Arizona Legal Paraprofessional
The State of Arizona now allows non-lawyers to provide legal services in a limited capacity through its new Legal Paraprofessional (LP) license. The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University has a history of educating and preparing practice-ready attorneys. Through the ASU Law Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program, students will have access to the expert faculty and curricular resources to provide non-lawyer, limited legal practitioners the knowledge, expertise and preparation needed to be eligible for licensure.
The limited practice areas include:
- Family law;
- Juvenile Court;
- Civil law (limited jurisdiction);
- Criminal (limited jurisdiction, where no jail time is involved); and,
- State administrative law (as permitted by agencies).
ASU Law's MLS program provides students with the courses and knowledge to meet the Arizona Legal Paraprofessional eligibility requirements and prepare for mandatory exams. Once a license is obtained, Legal Paraprofessionals will be able to provide legal advice and assistance to clients in the permitted practice areas, including client representation in court.
Launch your legal career today with an MLS degree.
Coursework
Students must complete three core courses plus whatever specific additional courses are required for the limited practice area in which they plan to pursue licensure:
LP Core Courses (applicable to all tracks):
- SDO 598 – Professional Responsibility (Emphasis Core)
- SDO 598 – Professional Legal Writing (Emphasis Core)
- SDO 544 – Evidence (Emphasis Core)
For the Family Law and Civil Practice tracks:
- SDO 549 – Family Law (Track Core)
- SDO 598 – Federal Civil Procedure (Track Core)
- SDO 598 – Arizona Civil Procedure (Track Core)
For the Criminal Law track:
- SDO 515 – Criminal Law (Track Core)
For the Admin Law track:
- SDO 511 – Administrative Agencies and Regulations (Track Core)
Prospective students
This one-year program is aimed at students who intend to practice law in a limited capacity pursuant to Arizona’s Legal Paraprofessional rules. Refer to the link above – Arizona Code Of Judicial Administration – to access the Arizona Code of Judicial Administration Section E(3)(b)(9)(d)(i-iv) and license procedure(s). Below are a few of the characteristics prospective students may have for this emphasis:
- Current career field/position – Arizona-based Paralegal, Social Worker, Counselor, Guardian Ad Litem, Victim’s Advocate, Child and Family Protection Advocate, Landlord, Residential/Commercial Property Manager, Business Owner, Social Justice Warrior
- Desired career field/position – Licensed Limited Legal Paraprofessional
- Interests – Law, Criminal Justice, Access to Justice, Family Law, Administrative Law, Civil Procedure, Landlord/Tenant
- Demographics – Anyone with a bachelor’s degree or a foreign law degree
Skills obtained in these courses apply directly to the Legal Paraprofessional field. However, like our other MLS emphases, the skills learned can also be applied to any industry and will be excellent options for our Contracts and Compliance emphases students, and/or our Human Resources & Employment Law degree students.
Arizona Code of Judicial Administration
Including ACJA § 7-210
The Code of Judicial Administration is a compilation of policies and procedures for the administration of all Arizona courts. Click below to view the Code of Judicial Administration.
Legal Paraprofessionals (LP) frequently asked questions
What is a Legal Paraprofessional (LP)?
Can I apply to be a Legal Paraprofessional?
Can I register for the LP exam?
What areas of practice are allowed for an LP?
What kinds of services are LPs authorized to perform?
What is required to sit for the LP examination and to apply for a license?
What can I find information on: Requirements to obtain an LP license, LP areas of practice,
LP scope of practice, and LP ethical requirements?
Does the public support the concept of Legal Paraprofessional?
Where can I get more information?
