Celeste C. Canning, Attorney & Counselor at Law

06/23/2022

Utah recently passed a law that allows paralegals to independently practice in specific areas of law, in certain circumstances. The areas of law currently open for Licensed Paralegal Practitioners, as of right now, are: Family Law; Landlord/Tenant disputes; and, Debt Collection Law (under the small claims amount, currently $11,000).

Licensed Paralegal Practitioner’s (aka LPPs) can assist in limited ways. They can file court documents, serve as mediators, complete settlement negotiations, review court documents and sit with a client during a court proceeding. Licensed Paralegal Practitioners are not allowed to represent a client in court, prepare documents for court that are not court provided,

The decision to allow LPP’s to practice in limited fields and in limited ways was created by the Utah Supreme Court Task Force as a way to address the large number of litigants who are unrepresented or forgo access to the Utah Judicial system because of the high cost of retaining a lawyer (UTcourt.gov ). The three practice areas LLPs are currently allowed to practice in were determined to have the highest number of unrepresented litigants in need of low-cost legal assistance. (Id).

LPP’s are licensed and monitored by the Utah State Bar. They are subject to the Ethical Standards and Discipline, including the requirement of confidentiality, like attorneys. They are required to complete continuing education yearly, and must renew their licenses annually. It is exciting to see how this innovation will play out.

We are happy to announce that our paralegal, Brooke, has successfully passed and been admitted as a Licensed Paralegal Practitioner, licensed in Landlord/Tenant disputes and Debt Collection. Please contact our office at 801-612-9299 to speak with her about your legal needs.

03/17/2021

Abuse of an vulnerable adult may result in being disinherited, whether the older person desires that outcome, or not. The abuse can be physical, mental, or financial. So, do what we would always have recommended and treat your parents well.

Home 2021 General Session S.B. 85 S.B. 85 Disinheritance Following Crimes Against Vulnerable Adults Bill Text Status Hearings/Debate Bill Sponsor: Sen. Weiler, Todd D. Floor Sponsor: Rep. Snow, V. Lowry Substitute Sponsor: Rep. Snow, V. LowryDrafting Attorney: Michael E. CurtisFiscal Analyst: Sean C...

03/17/2021

Starting this year, an HOA cannot prohibit the use of security cameras by the homeowner.

Home 2021 General Session S.B. 31 S.B. 31 Condominium and Community Association Regulation Amendments Bill Text Status Hearings/Debate Bill Sponsor: Sen. Bramble, Curtis S. Floor Sponsor: Rep. Dunnigan, James A. Drafting Attorney: Patrick GrecuFiscal Analyst: Maddy Oritt Bill TrackingTrack thisTrack...

03/17/2021

If you are a governmental employee, your employer may not require you to get a coronavirus vaccine as a condition of your employment.

Home 2021 General Session H.B. 308 H.B. 308 Covid-19 Vaccine Amendments Bill Text Status Hearings/Debate Bill Sponsor: Rep. Spendlove, Robert M. Floor Sponsor: Sen. McCay, Daniel CoSponsor(s):Drafting Attorney: Daniel M. CheungFiscal Analyst: Steven M. Allred Bill TrackingTrack thisTracking Page Bil...

03/17/2021

For those of you going ahead with a marriage license (presumably to be followed by a marriage), whether discounted or not, you may now have your marriage solemnized by your state legislators. I did not look to see if they have to be active, or if that is a power which will continue. Either way, it's another option.

03/17/2021

Wasting time looking a booking photos for your local jail is going to become much harder soon. You may have to resort to funny cat videos to fill that time.

Home 2021 General Session H.B. 228 H.B. 228 Jail Photo Distribution Prohibition Bill Text Status Hearings/Debate Bill Sponsor: Rep. Stratton, Keven J. Floor Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, Michael S. Substitute Sponsor: Rep. Stratton, Keven J.CoSponsor(s):Drafting Attorney: Thomas R. VaughnFiscal Analyst: Se...

03/17/2021

Starting later this year, if you are unfortunate enough to have to use force to protect yourself or others, you may be entitled to a pre-trial hearing to determine whether your use of force was justified, which may result in less time and money defending yourself, not to mention a reduction in the emotional toll of criminal prosecution. This is an bill I urge everyone to read for themselves. Of course, if you ever are in this situation, I advise you to hire an attorney with skill and experience in this area of law. Which, BTW, is not me.

Home 2021 General Session H.B. 227 H.B. 227 Self Defense Amendments Bill Text Status Hearings/Debate Bill Sponsor: Rep. Lisonbee, Karianne Floor Sponsor: Sen. Hinkins, David P. Substitute Sponsor: Rep. Lisonbee, KarianneCoSponsor(s):Drafting Attorney: Jackie RogersFiscal Analyst: Gary R. Syphus Bill...

03/17/2021

Honeycomb calcite will be the new state stone. Huh. Didn't realize we needed a state stone, but whatever.

03/17/2021

Attorneys are now required to provide clients notice of any referral fees paid to obtain the client. That doesn't include certain marketing fees and similar items. But if the attorney is paying to get you, specifically, in the office, they will most likely need to disclose what you were worth.

Home 2021 General Session H.B. 179 H.B. 179 Private Cause of Action for Undisclosed Referral Fees Bill Text Status Hearings/Debate Bill Sponsor: Rep. Abbott, Nelson T. Floor Sponsor: Sen. McCay, Daniel Substitute Sponsor: Rep. Abbott, Nelson T.Drafting Attorney: Jacqueline CarltonFiscal Analyst: Gar...

03/17/2021

Among other medications, a pharmacist may now write prescriptions for birth control pills and naloxone.

Home 2021 General Session H.B. 178 H.B. 178 Pharmacy Practice Modifications Bill Text Status Hearings/Debate Bill Sponsor: Rep. Thurston, Norman K. Floor Sponsor: Sen. Bramble, Curtis S. Substitute Sponsor: Rep. Thurston, Norman K.Drafting Attorney: Daniel M. CheungFiscal Analyst: Thomas E. Young Bi...

03/17/2021

Cyclists may now treat a stop sign as a yield sign in certain circumstances. I think many cyclists have already done this, but now it's official:

Home 2021 General Session H.B. 142 H.B. 142 Cyclist Traffic Amendments Bill Text Status Hearings/Debate Bill Sponsor: Rep. Moss, Carol Spackman Floor Sponsor: Sen. Bramble, Curtis S. Drafting Attorney: Patrick GrecuFiscal Analyst: Lacey K. Moore Bill TrackingTrack thisTracking Page Bill TextIntroduc...