Ellsworth Family Law is proud to announce that Stacy Portonova and Randi Partain have become two of the very first Legal Paraprofessionals in Arizona! As of this date, there are only 10 licensed Legal Paraprofessionals in Arizona and Ellsworth Family Law is the only law firm in the state to have more than one. This means that we will be offering this new lower-cost option immediately. This is exciting for our existing and prospective clients because it allows the firm to have more flexibility to be financially efficient during our representation.
The Arizona Supreme Court recently adopted new rules that allow non-attorney representation of people in certain cases. This was done to help bridge the gap between lower income individuals and legal representation. These non-attorney representatives are called “legal paraprofessionals” and must complete a general legal examination as well as an examination on a specific type of law. For example, a legal paraprofessional wishing to represent individuals in family law, must pass a family law examination. Additionally, these non-attorneys also must complete a full-background and character fitness test before they can become a licensed paraprofessional.
On December 9, 2021, the Arizona Supreme Court sent out a press release announcing the program and stated:
“The overarching goal of the Legal Paraprofessional Program is to provide Arizonans with a viable alternative to hiring lawyers for their less complex legal needs while maintaining the standards outlined by the Rules of the Supreme Court. Newly admitted paraprofessionals can render legal services in four defined areas of practice including family law, limited jurisdiction civil, limited jurisdictional criminal, and administrative law.”
Please call our office today at 480-635-8700 for more information on this new low-cost option.