Arizona's First Legal Paraprofessional - Stephanie Villalobos, De Novo Law LLC
If The Cost of a Divorce Lawyer is Holding You Back, Consider a Legal Paraprofessional
This article is based on a previously published story
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 traditional Arizona lawyers, 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, Stephanie Villalobos became the first licensed legal paraprofessional in Arizona. Ms. Villalobobos has been in the legal field for over 30 years, working alongside accomplished attorneys, 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 in Phoenix to offer family law services at a reduced cost to clients unable to afford traditional divorce lawyers or family law attorneys . 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
De Novo Law provides legal services in the following family law 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
Why Are Legal Paraprofessionals Less Costly Than Traditional Family Law Attorneys?
Many people seeking justice in family courts or divorce cannot afford traditional divorce lawyers or family law attorneys 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.
For most legal services, individuals can receive advice, legal pleadings and motions drafted, initiate and respond to court actions, and be represented in court, by a legal paraprofessional. A legal paraprofessional can either charge by the hour or by a flat fee per unbundled service.
By contrast, many attorneys are hired to represent clients throughout entire cases, leading to substantial attorney's fees. The ability to hire De Novo Law to perform specific services in divorce or other family law matters can reduce overall costs considerably, often without large retainers.
Arizona Licensing Requirements for LPs
In order to be licensed as a LP in Arizona, 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 , applicants must 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
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 today to schedule an appointment.