A unified mandatory bar, the Utah State Bar had its beginnings as a group of Utah attorneys who came together to improve communication within the legal community and figure out ways of serving the public. This effort was recognized in 1931 by the legislature of Utah, which understood a need to foster these goals, and the Utah State Bar was thus authorized by statute to regulate and manage the legal profession. The Utah bar is responsible for licensing all people who desire to practice law in Utah. Within this responsibility, the bar strives to encourage high standards of conduct, ongoing learning, integrity, competence, discipline, and public service.