First paralegal practitioners in Utah are expected to be licensed in 2019
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The first paralegal practitioners in Utah are expected to be licensed in 2019, making the state the second to license nonlawyers to practice law.
New rules regulating paralegal practitioners are set to take effect Nov. 1, LawSites reports. They will allow law practice without a lawyer’s supervision in three areas, though courtroom appearances won’t be allowed, They are:
- Cases involving temporary separation, divorce, parentage, cohabitant abuse, civil stalking, custody and support, and name change.
- Cases involving forcible entry and detainer.
- Debt collection matters in which the dollar amount in issue does not exceed the statutory limit for small claims cases.
Licensed paralegal practitioners will be allowed to help clients choose, fill out, file and complete service of legal forms; review and explain court orders or another party’s documents; advocate for a client in a mediation; and complete settlement agreements after a negotiation.
Classes for licensed paralegal practitioners will be taught at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The first licensing exams are expected to be held in the spring.
Washington was the first state to allow nonlawyer law practice.
Story updated on Aug. 9 to report that the classes will be taught at Utah Valley University.
Related article:
ABAJournal.com: “Utah Supreme Court backs licensed paralegal practitioners”
See also:
ABA Journal: “Washington state moves around UPL, using legal technicians to help close the justice gap”
ABAJournal.com: “Legal technicians belong in courtrooms”
