This story appears in the June issue of Utah Business. Subscribe. 

Utah is a center of excellence, a hub of talented individuals and home to some of the top organizations in technology, finance, health care and even law. Contrary to the notion that major law firms gravitate only toward metropolitan giants like New York City or Los Angeles, Utah has become a destination of choice for numerous prestigious firms. 

To start, Utah’s educational institutions, including law schools such as the S.J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah and the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University, produce a steady stream of highly skilled legal professionals. Additionally, the state’s growing population attracts legal talent from across the country, further enriching its pool of professionals. Utah has cultivated a reputation for legal innovation and major law firms recognize it for recruiting top-tier attorneys, paralegals and support staff.

Because of favorable tax structures and streamlined licensing processes, Utah also actively fosters an environment conducive to business. For law firms, this translates into ample opportunities to advise clients on navigating complex legal frameworks, especially in the realm of business. It also allows them to grow from the supportive businesses themselves. Whether it’s pioneering approaches to intellectual property law or spearheading initiatives in conflict resolution, Utah-based firms are at the forefront of legal innovation.

As a law school graduate myself, I recognize the dual desire of most attorneys to cultivate a meaningful career at a distinguished firm while enjoying a quality of life that allows you to pursue interests with family and friends. Unsurprisingly, Utah provides an environment where you can accomplish those personal and professional goals.

Utah’s business community is rapidly growing, and it’s imperative to have access to skilled and trustworthy legal professionals. Businesses must navigate a myriad of laws and regulations at the local, state and federal levels. Lawyers and other legal professionals are valuable assets, and they assist in making sure businesses operate within the boundaries of the law, provide guidance in understanding regulations, minimize risks, handle lawsuits and more. They can also be valuable in drafting and negotiating contracts to safeguard intellectual property, provide legal expertise and advocate on behalf of businesses when conflicts arise. 

As Utah continues to excel in driving innovation, opportunity and quality of life, its allure for major law firms will continue to grow. With a supportive and thriving business environment, a wealth of talent, and a culture of innovation, it is a vision of what the future of legal excellence can be.