Licensed Paralegal Practitioners (LPPs) are not attorneys but are licensed in the State of Utah to practice law without attorney supervision in limited areas in which they are licensed. While it may be absolutely necessary in some cases to hire a lawyer, not every legal matter requires the experience and training of a licensed attorney. New rules adopted by the Utah Supreme Court in 2018 allows LPPs to practice in specific areas of law without direct involvement or supervision of an attorney. A LPP is a mid-level legal provider that is a step up from a paralegal and a step down from a fully practicing attorney. A LPP can do many of the things traditionally accomplished by attorneys while charging lower fees. The court created the LPP program to improve access to justice for Utah residents.

Currently, LPP’s can be licensed to practice law in the areas of family law, debt collection and landlord-tenant disputes. The scope of an LPP’s licensing is narrower than that of an attorney. LPPs can enter into a contractual relationship with their client, interview the client, review documents with the client and explain documents and orders to the client, assist their client with the preparation of court-approved forms, gather facts and information related to the completion of the forms, sign and file the forms for the client. LPPs can also communicate with opposing counsel on behalf of their client, advocate for their client in mediation, and assist in the settlement of their client’s case, including with the completion of a settlement agreement. LPPs may not represent their client in court hearings or trials.

To learn more about the LPP program in the State of Utah, please visit the Utah State Courts and the Utah State Bar.