What is a Legal Paraprofessional?

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In an effort to bridge the gap for access to justice, Arizona embarked on a mission to engage professionals who are qualified by education and/or experience, training, and examination, to provide legal services in specific areas of law.

In June 2021, the first round of tests was administered and only (2) applicants successfully passed both tests necessary to apply for licensure. Staci Maret, of Maret Law Group, was one of those applicants. 

A legal paraprofessional is an affiliate member of the State Bar of Arizona and licensed to offer legal representation in the areas of limited criminal, civil, administrative, and family law matters with few restrictions. 

Staci Maret is licensed to practice family law as described in ACJA § 7-210. 

• Can a  Legal Paraprofessional appear in Court on my behalf?

Yes – Staci Maret is an experienced trial advocate. 

• Can a Legal Paraprofessional give me legal advice? 

Yes – Staci Maret is licensed to give legal advice in Arizona family law matters.

• Can an Legal Paraprofessional represent me at mediation? 

Yes – Staci Maret is an experienced mediation advocate and licensed to represent a client in a family law mediation matter. 

• Is a Legal Paraprofessional the same as a lawyer? 

No – an Arizona Legal Paraprofessional licensed to practice family law in Arizona consistent with ACJA § 7-210. 

• What is excluded from the Arizona Family Law Legal Paraprofessional License?  

Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), appeals, and the division of formal business entities or commercial property are outside the scope of the LP license.

• What if my Arizona Family Law matter requires a QDRO, division of a formal business entity or commercial property or an appeal?  

Typically, attorneys specializing in QDROs are retained to prepare a QDRO and business attorneys are retained to divide business entities and commercial property. If your matter involves one of these issues, Staci Maret will refer you to a qualified attorney to assist you with those issues. Not all attorneys practice in Appellate Court. Staci Maret will refer you to an appellate attorney if your matter involves an appeal issue.