Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals: A New Pathway for Access to Legal Services
BY MELISSA SIMONTON, LLP
An Introduction to LLPs: Who Are We and What Do We Do?
In March 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court adopted a new program to license paralegals to represent litigants in family law matters. The Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) is an innovative and emerging profession that granted a limited licensure to provide specific legal services without the supervision of an attorney. As with all new professions many of us need to be educated about the role of LLPs, the LLPs authorized scope of practice, and the significant value an LLP brings to the legal system. By understanding the capabilities and limitations of LLPs, judges, lawyers, and legal professionals can better collaborate to enhance access to justice and improve the efficiency of the legal system.
What is an LLP?
LLPs are highly trained professionals who offer affordable legal assistance to individuals who might otherwise not be able to obtain representation with a lawyer and are designed to bridge the gap in access to justice. Low-income litigants who cannot obtain legal representation from programs such as Metro Volunteer Lawyers and Colorado Legal Services will be able to hire LLPs to help address their unmet legal needs while maintaining high standards of competency and professionalism. Arizona, Utah, Oregon, and Washington have pioneered similar programs, and more states are considering adopting similar models.
The Colorado Supreme Court adopted the LLP program following many years of study by two committees, comments submitted by Colorado family law lawyers, ethics lawyers, judges, family court facilitators and other court personnel, paralegals, community college and law school representatives and a public hearing. LLPs are a vital addition to the legal profession and the judiciary, overwhelmed with the sheer volume of pro se litigants. A recent study found that more than 75% of litigants in family law matters are unrepresented by lawyers (i).
The education, licensing and training requirements for LLPs are rigorous (ii). Prospective LLPs are required to have 1,500 hours of substantive law related experience working as a paralegal, including 500 hours worked in Colorado family law, have one of five educational degrees, take a legal ethics class, and pass a bar exam. In lieu of an educational degree, a prospective LLP must have worked the equivalent of three full-time years demonstrating at least 4,500 hours worked as a paralegal in substantive law-related experience including 1,500 hours worked in Colorado family law. Upon meeting the criteria above, the LLPs are required to apply to the Colorado Supreme Court, undergo a thorough character and fitness investigation through the Office of Attorney Admissions and attend the Practicing with Professionalism Course. LLPs are required to complete 30 CLE hours, five of which must be devoted to professional responsibility (at least one credit hour in the area of equity, diversity, and inclusivity, and at least four credit hours in legal ethics or legal professionalism) (iii).
What is the scope of an LLP?
LLPs can represent clients in uncomplicated divorces, allocation of parental responsibilities (APR), child support and related cases, prepare and file court documents, deliver opening and closing statements at court hearings, answer a judge’s questions, and sit at counsel table and answer a client’s questions. However, LLPs are not permitted to examine or cross-examine witnesses. Much like a nurse practitioner, an LLP can provide assistance and advice to litigants to guide them through the family court process.
An LLP licensure does not include a general license to practice law in Colorado and is governed by C.R.C.P. 207. In addition, LLPs have rules of professional conduct similar to lawyers which provide that LLPs have no direct supervisory authority over a lawyer (iv).
In April 2024, 70 applicants sat for the first LLP exam (v). 62 passed the LLP bar exam and were sworn in on June 20, 2024 (vi). Another 36 LLP applicants took the second exam on November 12, 2024, with results being announced in December 2024.
How can LLPs bridge the gap in legal services?
Expanding access to legal services is critical to ensuring justice for all, particularly for individuals and families who face financial, social, or geographic barriers. Many people in underserved communities struggle to navigate complex legal issues without professional guidance, often resulting in negative outcomes that could have been avoided with proper representation. By broadening the availability of affordable legal services, LLPs can serve those who are most vulnerable—such as low-income families, single parents, and individuals facing domestic challenges, helping them protect their rights and achieve fair outcomes. LLPs not only help those in need but also strengthen the overall legal system by promoting equity and fairness.
A note from the author:
As a newly licensed LLP [sic], I recently attended a CLE event designed for new lawyers and was inspired by the enthusiasm and passion for law. It reminded me of the rewarding feeling that comes from serving the community and making a positive contribution to the legal field. This experience reinforced the belief that an LLP can make an impact to those that cannot afford a lawyer and desperately need help in their family law matter.
Endnotes
i. Colorado Supreme Court, Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, Colorado Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Examination, “LLP General Overview”
ii. Colorado Supreme Court, Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, Colorado Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Examination, “LLP Core Competencies”
iii. Colorado Supreme Court, Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, Colorado Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Examination, “LLP Eligibility Requirements”
iv. Colorado Supreme Court, Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, Colorado Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Examination, “Rules Governing Admission”
v. Colorado Supreme Court, Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, Colorado Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Examination, “General LLP Exam Statistics”
vi. Colorado Supreme Court, Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, Colorado Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Examination, “Alphabetical Pass List”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Simonton is a licensed legal paraprofessional at 5280 Licensed Legal Paraprofessional, LLC., and a senior paralegal with three decades of experience in Colorado domestic relations. She was named Law Week Colorado Outstanding Legal Professional in 2022. She is an active member of the Colorado Bar Association, Denver Bar Association, The MAC, and Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association.
