Arizona's First Legal Paraprofessional - Stephanie Villalobos, De Novo Law LLC
Arizona's Newly Minted Legal Paraprofessional - Stephanie Villalobos, De Novo Law LLC
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). The high courts intent was to provide access to justice for Arizona residents unable to afford the high cost of traditional lawyers or attorneys.
Applicants must meet specific education and experience requirements and pass exams in their practice areas, as well as core exams.
Much like Arizona family law, or criminal defense attorneys, Legal Paraprofessionals, often referred to 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. Ms. Villalobobos 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.
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.
Family Law Services Available from De Novo Law in Phoenix
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
Why Are Legal Paraprofessionals Less Costly Than Traditional Family Law Attorneys?
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 a flat fee or by the hour, for bundled or unbundled services.
By comparison, many lawyers 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
to be licensed as a LP in Arizona, applicants must meet a high level of 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.
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.
Speak with a Legal Paraprofessional at De Novo Law for Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody, and Spousal Support Issues
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.