John E. Gates

Of Counsel

John Gates is a trusted and highly sought-after Utah business and estate planning lawyer, representing many of Utah’s most successful and long-standing businesses and individuals.

His practice primarily focuses on assisting individuals, families, and businesses in tax and organizational planning for current operations and long-range objectives.  This involves the preparation of wills, trusts, and other estate planning documentation and probate and trust administration.

John is 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 has also represented medical groups, professional corporations, and medically related businesses.

John also has a general real estate practice that includes representing clients in purchase, sale, leasing, real estate financing, condominium organization, and planned unit developments.

John is involved in his community and legal professional organizations and has a legacy of successful endeavors that represent and benefit the culture and history of Utah and the firm.  He serves and manages the firm’s curated collection of Utah art.

Education

  • LL.M, New York University, Taxation, 1970
  • J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 1965
  • B.A., University of Utah, 1962

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Utah State Bar
  • California State Bar
  • U.S. District Court, District of Utah
  • American Bar Association – Tax and Estate Planning Section
  • Utah State Bar Association – Tax and Estate Planning Section
  • Utah Medical Association Foundation – Trustee, 1976-2010
  • Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce – Executive Committee and Board of Governors 2003-2006
  • Salt Lake City Downtown Alliance – Chair, Director, Executive Committee 1989-1997, Advisory Committee, Executive Committee 2003 to 2010
  • Primary Children’s Medical Center – Deseret Foundation and Holy Cross  Hospital Foundation, Deferred Giving Committees, 1984-1994
  • Salt Lake Art Center – Trustee 1988-1996, President 1990-1992, Chair 1992-1993, Advisory Committee 1996-1999
  • Salt Lake City Historical Landmarks Committee, 1988-1995, Chair 1991-1993
  • 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
  • Salt Lake County Art Collection Committee, 2003 to 2009
  • Springville Museum of Art – Executive Advisory Board Chair, 2009 to present
  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America® for Employee Benefits (Erisa) Law and Tax Law
  • Named the Best Lawyers® 2015 Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Salt Lake City
  • Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® Peer review as AV® PreeminentTM 5.0 out of 5
  • Recognized as Utah Legal Elite by Utah Business Magazine