Supreme Court Approves Rule Changes To Make Legal Services More Affordable

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In a move that could revolutionize the business of practicing law in Arizona, the Arizona Supreme Court recently approved two far-reaching changes aimed at making legal services more available and more affordable to the public.

The changes which take effective Jan. 1, 2021 stem from a court taskforce set up to review and revise regulations related to the delivery of legal services in Arizona. One change involves a licensure process to allow nonlawyers, called Legal Paraprofessionals, to provide limited legal representation to clients, including appearing in court with a client.

The other change will eliminate a longtime rule that has prohibited nonlawyers from having economic interests in law firms. Similar changes were recently adopted in Utah, while several other states are considering affordable access reforms.

“The Court’s goal is to improve access to justice and to encourage innovation in the delivery of legal services,” Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert said of the changes. “The work of the task force adopted by the Court will make it possible for more people to access affordable legal services and for more individuals and families to get legal advice and help.”

Brutinel expects the new rules will lead to business innovation within Arizona’s legal industry now that nonlawyers will no longer be barred from fee sharing with lawyers. Nonlawyers will also now be able to own or have a financial interest in a business that is involved in the practice of law.

Supreme Court spokesman Aaron Nash explained that the innovation opportunities created by these changes should improve access to legal documents and legal representation statewide. Nash also noted the rule changes include protections for consumers from unethical and unprofessional conduct by lawyers and nonlawyers, and to ensure the professional independence of lawyers is maintained.

The Arizona Supreme Court also approved changes last month to regulations which govern lawyer advertising.  The advertising rules will now align with those of the American Bar Association so that lawyers in Arizona don’t have two sets of regulations to comply with.