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). What is a Legal Paraprofessional. 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.
Stephanie VIllalobos, De Novo Law
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.
De Novo Law Family Law Practice Areas
Stephanie Villalobos is licensed as an LP in the area of family law. She can provide services in all of the following practice areas:
- Divorce with or without children
- Annulment
- Spousal maintenance/alimony
- Establishment of paternity
- Child custody
- Child support
- LBGTQ family law
- Mediation/alternative dispute resolution
- Debt and asset division
- Separate and marital property
- Grandparents' rights
- Relocations
- Fathers' rights
- Contested and uncontested divorce
- Legal separation
- Parenting time and decision-making authority
- Enforcement of orders
How Can Legal Paraprofessionals Save You Money?
Many people with pressing family law issues are unable to seek redress because of financial limitations. Others want to save money while pursuing legal remedies for their family law matters. A legal paraprofessional can provide legal services at a significantly lower rate than what an attorney would charge for the same services.
With a legal paraprofessional, you can receive legal advice, get help with drafting and filing legal pleadings and motions, initiate or respond to court actions, be represented in court, and finalize your case. A legal paraprofessional can either charge by the hour or by a flat fee per unbundled service.
By contrast, most lawyers are hired to represent clients throughout entire cases, leading to substantial attorney's fees. The ability to hire Stephanie Villalobos to perform limited services in divorce or other family law matters provides affordable legal services even if you cannot afford to pay a large retainer.
Arizona Licensing Requirements for LPs
In order to be licensed as a Legal Paraprofessional, applicants must qualify through experience or education. Ms. Villalobos completed her education in paralegal studies and worked as a family law paralegal for more than 30 years.
In addition to meeting the education or experience requirements, applicants must also pass a three-hour professional responsibility exam and a three-hour exam in the practice field in which they seek to be licensed. The tests cover the legal rules of ethics and professional responsibility, legal terms, client communication and confidentiality, substantive law, preparation of legal documents, gathering of information, and other topics.
Applicants must also pass an in-depth background check and meet the standards set by the Arizona Supreme Court before a license will be issued. After securing a license, an LP must complete continuing legal education units each year.
Contact De Novo Law to Speak with a Legal Paraprofessional Today
Stephanie Villalobos is the founder of De Novo Law and is the first licensed paraprofessional in the state of Arizona. She has more than 30 years of experience working in family law and is equipped to provide skilled and knowledgeable representation to her clients.
If you have one of the previously listed family law issues, contact De Novo Law LLC today to schedule an appointment.
Contact De Novo Law LLC us today to request a consultation.
