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Can I practice law in Arizona without a JD?
Joey Dormady
Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs and New Education Initiatives
Joey Dormady leads ASU Law’s growing portfolio of master’s degree programs and is passionate about creating accessible, high-quality legal education for students from all backgrounds.
If you're interested in practicing law in Arizona but don't want to get a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) with an emphasis in Arizona Legal Paraprofessional (LP) may be for you. The MLS program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University allows you to provide legal services in a limited capacity as a licensed legal paraprofessional. The program gives professionals a strong legal foundation and helps them gain a competitive edge in their careers without becoming a lawyer.
What is a legal paraprofessional?
In February 2021, the Arizona Supreme Court approved the Legal Paraprofessional Program to address the state's shortage of lawyers. The program allows non-lawyers to offer legal advice and assistance to clients, including court representation, in specific practice areas.
ASU Law's MLS LP program prepares you for a career as a legal paraprofessional. The program is designed for students who want to practice law in Arizona in a limited capacity. The curriculum is specific to Arizona law, and after completing the program, you can take the paraprofessional test(s) to get your license.
What can a legal paraprofessional do?
Legal paraprofessionals can provide legal advice and assistance in the following limited practice areas within the State of Arizona:
- Family law
- Juvenile law
- Criminal law (limited jurisdiction)
- Civil law (limited jurisdiction)
- State administrative law
How is the MLS LP different from a JD?
A JD is a professional law degree that qualifies you to take the bar exam and practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction. The JD program at ASU Law requires 88 credit hours and can be completed in three years full time, or longer in the JD online, part-time program.
The MLS LP program is specific to Arizona law and trains you to be a non-lawyer, limited legal practitioner in Arizona only. The program requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in as little as two to three semesters for full-time students. The MLS LP program does not require the LSAT exam for admission.
Both programs prepare you with the professional skills needed for the ethical representation of clients.
What is the career outlook for legal paraprofessionals?
The Arizona Supreme Court's decision to create the LP license was a groundbreaking shift in the legal landscape. Arizona ranks 49th out of 50 states for the number of attorneys per capita, and the need for legal professionals is even more dire in rural areas. ASU Law's MLS LP program is empowering students and alumni to bridge the legal gap in Arizona and provide much-needed services to their communities.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Legal Paraprofessional (LP)?
A Legal Paraprofessional is a non-lawyer who is licensed by the State of Arizona to provide legal services in a limited capacity. LPs can offer legal advice and assistance to clients and represent them in court within their permitted practice areas.
What areas of law can a Legal Paraprofessional practice in Arizona?
Legal Paraprofessionals in Arizona are authorized to practice in specific limited areas: limited jurisdiction criminal law, family law, juvenile law, limited jurisdiction civil law and state administrative law.
What education is required to become a Legal Paraprofessional in Arizona?
The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program with an Arizona Legal Paraprofessional emphasis at ASU Law provides the courses and knowledge needed to meet the eligibility requirements for licensure. A bachelor's degree or a foreign law degree is required for admission to the program.
How long does the MLS Legal Paraprofessional program take to complete?
The MLS program at ASU Law requires 30 credit hours for completion. Full-time students can complete it in two to three semesters, while part-time students can finish in three or more semesters.
Can a Legal Paraprofessional represent clients in court?
Yes, once licensed, Legal Paraprofessionals can represent clients in court within their authorized practice areas.
How is a Legal Paraprofessional different from a lawyer with a JD?
A lawyer with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is qualified to practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction after passing the bar exam. A Legal Paraprofessional is a non-lawyer trained specifically in Arizona law to practice in limited areas within the state. The JD program is 88 credit hours, while the MLS LP program is 30 credit hours. The MLS program does not require the LSAT for admission.