Wilford W. Kirton Jr., the long-time general counsel to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has received the Citizen Lawyer Award from the Salt Lake Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society.
Kirton received the award at a noon luncheon Tuesday at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building where the featured speaker was scheduled to be Gov. Mike Leavitt. Kirton received the award from Utah Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard C. Howe.Kirton has served as general counsel for the LDS Church during the tenures of seven consecutive church presidents dating back to 1964.
Kirton was a founder of the law firm of Kirton & McConkie, served as chairman of the American Bar Association and Lawyer's Guarantee Fund Committee, established the Attorneys Title Guaranty Fund Inc. in Utah and was chairman of Attorneys Title Guaranty Fund Inc. in Colorado, Minnesota and Utah for 22 years.
He also has served as general counsel, corporate secretary and former board member of Deseret Management Corp., served as general counsel and corporate secretary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint Foundation and served on the board of directors of Beneficial Life Insurance Co.
Kirton also is a decorated war hero who was a pilot and bombardier during World War II. He won the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Flying Cross as a bombardier in a B-24 bomber with 31 missions over Europe during World War II.
In addition, he has served as a Utah National Guard Judge Advocate General and retired as a Lt. Colonel.
Kirton also is being honored for his lifelong service to his family and his church.
In 1991, Kirton was included in "The Best Lawyers in America" national listing.
E-mail: lindat@desnews.com