By Christina Giardinelli | Desert News
The Utah Supreme Court agreed to begin reforming the state’s legal service regulations in a recent ruling to loosen certain restrictions and allow nonlawyers to own and invest in law firms.
The changes, recommended by a joint Supreme Court and Utah Bar Association work group in a 71-page report, are meant to broaden access and affordability of legal services.
“Most people perceive lawyers as, first of all, pretty expensive. Second of all, they don’t quite know what the lawyer is going to do for (them),” said John Lund, former president of the state bar and co-chairman of the work group.
He said allowing nonlawyer associates to bring “innovative ideas” to the industry could create a more consumer friendly and affordable market.