With an estimated 89% of Utah civil defendants representing themselves in court, 135 participants from Utah organizations will come together Friday at the 8th Annual Access to Justice Summit to strengthen the network of free and low-cost legal resources available to Utahns.
Under the theme “Moving Forward Together: Building a Better Utah,” the Summit brings together legal aid providers, courts, attorneys, nonprofits, law schools and community organizations to share resources, strengthen referral networks and collaborate on solutions for Utahns who need help navigating the legal system.
The 89% figure, reported in 2023 by the Utah State Courts’ Self-Help Center and Law Library, illustrates the scope of Utah’s “justice gap” — the divide between people who need legal help and those able to obtain it.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Summit will address issues that directly affect Utah families, including eviction and housing stability, debt collection, criminal-record expungement, self-represented litigants and the responsible use of AI to expand access to legal services.
The day begins with a 9 a.m. keynote interview featuring Noella Sudbury of Rasa Legal and Destiny Garcia of Clean Slate Utah, moderated by Access to Justice Commission Co-Chair Amy Sorensen. The discussion will address criminal-record expungement, second chances and barriers to accessing the justice system.
A One-Minute Blitz at 10:15 a.m. will allow participating organizations to quickly introduce their services and resources, followed by tabletop discussions designed to foster connections and collaboration among organizations serving Utahns.
A featured session will examine statewide debt collection and eviction court, bringing together judges, the Utah State Bar, Utah Community Action and Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore. The discussion will include eviction prevention, housing stability, mediation and resources for self-represented Utahns.
Afternoon breakout sessions will examine emerging access-to-justice issues and practical solutions, including legislative advocacy and the use of AI to help make legal services more accessible.
WHEN:
Friday, September 18, 2026
8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Utah Law & Justice Center
645 South 200 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
