Exploring the Utah Sandbox: Understanding its Implications
In a nutshell, Utah's new Office of Legal Services Innovation, a division of the Utah Supreme Court, a.k.a. “Sandbox” allows businesses that meet certain criteria to offer legal services in Utah. There are those who applaud and criticize the Utah Supreme Court for implementing the sandbox, but what you need to know is that you should understand “who” is representing you, and what their motivations are.
Why is this important when choosing legal representation in Utah?
Historically, in Utah and all 50 states alike, legal services were provided almost entirely by licensed attorneys. Now those services can be provided to you by businesses whose management answers to a board of directors, and may not have your best interests at heart.
Companies that have been approved to provide legal services through the Sandbox do not have a long history of providing legal services. Accordingly, we don’t know to what extent these companies will do harm, or provide valuable services. So if you hire one of these companies, we simply suggest that you be aware of who is representing you, and don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion from a licensed attorney if you have any concerns. After all, attorneys have been providing valuable services for hundreds of years in America and their fiduciary duty requires that they have your best interests at heart. To find out if the individual you are considering for representation is a licensed attorney, you should do one or more of the following:
- Check the Utah State Bar Association: The Utah State Bar Association maintains a directory of all licensed attorneys in the state. You can visit their website or contact them directly to verify an attorney's credentials. They can confirm whether the lawyer is a member in good standing and authorized to practice law in Utah.
- Request their bar license number: Legitimate attorneys will have a bar license number issued by the state. You can ask the attorney for their license number and cross-reference it with the Utah State Bar Association to ensure its validity.
- Research their professional background: Conduct a thorough online search to gather information about the attorney. Look for their website, professional profiles, and any reviews or testimonials from previous clients. Legitimate attorneys often have an established online presence and a track record of successful cases.
- Verify with other legal professionals: You can consult with other legal professionals, such as law firms or lawyers practicing in the same field, to inquire about the attorney's reputation and credibility. They may have insights or knowledge about the attorney's qualifications and standing in the legal community.
- Request a consultation: Schedule an initial consultation with the attorney to discuss your case. During this meeting, you can directly ask about their licensing, qualifications, and experience. Legitimate attorneys will be transparent and willing to provide the necessary information to establish their credentials.
It is important to stay updated with the latest legal developments and consult with reputable sources, such as the Utah State Bar Association, for the most accurate and current information on licensing requirements and authorized legal practitioners in the state.
To view businesses working with the Office of Innovation (Sandbox) who are offering these type of services, you can refer to, Authorized Entities | Utah Office of Legal Services Innovation by filtering the service category to Accident/Injury.
To conclude, when it comes to personal injury cases, it is of utmost importance to seek the guidance of a qualified and licensed lawyer who specializes in this field. By opting for a licensed lawyer, you ensure that you receive the proper legal representation and protection throughout your personal injury case. At Young and Young Law Firm, we have the expertise and experience to handle your injury case effectively. If you have any questions or require assistance, don't hesitate to contact us today.