By Logan Stefanich, KSL
Posted – January 29, 2026, at 12:44 p.m.
SALT LAKE CITY — In an initiative that could reshape the legal landscape of Utah, state lawmaker Sen. Brady Brammer has put forth a bold proposal directing Utah Valley University (UVU) to investigate the feasibility of establishing a third law school within the state. This proposal, encapsulated in Senate Joint Resolution 8 (SJR8), aims to respond to the growing demand for legal representation as Utah's population continues to surge.
The Need for More Legal Professionals
With only two American Bar Association-accredited law schools currently operating in Utah—the University of Utah and Brigham Young University—Sen. Brammer illustrates a pressing need for additional legal education resources. “We’ve had the same two schools supplying approximately the same amount of attorneys since 1977, but our population has grown substantially,” Brammer explained. “We just need more supply.”
The resolution highlights the anxieties many counties and municipalities face due to constricted budgets, ultimately leaving them struggling to recruit legal professionals, especially as national firms venture into the Utah market.
Why Choose UVU?
Sen. Brammer advocates UVU as the prime candidate to house the proposed law school, citing its accessibility for potential students working in their respective professions. The envisioned law school would have flexible enrollment options—granting admission to individuals as "second-career" students, such as police officers and educators, who may seek legal training without upending their current careers.
The proposal hints at a part-time law school model, designed to accommodate students' diverse schedules. Brammer emphasizes that this approach will cultivate skilled attorneys focused on meeting the specific legal needs statewide.
Furthermore, both geographic location and existing infrastructure make UVU an excellent choice. The resolution suggests launching the law school at UVU’s Thanksgiving Point campus, conveniently positioned to serve students commuting from the Wasatch Front, the area where most legal employment is concentrated.
“The Thanksgiving Point campus allows us to tap into both Utah County and Salt Lake County economies,” Brammer elaborated. “This maximizes the opportunities for students to participate in internships and job placements in the legal market.”
Collaboration and Funding
The proposal has received substantial support from various stakeholders, including UVU, the University of Utah’s law school, the Utah court system, and the Utah State Bar. This collaborative effort is essential to ensuring the proposed school's success.
To initiate this endeavor, the resolution proposes funding of $55,000 to conduct a detailed feasibility study. This research will analyze potential market demand and assess whether the ABA accreditation process aligns with the proposed timeline. “We’re serious about understanding if this is feasible,” Brammer remarked.
Through this study, lawmakers aim to robustly affirm whether establishing a third law school is a worthwhile investment for the state.
Looking Ahead
If successful, the establishment of a law school at UVU would mark a significant shift in Utah's legal education landscape, augmenting the training of future attorneys. The collaboration across existing educational institutions and law entities signifies a collective commitment to addressing the evolving needs of Utah’s legal system.
As the legislative session progresses, many will be watching closely to see if this initiative gains momentum and ultimately transforms the educational opportunities available for aspiring legal professionals in Utah.
Conclusion
The burgeoning initiative to create a third law school at UVU serves as a testament to Utah's growing demand for legal careers. This strategic move could not only alleviate the shortfall of legal practitioners but also diversify the pathways for those willing to enter the legal profession.
For more information on related education news in Utah, follow KSL's coverage on Utah higher education.
