store!
Lessons in jurisprudence: David Schwendiman reflects on 50 years as a Utah Law alum
One invaluable lesson David Schwendiman (JD ’76) learned throughout his career as a prosecutor was to admit what he didn’t know, and embrace a new education with each opportunity that came his way.
Read MoreGetting the most out of Utah Law: MLS alum Chelsea Duke manages Utah’s wildlife properties
In the epic novel “Gone with the Wind,” Margaret Mitchell wrote, “Land is the only thing in the world that amounts to anything, for it’s the only thing in this world that lasts.” It’s a reminder to Chelsea Duke (MLS ’23) of how important her work in natural resources is.
Read MoreTaking care of business: Stanley Adams and Craig Scott share careers in private practice
With a combined 100 years of legal experience, alumni Stanley Adams and Craig Scott look back at their work in private practice and experiences at Utah Law and discuss plans for the future.
Read MoreNEWS IN BRIEF
Professor Chris Peterson to lead New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
Aug 25, 2026Professor Chris Peterson was nominated by New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill to serve as the director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Take a short survey for a chance to win alumni store credit
Aug 25, 2026Utah Law has a brand-new alumni store with high-end apparel and gear from brands like Helly Hansen, Nike, The North Face, Patagonia, and Yeti—and we want to reward three lucky winners with store credit!
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
Explore how to get involved and give back to the S.J. Quinney College of Law.
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ABOUT RES GESTAE
Res Gestae is the quarterly alumni magazine of the University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law—a place to celebrate the alumni, students and faculty who define the Utah Law community. You can learn more about the magazine, see our list of contributors, and explore previous issues here.