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 Arizona family law, or criminal defense attorneys, Legal Paraprofessionals, dubbed by some as “legal practitioners”, are licensed to offer a range of 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. She has over 30 years of experience, working alongside accomplished attorneys, and for the last 15 years, has performed associate-level type work under the guidance and supervision of Arizona attorneys.
In February of 2022, Ms. Villalobos established De Novo Law in Phoenix to serve the unmet family law needs of the community . Her firm provides a variety of family law services to advise clients and represent their cases in court.
Family Law Services Available from De Novo Law in Phoenix
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 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 may charge by the hour or by a flat fee per unbundled service.
By contrast, most attorneys are hired to represent clients throughout entire cases, leading to substantial attorney's fees. The ability to hire Stephanie Villalobos to perform specific services in divorce or other family law matters can reduce overall costs considerably, often without large retainers.
License Requirements for Legal Paraprofessionals in Arizona
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 pass a three-hour professional responsibility exam and a three-hour exam in the practice field in which they seek to be licensed. Testing covers ethics and responsibility, client communication, substantive law, legal documents, legal responsibility, and more.
Background checks are required, and applicants must meet standards set by the Arizona Supreme Court to obtain a LP license. LPs must also complete continuing education units annually in the areas of law.
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.