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Home Licensed Paralegal Practitioner program

The Licensed Paralegal Practitioner (LPP) program offers a unique opportunity to practice law in a limited scope in Utah—without earning a Juris Doctor (J.D.). The University of Utah's Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program fulfills the educational requirement for LPP licensure, and eligible coursework may count toward up to 750 hours of the required substantive law-related experience, helping you accelerate your path to becoming an LPP. The LPP program is governed and organized by the Utah State Bar. The Bar does not endorse any specific educational program.

 

What LPPs Do

LPPs are authorized to provide limited legal services without attorney supervision, including:

  • Advising clients on legal matters
  • Preparing and filing legal documents
  • Negotiating settlements
  • Assisting with court processes

Approved Practice Areas

LPPs may assist in specific high-need areas:

  • Family law (divorce, custody, protective orders)
  • Landlord–tenant disputes
  • Debt collection matters (limited scope)

Note: LPPs cannot represent clients in full litigation or practice outside their authorized areas.

Licensing Requirements

An LPP applicant must have one of the following:

  • A degree in law from an ABA-ABA-approved law school
  • An Associate’s degree in paralegal studies from an accredited school or accredited program
  • A Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies from an accredited school or accredited program
  • A Master's Degree in legal studies or equivalent (including LLMs) that is offered through an ABA-approved law school; or

Obtained one of the following:

  • the Certified Paralegal (CP or CLA) credential from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
  • the Professional credential from the National Association of Legal Professionals (NALS)
  • the Registered Paralegal (RP) credential from the National Federation of P(NFPA).

  • Complete 1,500 hours of substantive law-related experience within the three years prior to the application. These hours must include:

    • 500 hours of substantive law-related experience in family law if the applicant wants to practice in that area, or 100 hours of substantive law related experience in forcible entry and detainer if the applicant wants to be licensed in those areas
    • A transcript from the University of Utah’s MLS program may apply towards a maximum of 750 credit hours towards the substantive law-related experience requirement under rule 5-703.

  • All classes are offered through the Utah State Bar.

    • Ethics Class: All applicants, including those with a law degree, will be required to take this class. This class is offered post licensure and is administered by the Utah State Bar.
    • Debt Collection Class: Required for all applicants applying to practice in debt collection (law degree exempt)
    • Family Law Class: Required for all applicants applying to practice in family law (law degree exempt)
    • Landlord/tenant Class: Required for all applicants applying to practice in landlord/tenant (law degree exempt)
    • Pass a professional ethics examination
    • Pass a Licensed Paralegal Practitioner examination for each practice area for which the applicant seeks to practice

  • LPPs are required to:

    • Follow strict ethical guidelines
    • Maintain ongoing professional standards
    • Comply with regulations like those governing attorneys

  • The LPP program helps:

    • Bridge the gap between attorney representation and self-representation
    • Provide more affordable legal support
    • Expand access to justice
    • Ensure consumer protections and professional accountability

  • The Master of Legal Studies program at the University of Utah satisfies one of five possible education requirements that an LPP applicant must have:

    • A master’s degree in legal studies or equivalent that is offered through an ABA-approved law school.
    • Additionally, Rule 15-703 indicates that upon satisfying certain conditions, a transcript from the University of Utah’s MLS program may apply towards a maximum of 750 credit hours towards this substantive law-related experience requirement.

See what our MLS alumni say about the LPP program

Grace Goddard ('25 MLS)