Von G. Keetch

Von G. Keetch is an attorney in the law firm of Kirton & McConkie in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he serves as chief outside counsel to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His practice focuses on representing and advising churches on issues of religious liberty, complex litigation, and First Amendment law.  In one context or another, he has represented virtually every mainline religion in America, as well as numerous small churches and other nonprofit organizations. 

            Von graduated summa cum laude from the J. Reuben Clark Law School in 1987.  Thereafter, he practiced with the law firm of Sidley & Austin in Washington, D.C.  He served as a law clerk to Judge George C. Pratt on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York City.  Thereafter, he served as a law clerk to Chief Justice Warren Burger and Justice Antonin Scalia on the United States Supreme Court.

            Von recently completed his term as Chair of the Utah Appellate Nominating Commission – the statutorily created body that evaluates and sends names to the Governor for appointment to the appellate bench.  Von has served as a Delegate to the Coalition on the Free Exercise of Religion, and has testified before Congress on several occasions on matters respecting religious liberty.  For several years running, he has been selected by his peers as one of “The Best Lawyers in America.” 

            In April 2009, Von was called as a member of the Fifth Quorum of Seventy.  He and his wife live in Highland, Utah.  They have six children, and two beautiful grandchildren.