Rodney Parker

Utah

Spencer Fane LLP
10 Exchange Place
Suite 1100
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Tel: 801.322.9134

Email: rrparker@spencerfane.com
Web: www.spencerfane.com

Professional Biography

Rodney Parker is an experienced attorney whose practice includes family law, with a particular focus on complex custody and divorce matters. He brings a strategic and analytical approach to domestic cases, drawing on his broader litigation and appellate background to guide clients through challenging disputes.

Rodney’s family law practice often involves custody matters that intersect with religious beliefs, as well as divorce cases involving significant marital estates and business assets. Leveraging his background in business finance, he advises clients on the financial aspects of divorce, including the division of complex assets.

In addition to his family law work, Rodney has an extensive appellate and litigation practice. He has handled more than 100 appeals in federal and state courts, including the United States Supreme Court, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Utah Supreme Court, the Utah Court of Appeals, and the Arizona Court of Appeals. He has also served on the Utah Supreme Court Advisory Committee on the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Rodney is a recognized resource on First Amendment cases involving freedom of religion and has represented the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in multiple legal challenges, also serving as the group’s media spokesman.

His broader litigation experience spans a wide range of matters, including product liability, professional liability, employment, ERISA, and patent disputes. He is experienced in all phases of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, evidentiary hearings, trial, and appeal, and offers additional expertise in computerized litigation support.

Before entering private practice, Rodney served as Associate Deputy Attorney General in Washington, D.C., where he worked on the immediate staff of the Deputy Attorney General of the United States, overseeing aspects of the Lands and Natural Resources Division and the Civil Division.

Spencer Fane’s family law practice provides comprehensive, client-centered counsel across a full range of domestic relations matters, combining legal expertise with a strong emphasis on emotional intelligence and practical outcomes. The team advises on issues including divorce, child custody and support, spousal maintenance, asset division, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, guiding clients toward solutions that offer clarity and closure.

The practice is experienced in both straightforward and complex matters, including high-asset divorces and cases involving interstate or international considerations. Its attorneys prioritize negotiation, mediation, and collaborative approaches where appropriate, while remaining skilled litigators when court proceedings are necessary.

Spencer Fane also adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on the firm’s broader capabilities in areas such as tax, real estate, bankruptcy, trusts and estates, and corporate law. This integrated model, along with collaboration with external professionals such as financial advisors and mental health specialists, enables the team to address the full range of legal, financial, and personal issues that arise in family law disputes.

Spencer Fane LLP is a full-service business law firm providing strategic legal counsel to clients across the United States. With a network of more than 30 offices and over 600 attorneys, the firm serves businesses, organizations, and individuals on a regional, national, and increasingly international basis.

The firm offers a comprehensive range of services spanning corporate transactions, litigation and dispute resolution, regulatory matters, real estate, labor and employment, intellectual property, and tax. Its multidisciplinary approach enables it to deliver coordinated, practical solutions tailored to complex legal and commercial challenges.

Spencer Fane is known for its distinctive, client-focused model, emphasizing direct access to firm leadership, collaboration across practice areas, and a results-driven approach aligned with client objectives. The firm positions itself as an alternative to traditional “big law,” combining sophistication with efficiency and a strong service ethos.

Founded in 1879, the firm has grown significantly in recent years through expansion and strategic combinations, while maintaining a strong emphasis on culture, innovation, and client service. It has received national recognition for workplace satisfaction and performance, reflecting its commitment to both client outcomes and professional excellence.

“Rodney Parker is widely regarded for his strength in complex family law and appellate matters, bringing a rare combination of strategic insight and courtroom experience to challenging disputes. Clients often commend his ability to navigate intricate custody and financial issues with clarity, while peers recognize his extensive appellate record, including appearances before the United States Supreme Court.”
The Family Attorneys, 2025