In a unanimous decision by the Utah County Commission on September 24, 2025, veteran trial attorney Kathryn Nester was formally appointed to represent Tyler James Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This appointment fulfills the county’s constitutional duty to provide a qualified defense for Robinson, who was found by a judge to be unable to afford private counsel. Stepping into a case that has captured national attention, Nester brings with her more than three decades of legal experience in both state and federal courtrooms, a career that has prepared her for the immense challenges of a death penalty trial.
The commission’s decision underscores the heavy weight of this case, as officials simultaneously approved over $1 million in taxpayer funding to support the legal proceedings on both sides. The county estimates Robinson’s defense will cost at least $750,000, with an additional $600,000 allocated to bolster the prosecution team in the county attorney’s office. Commissioners acknowledged the grim necessity of the expense, with Commissioner Skyler Beltran noting, “It’s so unfortunate all the way around. This is money, but a life was lost. A family is broken.” The stage is set for a long, complex, and costly legal battle, and at the center of the defense is a lawyer known for her formidable skill and extensive background.
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A Career Forged in the Courtroom
Kathryn Nester is no stranger to high-stakes litigation. Her legal bio reads like a primer on complex criminal defense, spanning over 30 years and more than 60 jury trials. Her expertise isn’t limited to one area of law; she has handled everything from capital murder and homicide cases to complex fraud and civil rights disputes. This depth of experience is crucial for the Robinson case, which involves not just the aggravated murder charge but also additional counts of firearm discharge, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
Nester’s qualifications extend beyond her private practice. For over a decade, she served as the head of the federal public defender offices in both Salt Lake City and San Diego, giving her intimate knowledge of the federal system that could come into play, as Robinson may still face federal charges in separate proceedings. Her reputation is solid enough that she was appointed by the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court to the Advisory Committee on the Federal Rules of Evidence, and she even contributed to the Obama Administration’s Clemency Project.
Locally, Utah residents might recognize her name from other headline-making cases. She is currently part of the defense team for Kouri Richins, the Utah mother accused of murdering her husband, and has represented other notable figures like plastic surgeon Dr. Kirk Moore and polygamous sect leader Lyle Jeffs.
Stepping into the Legal Storm
Kathryn Nester’s appointment came after the Utah County Public Defender’s office indicated it could not take the case, a common occurrence for death penalty trials, which are exceptionally expensive and resource-intensive. The county relied on the advice of an independent criminal defense attorney to select Nester, ensuring the choice would withstand scrutiny. She will lead the defense as the appointed counsel, with Richard Novak and Michael Burt serving as co-counsel, a team required by Utah law for cases where the prosecution is seeking the death penalty.
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Her new client, Tyler Robinson, remains in the Utah County Jail’s “special housing unit,” where he is under a special watch and wears a suicide prevention smock for his safety. Authorities have confirmed he has been seen by medical and mental health staff, though details remain private. Nester has declined public comment on the case, a typical move for a defense attorney at this early stage. Her immediate task is to prepare for Robinson’s next court appearance, a waiver hearing scheduled for September 29 before 4th District Court Judge Tony Graf.
As the community and the nation watch, Kathryn Nester’s job is to navigate the turbulent waters of a profound tragedy, ensuring that the constitutional right to a competent defense is upheld, no matter how serious the charges.
