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Guide to Finding Utah Lawyer

Guide to Finding Utah Lawyer

What is a Utah Lawyer?
       A Utah lawyer is an attorney who is barred in the State of Utah, in good standing, and is permitted to practice law within the state.  In order to be a Utah lawyer an individual must have graduated from an accredited law school within the United States or have done comparable training that meets the standard requirement of the The Utah Bar Association.  In order to be barred in the State of Utah a Utah Lawyer must have passed the bar exam, the MPRE and have passed the character and fitness evaluation performed by the state.
       The bar exam in Utah is a two day exam that is administered by the Utah Bar Association twice a year, usually in February and July.  The average number of applicants who pass the Pennsylvania Bar Exam is around 70%. The first day of the Utah bar exam involves 2 three hour sessions.  The firs session comprises the Multi-State Performance Test, of MPT.  This test is used to gauge an applicants ability to take evidence and apply it to substantive and procedural law concluding in a memo or brief written by the applicant.  The latter session consists of 4 essay questions based on Utah state law.  The second day of the bar exam in Utah is the Multi-State Bar Exam.  This exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions taken by applicants throughout the United States.  The topics covered in the multi-state bar exam include:
criminal law & procedure
property
contracts
evidence
constitutional law
torts
       In addition to passing the bar exam, a Utah lawyer applicant must pass the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam, or MPRE.  The MPRE is a standardized 60 multiple choice question exam that gauges an applicants ability to understand and implement ethical situations dealing with the practice of law.  The questions encompass areas including fees, advertising, privileges, disclosure and a number of other issues that examine the applicants ability to practice law.  Utah requires a passing score of 86 in order to become a Utah Lawyer barred in the state.  A score of 86 is the highest passing score required of any stat in the Union.
       The Utah Lawyer is also required  to meet the character and fitness qualifications of the Utah Bar Association.  Due to the high position of responsibility that comes with the privilege of practicing law each state requires an individual to submit a character and fitness form that is evaluated by a state commission.  This form must be completed and returned to the Utah Board of Bar Examiners before any applicant may sit for the Utah Bar Exam.  This form will consist of all relevant information that will enable the bar association to investigate the applicant and determine whether they are worthy of the ability to practice law.  The bar association will ask for all relevant information including credit reports, criminal record, previous addresses, educational background and military service.  The character and fitness commission will also request fingerprinting and official transcripts from educational institutions.  
       As a Utah Lawyer, an individual is held to higher standard of conduct because of the ability of an attorney to take advantage of those individuals who are not familiar with the law.  Utah has reciprocity with 35 other states in the Union and The District of Columbia.  This means that if you are have been an active lawyer in one of these states, or the District of Columbia, for 5 – 7 years and you have gotten an 86 or higher on the MPRE and are in good standing with your home state’s bar association then you may be admitted to practice law in Utah without sitting for the Utah Bar Examination.   
Where can I find if an Utah Lawyer is in good standing?
       If you are contemplating hiring a Utah Lawyer it is best to do your own homework first.  You will want to make sure that the Utah Lawyer who is going to represent you is properly licensed and in good standing in the State.  If you want to find information on the standing of Utah Lawyer you should go to the “find a lawyer” link on the left side of the Utah Bar Association’s website at www.utahbar.org.  There you will be able to search lawyers by zip code, county, specialty and languages spoken.  The link also gives written advise about what kind of lawyer may need if you do not know what category your problem falls into.
       In addition you can seek a Utah referral from the laws.com website.  At the top of this page you will find a link that states “find a lawyer” by clicking on that you will be prompted to enter information including your name, telpehone number, e-mail address, location, and description of your legal problem.  Someone from laws.com will then notify you, either over the phone or through e-mail and give you referral advise on what lawyers in your area may be able to help you with your legal problem.
How do I report Disciplinary Action against Utah Lawyers?
       Disciplinary actions against Utah Lawyers are serious matters.  Utah Lawyers are responsible for upholding the ethical and legal aspects of the profession on a 24/7 basis.  If a Utah lawyer is not upholding his ethical responsibilities or is deficient in his or her ability to represent you then that matter should be brought to the attention of The Office of Professional Conduct of the State of Utah.   You must file a complaint against Utah lawyer directly, and in writing, to the Office of Professional Conduct.  Your complaint should include: the name of the Utah lawyer; description of the case the lawyer was involved in; chronological timeline of events leading to the belief that disciplinary charges were necessary; copies of documents pertinent to the complaint;  names of witnesses and other parties; and the name and address of the complainant.  If the Office of Professional Conduct, after concluding its  investigation, feels that the allegations are credible then they will forward the investigation to the Ethics & Discipline Committee to impose possible sanctions against the Utah lawyer for his or her violations of the rules of Professional responsibility.  At all times from the beginning of an investigation up to the prosecution for disciplinary action by the Committe the matter is confidential.  It is important to know that when you file disciplinary actions against an Utah lawyer you may be waiving your attorney/client privilege to certain matters involving the disciplinary action. .
