Exploring the Future of Legal Practice with Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals in Colorado with Judge Arkin | Episode 176

Colorado’s Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Program ExplainedIn this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Amy Goscha is joined by Judge Arkin to discuss major updates on Colorado’s Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) Program. The conversation focuses on where the program currently stands, what LLPs will be allowed to do, how the licensing process works, and what this new profession could mean for people handling family law matters in Colorado.Judge Arkin explains that the LLP program has moved from concept and planning into the implementation phase. The goal is to create a new category of licensed legal professionals who can assist clients in family law matters without being attorneys, much like a nurse practitioner model in the legal field. LLPs will be able to practice independently in certain domestic relations matters, though their authority will be limited to less complex issues and they may need to work alongside or refer matters to attorneys when cases exceed the scope of their license.Guest Information Judge Arkin chairs the Colorado Supreme Court advisory subcommittee responsible for implementing the Licensed Legal Paraprofessional Program. Amy Goscha serves as the vice chair of that committee.Episode HighlightsWhat an LLP Is and Why Colorado Is Creating the Role Judge Arkin explains that LLPs are intended to function like a legal version of a nurse practitioner, offering family law help within a defined scope of practice.Why Colorado Dropped the Asset and Income Caps Amy and Judge Arkin discuss why the original idea of limiting LLP cases by marital asset value became too difficult and impractical, especially with changing home values.What LLPs Can Actually Do for Clients LLPs will be able to help clients complete forms, file documents, attend certain hearings, communicate with the other side, and assist with mediation and negotiation.Who Can Become an LLP Judge Arkin explains the two main licensure pathways: an education-plus-experience track and an experience-based track for people with substantial law-related work history.How the LLP Exam and Professionalism Requirements Work Prospective LLPs must complete character and fitness screening, take a professionalism course, pass an ethics component, and sit for the new LLP licensing exam.What is Divorce at Altitude? Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].************************************************************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.