Utah State Bar July eBulletin
The Best of Times and the Worst of Times
What a year to be Bar President—a worldwide pandemic, natural disasters, and budget challenges were just some of the everything and the nothing we had before us (to continue with Dickens). While it has been a challenging year, it has truly been my honor to serve as your Bar President. 

Thanks to the efforts of a tremendous staff at the Bar, including the recently retired John Baldwin, the diligent Richard Dibble, and the amazing Christy Abad to name a few, and to the efforts of the Bar Commissioners, we’ve made it through this year relatively unscathed and with several notable achievements.

The Bar worked with Governor Herbert to declare attorneys as essential workers allowing us to continue moving forward throughout 2020 and 2021. However, with COVID restrictions in place, the Law and Justice Center was closed, but the Bar pressed on with processing licensing, pro hac vice applications, and certificates of good standing. During its closure, the Law and Justice Center received a much- needed update with fresh carpet, paint, and repairs to the steps and parking lot. We are excited to have you back to the building as restrictions are being lifted.

Since all live meetings were cancelled, the bar exam could not be administered traditionally, and all CLE events and conventions had to quickly move to a virtual format. The Court adopted a diploma privilege process for July 2020 (the applicants of which provided 3,025 hours of pro bono service to the community) and the Bar administered virtual bar exams in February 2021 and July 2021. 

The CLE Department was incredible, facilitating 250 remote CLEs with over 35,000 attendees! We were able to work with local police departments and activists to bring excellent programing like the Use of Deadly Force Program (which will continue at the Summer Convention). 

The well-being committee for the legal profession offered opportunities to address the new challenges and stressors brought about by the pandemic. Access to Justice continued, with virtual legal clinics, which actually expanded our reach to serve more clients in need, with 60 lawyers regularly volunteering in over 20 legal practice categories.

The Bar Commission and Hiring Selection Committee narrowed down resumes and conducted multiple interviews, ultimately selecting Elizabeth Wright to be our new Executive Director. We are excited for her new ideas, her experience, and the leadership she will bring to the bar, along with Heather Thuet who will be stepping in as your next President at the upcoming Summer Convention. 

This will be our first in person opportunity since COVID restrictions have been lessened and we will also provide virtual options for those who prefer to attend remotely. We hope you will join us! If you haven’t yet submitted your updated compliance report, this is a great opportunity to obtain those last few credits (though a late fee will apply). 

Thanks again for allowing me to serve and for continuing to honor our profession with your work. I can’t wait to see all your faces (and all of your face!) in Sun Valley! 
Supreme Court Seeks Executive Director for Office of Legal Innovation
The Utah Supreme Court is seeking a new Executive Director for the Office of Legal Services Innovation. 

Applications are due July 14. More information on the position can be found here.

For questions about the position please contact the Appellate Court Administrator, Nick Stiles at Nicks@utcourts.gov.
Well-Being Byte: What is "Being Present," and How Can it Boost Your Well-Being
We hear "be present" all the time. But what does that mean, and how do we do that? How does being present improve our well-being?
Listen to Martha Knudson explain how being present can improve both your professional and personal life.

Don't forget to visit the Well-Being Committee's webpage for more great well-being resources!
Online Licensing Process Begins for Attorneys Practicing in Utah
The annual Bar licensing renewal process has begun and can be done online only. An email containing the necessary steps to re-license online was sent on June 7.

Online renewals and fees must be submitted and payment received (or postmarked) by July 31 to avoid a late fee. Your license will be suspended unless the online renewal is completed and payment received by September 1. Upon completion of the online renewal process, you will receive a licensing confirmation email.
 
To receive support for your online licensing transaction, please contact us either by email to or, call 801-297-7021. Additional information on licensing policies, procedures, and guidelines can be found here.
Big Change in CLE Requirements as Compliance Moves to Yearly Cycle
CLE Compliance will Change from a Two-Year Reporting Period to an Annual Reporting Period  

• July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2021 Reporting Period – the CLE requirement is 24 hours of accredited CLE, to include 2 hours of legal ethics and 1 hour of professionalism and civility. The traditional in-person credit requirement has been suspended for this reporting period. Lawyers will have through June 30, 2021 to complete required CLE hours without paying late filing fees and through July 31, 2021 to file Certificate of Compliance reports without paying late filing fees. PLEASE NOTE: Lawyers that comply with the 2021 reporting period will be required to change from a two-year CLE reporting period to an annual CLE reporting period.

Your next cycle will be:
  • July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 Reporting Period – the CLE requirement is 12 hours of accredited CLE, to include 1 hour of legal ethics and 1 hour of professionalism and civility. At least 6 hours must be live, which may include in-person, remote group CLE or verified e-CLE. The remaining hours may include self-study or live CLE.   

July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2022 Reporting Period - the CLE requirement is 24 hours of accredited CLE, to include 2 hours of legal ethics and 1 hour of professionalism and civility. The traditional in-person credit requirement has been suspended for this reporting period. Lawyers will have through June 30, 2022 to complete required CLE hours without paying late filing fees and through July 31, 2022 to file Certificate of Compliance reports without paying late filing fees.  

PLEASE NOTE: Lawyers that comply with the 2022 reporting period will be required to change from a two-year CLE reporting period to an annual CLE reporting period.

Your next cycle will be:
July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Reporting Period – the CLE requirement is 12 hours of accredited CLE, to include 1 hour of legal ethics and 1 hour of professionalism and civility. At least 6 hours must be live, which may include in-person, remote group CLE or verified e-CLE. The remaining hours bay include self-study or live CLE. 

Other Relevant Changes

  • Streamlining rules to make them more understandable and consistent with current Bar regulations
  • Allowing for self-study credits for lawyers participating as presenters in a CLE panel presentation
  • Allowing more flexibility in broadcast CLE programming
  • Clarifying and expanding the types of programs that qualify for ethics and professionalism and civility CLE
  • Allowing for legal specialty groups to earn some credits by attending CLE programs designed specifically for and limited to those group members

2. Licensed Paralegal Practitioner Rules have been
incorporated within MCLE Rules

Further details on the changes can be found on the Bar's website.
Have You Checked Out Beneplace's Member Benefit Offerings?
For many years, the Utah State Bar has partnered with Beneplace Employee Discount Services to provide Bar members with discounts on everything from travel to new car purchases. You can learn more about this great service by watching this video.

Additionally, the Utah State Bar has organized a Marketplace consisting of vendors offering services to Bar Licensees. These services are designed to help you in your practice. If you have questions or need additional information, please visit the Marketplace or contact the Utah State Bar.