About J. Keven Hofeling
Bridging Law & Technology: A Journey from Traditional Legal Excellence to Digital Innovation
J. Keven Hofeling, Esq.
Bridging Law & Technology for the Digital Age
Professional Journey
I am J. Keven Hofeling, Esq., a legal professional with 25+ years of experience who has recently transitioned from traditional legal practice to the cutting-edge intersection of law, technology, and innovation. My journey represents a deliberate evolution from solo legal practice focusing on family law, criminal defense, and consumer protection to becoming a bridge between legal expertise and emerging technologies.
Throughout my legal career, I developed expertise in complex legal research, strategic analysis, and meticulous documentation. My approach has always been to find innovative solutions to challenging legal problems, a skill that now serves as the foundation for my transition into technology consulting, particularly in the realms of AI governance, cybersecurity compliance, and legal-tech implementation.
As a member in good standing of the Utah State Bar at the time of my retirement from solo practice, I maintained the highest standards of professional excellence and ethical practice. This commitment to excellence continues as I bridge my legal expertise with a multi-year curriculum of advanced, industry-leading certifications in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence.
Education & Professional Journey
Academic Foundation
Salt Lake Community College - 1992
Liberal Arts Foundation & Early Activism
Began academic journey with active involvement in peer support and constitutional advocacy.
Feature writer for the SLCC Horizon (1991)
Article on the Establishment Clause published by Freethought Foundation (1991)
Bachelor of Science in Philosophy - 1994
University of Utah, Salt Lake City
Developed critical thinking, logical reasoning, and analytical skills through rigorous philosophical study. Active in campus journalism and peer counseling.
Peer Counselor on the Team of Peer Support (TOPS) (1992)
Juris Doctor - 1997
Ohio Northern University Claude W. Pettit College of Law
Final semester completed at J. Reuben Clark Law School, BYU
Comprehensive legal education with active leadership in progressive legal advocacy and community education.
Elected President of ONU Street Law (1996-97)
Weekly columnist & feature writer for the Northern Review (1995-96)
Professional Career
Utah State Bar Admission - 1997
Member in Good Standing through Retirement (2020)
Admitted to practice law in Utah, maintaining exemplary standing for 23 years.
Hofeling Law Firm, PLLC
1997-2020 (23 years)
Founder and Managing Attorney
23 years of distinguished full-time solo practice focusing on family law, criminal defense, and consumer protection. Represented underserved communities and low-income clients throughout Utah.
J. Keven Hofeling, Esq.
2020-Present (5+ years ongoing)
Legal Consultant (Part-time)
Transitioned from full-time practice to specialized consulting, providing legal research, writing services, and mentoring to new attorneys.
25+ Years of Legal Experience:
- •1997-2020: 23 years as licensed attorney in active solo practice
- •2020-Present: 5+ years continuing legal research, writing & mentoring
- ✓Total: 25+ years dedicated to legal work and service
Technology & Professional Development
Remote Worker Professional Certificate
2020 (5 years applying)
Utah State University
Obtained certification concurrent with transition to consulting practice. 5 years applying remote work best practices to legal consulting.
Advanced Technology Training
2025-Present (Ongoing)
Multi-year Curriculum
Currently pursuing industry-leading certifications in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Philosophical Foundation
My Bachelor of Science in Philosophy from the University of Utah provided the intellectual foundation for my legal career and continues to inform my approach to technology and innovation. The rigorous training in logic, ethics, and critical analysis prepared me not just for the practice of law, but for understanding the deeper implications of how technology shapes society and justice.
Throughout my academic journey, I was deeply engaged in progressive activism and community service. At Salt Lake Community College, I wrote on constitutional issues, including publishing an article on the Establishment Clause with the Freethought Foundation. At the University of Utah, I served as a peer counselor and columnist for the Daily Chronicle. In law school, I founded the ONU chapter of the National Lawyers Guild—a progressive bar association dedicated to social justice—and was elected President of Street Law, bringing legal education to underserved communities. This activism continued throughout my 23-year legal practice, where I focused on representing low-income clients in family law, criminal defense, and consumer protection matters.
How Philosophy Shapes My Practice:
- Epistemology: Understanding how we know what we know—crucial for evaluating AI systems and data integrity
- Ethics: Applying moral philosophy to technology deployment and AI governance
- Logic: Formal reasoning skills essential for both legal analysis and algorithm design
- Social Philosophy: Understanding technology's impact on society and justice
Heritage and Foundation
Coat of Arms of Ostfriesland
The ancestral homeland from which the Hofeling family departed in 1857 to come to America. This represents our closest connection to heraldic tradition.
Early Years
Born into a lineage of farmers, builders and craftsmen who built communities from Illinois to Utah
Family Gathering
Growing up in Utah, shaped by family values of hard work and integrity
The Formative Years
Student Activist
Active in progressive causes throughout undergraduate and law school years, founding ONU National Lawyers Guild chapter and serving as President of Street Law
Ohio Northern University
Claude W. Pettit College of Law
Juris Doctor, 1997
Constitutional Scholar
Deep reverence for American founding principles and constitutional law
Keven with Rod Betonney and Father
Personal Journey and Triumph
My journey has been marked by profound personal growth and transformation. Through challenges and triumphs, I've developed resilience, wisdom, and a deep commitment to helping others navigate their own paths.
The support of mentors, family, and friends has been instrumental in shaping who I am today - a bridge between traditional values and modern innovation.
This personal evolution has informed my professional practice, bringing empathy and understanding to every client interaction.
A Father's Pride
My Greatest Achievement
Adventures
Simone & Ruby
Dustin, Simone, Ruby and Ben
on Simone and Dustin's wedding day
Professional Evolution
From Law to Technology
After 25+ years of legal experience, including 23 years of distinguished licensed practice, I made the deliberate decision to evolve my career toward the intersection of law and technology.
This transition represents not an abandonment of legal expertise, but rather its enhancement through technological innovation. My legal background provides unique insights into AI governance, cybersecurity compliance, and legal-tech implementation.
Today, I bridge two worlds - bringing legal precision to technology challenges and technological innovation to legal practice.
