In Nov. 2020, the Arizona Supreme Court unanimously voted to eliminate Rule 5.4, which previously prohibited nonlawyers from partnering with attorneys or having financial interests in law practices
By doing so, the Court paved the way for the State Bar of Arizona to create a new level of legal services, the Legal Paraprofessional (LP). LPs can provide affordable representation to address the large gap in access to justice in Arizona courts for low and middle income residents,
Licensed LPs are experienced legal professionals who are equipped to represent their clients at an affordable cost. Licensed LPs must meet specific experiential and educational requirements and pass both a core exam and an exam in their practice area to obtain licenses.
Much like an Arizona family law attorney, Legal Paraprofessionals, dubbed by some as “legal practitioners”, are licensed to offer full legal services in divorce law, administrative, criminal, civil, and family law matters with very few restrictions.
In November 2021, Arizona minted its first Legal Paraprofessional, Stephanie Villalobos. She has been in the legal field, working alongside accomplished attorneys, for over 30 years, and for the last 15 years, has performed associate-level type work under the guidance and supervision of Arizona attorneys.
As a State Bar licensed LP, Ms. Villalobos founded De Novo Law to serve the unmet family law needs of the Phoenix community. Her firm provides a variety of family law services to advise clients and represent their cases in court.