A proposal has emerged to establish a third law school in Utah, aiming to benefit from the growing legal needs of the state. Currently, Utah is served by two law schools: one at the University of Utah and another at Brigham Young University. Senator Brady Brammer, a Republican and practicing attorney, is advocating for this expansion at Utah Valley University (UVU).
Addressing the Legal Profession Shortage
Senator Brammer highlights a significant issue facing Utah’s legal profession: a shortage of attorneys. In his remarks to the Senate Education Committee on January 29, 2023, he pointed out that the state has a lack of public defenders, prosecutors, and agency attorneys. The recent class sizes at both existing law schools result in only about 200 graduates per year.
According to the Utah State Bar, the shortage has been a growing concern. Many law firms are attracting talent from the state’s graduates, leading to heightened demand for legal professionals in various fields.
The Proposed Law School at UVU
- Senator Brammer’s resolution aims to explore the feasibility of a UVU law school.
- The proposed law school would utilize the Thanksgiving Point facilities located in Lehi.
- A feasibility study will assess enrollment projections and staffing requirements.
- The study could cost approximately $55,000 and is expected to be completed by November 2023.
Brammer envisions a law school that offers a flexible schedule. Unlike traditional programs, this initiative would accommodate night and weekend classes. This approach is intended to attract individuals looking to shift careers, such as those in education or law enforcement, into the legal field.
Support and Concerns
The Utah State Bar has expressed a supportive stance towards this proposal. They appreciate the intention behind creating more flexible legal education options, which may help to address the existing lawyer shortage. Frank Piganelli, a representative from the state bar, indicated that there was enthusiastic support for the idea during previous discussions.
However, some legislators, like Senator John Johnson, have voiced concerns regarding possible “mission creep” within state colleges. Currently, UVU has not officially stated its position on the proposed law school or the feasibility study.
Next Steps for the Proposal
The resolution has successfully passed through the Senate Education Committee, marking a significant initial step. It now requires a vote on the Senate floor before proceeding to the House for further consideration. The proposal comes amidst broader discussions about higher education funding and efficiency within Utah’s educational institutions.
In recent years, lawmakers have made moves to reshape higher education, including budgeting cuts and performance reviews of college programs. As discussions evolve, the future of a potential law school at UVU remains to be seen.
