As of May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported about 2,960 paralegal jobs in Utah. Utah paralegals earned an average salary of $57,030, or $27.42 per hour during this time. Those with a strong educational background and plenty of experience, particularly in a legal specialty like corporate law, commercial litigation, or estate law, earn considerably more in Utah. In fact, the top 10% here earned about $83,350 as of May 2020.
Paralegals have proven to be an excellent resource for law firms, corporations, government agencies, and the judicial system. They can perform interviews, prepare legal documents, conduct research, and perform other duties with professional quality, thereby creating a cost-effective, efficient legal services environment.
Paralegal Certification
There is currently no mandatory licensing or certification of paralegals in the state of Utah.
Where to Earn Your Paralegal Certificate or Degree in Utah
Paralegal Certificates
Utah Valley University (UVU)
Utah Valley University (UVU), located in Orem Utah, offers a 24-credit certificate in legal studies designed to give graduates basic legal knowledge. The program covers legal research, civil litigation, business law and legal technology and software.
- Estimated Program Cost: $8,400 for state residents; $25.675 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma GED or homeschool certificate; ACT, SAT or ACCUPLACER scores
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus; few courses available online
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to American Law
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Research I & II
- Technology in Law Practice
Paralegal Associate Degrees
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake Community College offers an affordable education on multiple campuses. Students in its Associate of Applied Science in paralegal studies program learn to interview clients and witnesses, understand the litigation process, use traditional and electronic resources for legal research and draft legal documents, as well as develop critical thinking skills and good oral and written communication skills. The program consists of a minimum of 64 credits and can be completed in four semesters.
- Estimated Program Cost: $6,684 for state residents; $21,188 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-semester tuition for full-time students)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma, GED or associate degree
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On campus
Sample required courses:
- Intro to Law
- Intro to Civil Litigation
- Evidence
- Criminal Law & Practice
Southern Utah University
Founded in 1897, Southern Utah University is located Cedar City, just northeast of St. George. Its paralegal/legal assistant Associate in Applied Science prepares students to enter the paralegal field; it also provides a solid foundation for those who wish to continue their studies in a pre-law program. Classes in legal research and writing prepare students to gather information for cases and prepare legal documents; students also learn law office procedures, gain an understanding of criminal and civil law and become versed in specialty areas of the law. Students benefit from mock trial and moot court competitions, a legal studies association, internships, volunteer programs and professional advisers.
- Estimated Program Cost: $16,272 for state residents; $53,812 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 tuition for four semesters of full-time study)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; GPA and ACT/SAT scores are taken into consideration
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus with select courses offered online (as of early 2014, an online program is being developed)
Sample required courses:
- Introduction to Law
- Law Office Management
- Business & Corporate Law
- Family Law
Paralegal Bachelor’s Degrees
Broadview University
Broadview University‘s Bachelor of Science in paralegal program is taught by experienced legal professionals. Students have access to the Westlaw legal database and take courses in litigation, legal research, legal terminology, torts, law office procedures, contracts, criminal law, constitutional issues, probate and family law. This program is conveniently available in Layton, Orem, West Jordan, Boise and online, and can be completed in 36 months of year-round study.
- Estimated Program Cost: $67,500 (based on 2013 per-credit tuition for full-time students)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; minimum score on ACT, SAT or Accuplacer OR a bachelor’s degree
- ABA Approved: No
- Format: On campus or online
Sample required courses:
- Business Communications
- Legal Terminology
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Administrative Law
- Contracts
Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University‘s Bachelor of Science in legal studies program is designed to produce students who are competent in legal research, document production and processes in law practice. Students learn and use advanced technology and are required to surpass basic computer literacy. Students gain hands-on work experience through an internship and may choose from a number of advanced classes to learn areas of specialty law that they find fulfilling. This, combined with a solid liberal arts education, prepares students to work as paralegals in a range of settings.
- Estimated Program Cost: $40,320 for state residents; $123,240 for out-of-state students (based on 2013-2014 per-credit tuition)
- Prerequisites: High school diploma GED or homeschool certificate; ACT, SAT or ACCUPLACER scores
- ABA Approved: Yes
- Format: On Campus
Additional Paralegal Educational Programs
Broadview University
West Jordan, Utah; Layton, Utah; Orem, Utah; online
Degrees Offered: Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science
Utah Valley University
Orem, Utah
Degrees Offered: certificate, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science
Professional Organizations
- The Utah Paralegal Association (UPA) works to establish professional and ethical standards in the profession, provides opportunities for continuing legal education and networking and provides members with access to employment opportunities.
- The Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association (RMPA) serves paralegals in Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. It promotes continuing legal education, training and support for paralegals, encourages pro bono work and community service and promotes communication and collaboration with other paralegal associations and related organizations.
2020 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and job market trends for paralegals reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2022.