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Solicitor General Melissa Holyoak Nominated to Serve on Federal Trade Commission

Today, the White House announced Utah Solicitor General Melissa Holyoak as a nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 

Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes stated, “Melissa Holyoak is a remarkable public servant. Her intellect and devotion to protecting the liberties of our citizens have been instrumental to our work here in Utah. Her strong leadership ability and experience at the highest levels of legal advocacy make her an ideal choice for this crucial role. Melissa’s respect for the Constitution, good government, and love for the people have been the foundation of her service here, and I am confident she will bring these principles to her work at the FTC. I am proud to support the president’s nomination.” 

Melissa Holyoak has served in the Utah AG’s Office with distinction since September 2020. Her efforts as one of Utah’s highest-ranking attorneys have demonstrated a deep commitment to constitutionally limited government, civil liberties, economic freedom, fairness, and the rule of law. Holyoak will play a pivotal role as an FTC Commissioner in protecting consumers and promoting competition. 

AG Reyes added, “While we are sad to see her go, we know she will serve our country well, and we couldn’t be more proud.  On behalf of the State of Utah, I wish Melissa every success in this new chapter of her distinguished career. I look forward to witnessing the outstanding contributions she is certain to make at the Federal Trade Commission.” 

Melissa Holyoak graduated from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law in 2003 as an Order of the Coif and Law Review member. She has argued in the Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and D.C. Circuits. Currently, she lives in Utah with her husband and four children. 

The FTC protects consumers and enforces antitrust laws to ensure fair competition. Its mission is to stop anticompetitive, deceptive, or unfair business practices. The FTC has five commissioners, up to three belonging to the same political party. Nominated by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, commissioners typically serve seven-year terms.

Official Announcement from the White House

FTC Website

Reuters coverage

Melissa A. Holyoak Joins Utah Attorney General’s Office as Solicitor General

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2020

MELISSA A. HOLYOAK JOINS UTAH ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE AS 
SOLICITOR GENERAL
 

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes is pleased to announce Melissa A. Holyoak as the state’s new Solicitor General. Holyoak replaces Tyler Green, who departed his job with the state to work in the private sector. 
 
Melissa Holyoak brings extensive experience to the office as a litigator, prosecutor, and most recently, president and general counsel of a Washington D.C.-based public interest law firm. Holyoak has argued in appeals courts across the country. A graduate of the University of Utah Law School, Holyoak graduated in the top 10% of her class in 2003.

“We as a state are extremely fortunate – and I am thrilled – to have Melissa join our team at the Utah Attorney General’s Office,” Attorney General Reyes said. “Melissa brings a track record of success in the courtroom and extraordinary litigation, trial and appellate experience. I’m confident she will serve the citizens of Utah with dedication and distinction.  Her diverse career experience is just what the state needs as our population continues to grow and more is at stake in every legal case we handle in our office. Out of many incredible candidates who applied for the position, she is my top pick for this crucially important job.”
 
“Our family is delighted to be back in Utah and I am honored to serve as Utah’s Solicitor General,” Melissa Holyoak said. “I look forward to working with Sean Reyes and his team in advancing the rule of law and defending Constitutional principles and the values of the great state of Utah.”
 
Holyoak will assume the duties of Utah’s Solicitor General effective immediately.  The solicitor general is the law officer directly below the attorney general, whose duties include arguing appellate cases in front of the United States Supreme Court.
 

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