What questions should I ask a Utah Lawyer?
       When you are interviewing Utah Lawyers about possible representation you should have a number of specific questions ready to ask, including:
Where did you go to law school?
Are you barred in the state of Utah?
Have you ever been disciplined by an bar association?
How often do you handle cases like mine?
Will you be handling my case personally?
What do you see as the problem with my case?
What do you see as the result of this litigation?
Are you familiar with the court procedures and personnel in the filing jurisdiction?
       If you are being sued, or suing, in the State of Utah and you do not need a UT lawyer because you have your own representation from your home state then you may be able to use your non UT lawyer in your present litigation.  This can be done by having your non UT lawyer filing an application for Pro Hoc Vice.  Pro Hoc Vice is a program, allowed in most states, that permits a lawyer, not barred in the state, to represent a client who is being sued in a different state than the one he currently resides in.  The requirements for Pro Hac Vice in Utah can be found on the Utah Bar Associations website at www.utahbar.org.  Non UT Lawyers will be required to file an application, meet the ethical and standing requirements of Utah, and get a UT lawyer to agree to associate with the non UT lawyer during the litigation that brings the non UT lawyer into the state.
       If you are a citizen of the state of Utah and you need the help of UT lawyers but you cannot afford representation then legal aide services may be able to help you.  The Utah Bar Association does not directly offer legal aide services but does provide links to a number of reputable legal aide societies that will help you find UT lawyers who can help you with your particular case.  By going to the www.utahbar.org website and following the appropriate links you will find access to: And Justice For All, Disability Law Center, Legal Aide Society of Salt Lake and a few other legal aide resources that may help you.
       In order to qualify for legal aide services you must be a citizen of the state of Utah or are suffering from domestic violence.  In addition, you can only qualify for UT lawyers services through a legal aide society if your income is less than 125% of the national poverty level.  If you meet these requirements then you should set up an appointment with a legal aide society in Utah to get advice from UT lawyers in your area.
Lawyers in Utah
       Lawyer in Utah are not necessary if you are considering drinking alcohol in the state of Utah.  Despite popular belief, alcohol sale and/or consumption is not illegal in the state of Utah.  However, it is illegal to drink inside a “nightclub” without a membership or “visitor card.” If that is the case then you may need the help of Lawyers in Utah.  You may also need Lawyers in Utah if you are looking to open up a club, bar, restaurant, or liquor store in the state of Utah.  The process for getting a liquor license to sell alcohol in the state is very strict and precise.  Lawyers in Utah will help guide you through the formalities and help to make sure the opening of your establishment is not stalled by delays in the liquor license approval process.
       If you live in Utah and are looking for a lawyer, Utah lawyers can be found in a number of places.  The easiest way to find representation is through a rudimentary internet search for a lawyer.  Utah lawyers maintain websites, advertise in newspapers and magazines, and their knowledge and expertise can usually be gauged by just looking at the information on their website.  If you don’t know if you need a lawyer, Utah referral services are available.  By looking through the internet you will be able to find a list of referral services that will help you find a lawyer.  Utah lawyers practice in all fields and charge different prices.  Take your time when looking for a lawyer.  Utah lawyers should meet your needs and the expenses should be relative to your needs.
       Criminal Lawyers in Utah represent clients who have been charged with crimes within the state of Utah.  If you have been charged, or are being investigated, for a criminal act, whether it be shoplifting or murder, you should hire lawyers in Utah.  Your 5th Amendment rights designate that you have the right to remain silent and have an attorney.  Once you are arrested you should invoke both those rights and retain lawyers in Utah.  Once Lawyers in Utah arrive to represent you you should let your lawyers in Utah do all the talking with law enforcement and the prosecution.  Criminal Lawyers in Utah are trained and experienced in representing individuals in criminal matters.  They know what information to give and what to keep private.  Remember, when talking with lawyers in Utah you always have the attorney/client privilege on your side so give the lawyers in Utah all the information that they may need to successfully represent you, no matter how embarrassing the information.
       If you are a considering going to Utah to be one of many lawyers, Utah lawyers are requirde; not only to pass the MPRE with the highest score required by any state in the union and pass a character and fitness evaluation, but also maintain continuing legal education that will keep them abreast what you need to be current lawyers.  Utah requires lawyers to maintain a certain level of continuing legal education.  A first year Utah Lawyer must complete 12 hours of continuing legal education along with a New Lawyer Ethics Program.  In the second year lawyers of Utah must complete an additional 12 hours of continuing education.