About Diana Telfer

Diana L. Telfer assists individuals, couples, and families prepare for and navigate a variety of life transitions including divorce, separation, premarital agreements, step-parent adoptions, guardianships, estate planning, and probate matters. She has extensive experience handling large marital estates, complex custody disputes, high-conflict relationships, and all other aspects of family law practice. Prior to law school, Diana was responsible for negotiating million dollar contracts for several startup software companies. She has over 22 years of experience making order out of chaos. Diana understands the importance of recognizing the entire family unit when resolving legal matters. With her considerable experience, she guides clients through the difficult issues that arise during these transitions. By applying an integrative approach to family matters, Diana is able to help her clients achieve peaceful resolutions through alternative dispute options such as collaborative divorce and mediation. Clients are able to maximize their final resolution in a way that benefits the entire family without the trauma of traditional litigation. If litigation becomes necessary, she advocates for her clients while assisting them in developing the skills necessary to reduce the conflict outside of the courtroom. Diana offers a listening ear and is compassionate, empathetic, and sensitive with her clients. She is passionate about the law. Her approach allows her clients to feel empowered, secure, and hopeful when dealing with the stress of legal challenges.
Education
- Juris Doctor, S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah (2005)
- Junior Staff Member, Journal of Law & Family Studies (2003-2004)
- Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Brigham Young University (1988)
Awards and Honors
- Utah Association of Collaborative Professionals, Collaborative Professional of the Year (2021-2022)
- International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Leadership Academy graduate (2022)
- Utah Business Magazine, Utah Legal Elite, Family Law (2015-2021)
- Mountain States Super Lawyers®, Rising Star, Family Law (2015-2022)
- Peer Rated Distinguished®, High Ethical Standing, and Legal Ability Martindale-Hubbell®
- John Farr and Ann Clayson Larson Scholarship in Family and Juvenile Law (2004)
- J. Reuben Clark Law Society Scholarship (2004)
- CALI (Outstanding Student) Award in Legal Methods (2002)
Professional Affiliations
- Chair-elect, Association of Collaborativ Professionals of Utah (2021-present)
- Board of Trustees, Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake (2017-2021)
- Board Member, Open Legal Services (2015-2016)
- Co-editor in Chief, Utah Journal of Family Law (2014-2015)
- Graduate, NITA/ABA Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute (2013)
- Board Member, Utah Journal of Family Law (2012-2015)
- Chair, Association of Collaborative Professionals of Utah (2010-2013)
- Member, Association of Collaborative Professionals of Utah (2010-present)
- Member, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (2010-present)
- Member, International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (2009-present)
- Utah State Bar, Family Law Division
- Member, American Bar Association, Family Law Division
Government Service
- Attorney, Office of the Guardian ad Litem, Third District Court
- Law Clerk, Utah Attorney General’s Office, Children’s Justice Division
Speaking Engagements
- “Building a Collaborative Practice,” My Collaborative Team.com, (June 2022)
- “Advanced Discovery and Evidence Issues in Divorce,” National Business Institute (June 2016)
- “Obtaining and Evaluating Financial Information,” Family Law Practice for Paralegals (August 2015)
- “Custody and Family Law Issues in Utah,” S.J. Quinney College of Law, Family law course (March 2015)
- Moderator, “Guardianship Issues in Divorce,” ABA Family Law Section meeting (October 2013)
- “Civility and Collaborative Law,” Utah Bar Annual Family Law Seminar (May 2013)
- “Preparing for a Positive Divorce,” Canyon School District Community Education and Granite Peak Community Education (2012-present)
- “The Benefits of Collaborative Divorce,” 13th Annual Conference on Critical Issues Facing Children & Adolescents (2009)
- “Protective Orders and Visitation Issues,” Utah Child Care Development Institute (2007)
- “Exploring the World of Contract Work,” Utah State Bar Fall Forum (2007)
Experience
- Attorney/Shareholder, Clyde Snow & Sessions (2009-2021)
- Attorney/Owner, Telfer Law Office LLC (2007-2009)
- Office of Guardian ad Litem, Third District Court, Utah (2006-2007)
- Attorney/Owner, Telfer Law Office, L.L.C.