Licensed Paralegal Practitioner (LPP)

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:

  • Specific family law matters, such as temporary separation, divorce, parentage, cohabitant abuse, civil stalking, custody and support, or name change;
  • Forcible entry and detainer (Landlord-Tenant matters); and
  • Debt collection matters in which the damages claimed do not exceed the limit set for small claims cases.

After an LPP is licensed to practice in the above areas, the LPP may:

  • Enter into a contractual relationship with a client (However, LPPs cannot represent corporations);
  • Interview a client to determine the client's needs and goals;
  • Assist a client with completing approved forms and obtaining documents to support those forms;
  • Review documents of another party and explain those documents to a client;
  • Inform, counsel, assist and advocate for a client in a mediated negotiation;
  • Complete a settlement agreement, sign the form and serve the written settlement agreement;
  • Communicate with another party or the party's representative regarding relevant forms and matters; and
  • Explain to the client any decisions or orders from the Court and discuss how the decision or order affects the client's rights and obligations.

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.

Register Now

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.

Licensed Paralegal Practitioners Courses

Debt Collection Law for LPP

This course focuses on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) including the protections for consumers and requirements on creditors.

Ethical Rules for LPP

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.

Family Law for LPP

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.

Landlord/Tenant Law for LPP

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.