The Significance of LLPs Role in Colorado

This winter, the Docket introduced a limited series about the LLP profession and discussed their professional capacity, the requirements to become one, and how LLP’s can bridge the gap in access to legal services. In this final article, we will delve deeper into how LLPs collaborate with attorneys and explore various models of collaboration, including LLPs in solo firms, law firms, and partners in law firms. We will also examine how LLPs can continue to support and enhance access to justice. Together, these articles highlight the critical need for LLPs in Colorado and underscore how vital LLPs are to those in great need of legal services.

How LLPs Work with Clients and Attorneys

Although an LLP’s scope is limited , that does not mean that because an issue is outside the LLP’s scope, the LLP cannot remain on the case or that the client is required to hire an attorney. A client wishing to address a particular issue outside the LLP’s scope can communicate directly with the opposing party or opposing counsel while the LLP remains on the matter providing authorized services. Alternatively, a client may wish to have an LLP, and an attorney represent them in their family law matter. Collaboration between LLPs and attorneys is similar to the relationship between an associate attorney and a senior attorney. LLPs, like associate attorneys, can handle specific legal tasks and assist within the scope of the LLPs licensure, while the attorney provides oversight, handles the more complex legal matters, and ensures compliance with ethical and professional responsibilities. This partnership allows for greater efficiency in legal practice and enables law firms to serve more clients cost-effectively.

This leads to the models of LLP collaboration and various options for integrating LLPs and law practices. Below are three examples that highlight this new opportunity within the legal profession:

LLPs in Solo Practice

Melissa Simonton is an LLP at 5280 Licensed Legal Paraprofessional and a Senior Paralegal with decades of experience. As a sole practitioner, Melissa has experienced some cases that require assistance from an experienced family law attorney. Melissa collaborates with Jennifer Schaffner of Schaffner Law , if/when an issue arises that falls outside of the licensure or is complex, requiring an attorney’s expertise. Jennifer, as an experienced family law practitioner, collaborating with an LLP has allowed both Melissa and Jennifer to expand their services offered to clients. Jennifer’s clients appreciate having a knowledgeable yet more affordable option for certain legal tasks, while Melissa benefits from the ability to assist clients with matters that may extend beyond her scope of practice through her affiliation with Jennifer.

LLPs Working in Firms

Jennifer Weinzapfel is an LLP and Senior Paralegal at Cooper Ramp Cage Bucar Lewis . Jennifer has over twenty years of experience as a family law paralegal in Colorado and was sworn in as an LLP with the inaugural group in June 2024. Jennifer continues to support the firm attorneys as a Senior Paralegal but now has the opportunity to work independently as an LLP on cases that fall within the LLP licensure. As an LLP employed within a law firm, Jennifer and her clients have the support of a team of attorneys. CRCBL has proudly embraced having an LLP in the firm, providing clients with an option for representation that was previously unavailable.

LLPs in Partnership in Firms

Tracy Spiegel is an LLP and long-time Senior Paralegal at Thrive Family Law . At Thrive, Jamie Paine and Tracy co-counsel each case. Jamie takes the lead on most cases as Tracy is still performing paralegal work, but Tracy’s ability to provide legal advice and assist with court appearances as an LLP is an invaluable asset to their practice. Becoming an LLP has allowed Tracy to become an equity partner in the firm. This is something that would never have been afforded to Tracy without the LLP program.

The various examples above illustrate how this innovative new profession provides significant benefits to the legal profession.

Experiences of LLPs and Their Impact

Since the inaugural cohort of LLPs were sworn in on June 20, 2024, LLPs have been actively engaged in providing affordable legal assistance in family law matters across Colorado.
In speaking with fellow LLPs, Darla Junger of Kinnett & Cordes, Darla was able to assist a pro se party who struggled for over a year to find a resolution and meet court requirements, ultimately having their case dismissed for lack of progress. Darla provided valuable assistance by explaining the process and negotiating issues the parties previously had been unable to resolve. Laura Landon of Cox Baker Page & Bailey has encountered many pro se individuals who felt helpless and uninformed in the process. One such client had informally agreed to reduce her court-ordered maintenance without even the filing of a motion to modify by her ex-husband.

As an LLP, Laura is now in position to help prevent parties from making such mistakes, and in instances such as this one, correct mistakes that are contrary to Colorado law.  LLPs Kim Peterson and Vickie Vetter of The W Law8 each have similar experiences. Kim assisted a party in a Dissolution of Marriage process from the sidelines through unbundled representation. Kim answered questions regarding forms, court practices, deadlines and legal advice on aspects of division of certain property.  Vickie assisted her client in a modification of child support following one child’s emancipation and maintenance terminating without the need for a court appearance. 

Partners in Justice 

The impact of LLPs in the community will continue to grow as they offer their services to Coloradoans in dire need of legal guidance who cannot afford an attorney. In November 2024, another 29 LLPs passed the LLP exam and were sworn in on January 6, 2059.  

LLPs continue to support the community and legal aid and partner with the legal community, including Metro Volunteer Lawyers, the Colorado Bar Association, CLE presentations and rules committees.  

A final note from the author: 

Thank you to the Colorado Supreme Court, The Honorable Judge Angela Arkin, Dave Johnson, the PALS Subcommittee of the Supreme Court Advisory Committee and all the unmentioned advocates who supported the LLP licensure. 

 A special thank you to the Denver Bar Association, the Docket and Siet Milne-Wright for their support of LLPs in Colorado. Your message to the legal community about the LLP licensure and importance of it is invaluable. 

REFERENCES

Colorado Legal Regulation – Rules Governing Admission to the Practice of Law in Colorado Rules 207 through 207.14 – https://www.coloradolegalregulation.com/wp-content/uploads/PDF/LLP/LLP%20Rules%20Governing%20Admission%20to%20the%20Practice%20of%20Law.pdf

Melissa Simonton, LLP at 5280 Licensed Legal Paraprofessional, LLC, https://www.5280licensedlegalparaprofessional.com/

Jennifer Schaffner at Schaffner Law, LLC, https://schaffnerlawllc.com/

Jennifer Weinzapfel, LLP at Cooper Ramp Cage Bucar Lewis, LLC, https://crcbl.com/

Tracy Spiegel, LLP at Thrive Family Law, LLC, https://thrivefamilylaw.com/

Darla Junger, LLP at Kinnette & Cordes, https://www.kinnettcordes.com/

Laura Landon, LLP at Cox Baker Page & Bailey, https://coxbaker.com/

Kim Peterson and Vickie Vetter, LLPs at The W Law, https://thew.law/

Office of Attorney Regulation, https://www.coloradolegalregulation.com/wp-content/uploads/PDF/LLP/Nov2024/Alpha%20Pass%20List%20LLP%20November%202024.pdf

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.