Karl Hendrickson, who has spent the past year as legal counsel for the Utah Association of Counties, brings his legal prowess back to the government where he worked most of his career.

But instead of serving the DA, Hendrickson now will provide legal advice for the county's legislative branch. He is slated to begin mid-June.

"I have a great deal of respect for the DA's office," Hendrickson said Monday, downplaying any remaining rift. "I fully plan on working closely with them."

Still, when the council created the position last November - members argue they need their own attorney to make sound spending decisions - the move raised the rancor of Yocom. He was especially steamed over suggestions that the DA's office was not always nonpartisan - a reference to the failed prosecution of former Mayor Nancy Workman.

"I feel like Custer here at Little Bighorn," Yocom protested at the time, rapping a podium with his closed fist. "If you try to take my job away from me . . . you can expect a battle in court."

During that November budget hearing, Yocom jousted uncomfortably with Councilmen David Wilde and Joe Hatch, who pushed Hendrickson's $120,000 position. The DA, who is retiring in November, publicly apologized for the outburst a week later.

Despite the exchange, the Legislature passed a bill a few months later that paved the way for the move. On Capitol Hill, the bill was dubbed "Poke 'Em Yocom."

Since then, Hatch says his confidence in the District Attorney's Office has remained shaky. But, he expects that to be restored under Hendrickson.

"Karl doesn't have an agenda that I'm worried about," Hatch said.

Notes Hendrickson: "We're all committed to making this a working relationship."

djensen@sltrib.com