Utah Paralegal Schools

Utah paralegal schools offer a wealth of options for students looking to earn a paralegal degree and join the more than 1,500 paralegals in Utah who assist law firms, corporate finance departments and government agencies. Unlike other sectors, cost-cutting among attorneys has led to a spike in the growth of the paralegal position, with 30 percent more openings likely by 2018.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

Salt Lake City Community College: Salt Lake City Community College offers an American Bar Association approved Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. This degree involves 19 hours of general education courses while 46 hours are dedicated to major courses. Paralegal Studies classes include Introduction to Law, Introduction to Civil Litigation, Introduction to Legal Research and Writing (I and II), and Criminal Law and Procedure. 15 credits are set aside for Paralegal Studies electives, which span from Employment Law to Torts as well as Mediation and Immigration Law.

Utah Valley University: Utah Valley University’s Woodbury School of Business has an American Bar Association approved Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, an Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies, and a Certificate in Legal Studies. The BS is a 124 credit hour course of study while both the AS and AAS take four semesters to complete while the Certificate is 25 credit hours. All legal studies students are required to complete and pass Introduction to American Law, Civil Litigation, Legal Research (I and II), Technology in Law Practice, and Business Law. Four members of the Woodbury School of Business faculty teach for the Legal Studies programs, all possessing a JD.

How to Become a Paralegal in Utah

Paralegals cannot offer legal advice or represent clients in court, unlike lawyers. However, to become a paralegal in Utah is to understand the other aspects of the legal process. Coursework develops the legal research and writing of paralegal aspirants as they focus on key aspects of law such as contracts, criminal law, personal injury practice and other more specialized disciplines. At the end of the program, whether it be four-, two-year or even shorter, the newly minted Utah paralegal will be able to research, write and code numerous documents, as well as assist attorneys in client intake and interviewing.

Paralegal Schools in Utah

The American Bar Association has certified two programs for students looking to become a paralegal in Utah. Salt Lake Community College offers a two year associate’s degree program with 15 elective hours for students to focus on other tasks. Utah Valley University in Orem offers associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree options; the four-year option includes a mandatory internship. Online options for those with scheduling issues include Herzing University, which offers associate’s degree options and Post University, which offers a post-graduate certificate option.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Utah

Strong & Hanni is a diverse law firm specializing in a variety of industries, including business and corporate transactions, commercial litigation, mergers and acquisitions, and civil law. Its offices are easily accessible, located in Salt Lake City and Sandy. The firm welcomes resumes from interested paralegals looking to start a career. Parr Brown Gee & Loveless services corporate clients and individuals in transactional, litigation, and regulatory matters. As a leading law firm, Parr Brown works with local, national, and international clients. Uniquely, Parr Brown gives all of its associates a voice in the firm’s management; paralegals are welcome to inquire about open positions. Jones Waldo Holbrook & McDonough, P.C. is a specialist law firm, focusing on the areas of business, real estate, and litigation. Paralegals looking to start a career are encouraged to apply.

Utah Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

More than 80 percent of paralegals in Utah make more than $30,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the average at $42,220. The prospects for advancement are considered good because of the need for paralegals to assist when attorneys are considered impractical, and salaries top out at more than $50,000.

Online and Utah Paralegal Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.