Historically, the practice of law has been reserved only for those who have obtained a Juris Doctorate ("J.D.") and who have passed the Bar Exam. However, in addition to attorneys, Utah will soon be issuing limited licenses to practice law to paralegals who have satisfied all the education, experience, and testing requirements set forth in the Rules Governing Licensed Paralegal Practitioners ("Rules"). The rules state a Licensed Paralegal Practitioner ("LPP") will be limited to practicing in the following areas:
After an LPP is licensed to practice in the above areas, the LPP may:
While LPPs cannot appear in court with the client, the LPP can help clients prepare for any court appearances, including discussing legal strategy, court procedure, and generally explaining what the client can expect at a hearing or other appearance. Additionally, LPPs will be able to own their own firms, own a non-controlling equity interest in a firm with attorneys, and use the courts' e-filing systems.
Finally, just like attorneys, LPPs will be required to complete continuing legal education courses, to have client trust accounts, and will be subject to their own rules of ethics and professionalism. They will be licensed and regulated by the Utah State Bar.
NOTE: After you have registered for the course you will be contacted with instructions to register as a student in the UVU system and given access to the course work.
This course focuses on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) including the protections for consumers and requirements on creditors.
This course explores the ethical standards for LPP's. The focus will be on the ethical rules for LPP’s as well as actual problems that LPP’s will confront in their practice.
The course provides a brief overview of Utah statutes rules and other laws governing relationships between married couples and their relationship with their offspring. This includes basic elements of marriage, divorce, alimony, property distribution and child custody.
This Course provides an overview of Utah’s residential landlord-tenant law for property in Utah.
For more detailed information about becoming a licensed paralegal practitioner visit the Utah State Bar website.