Online Master of Legal Studies – Legal Paraprofessional Emphasis
The state of Arizona now allows non-lawyers to provide legal services in a limited capacity through its new legal paraprofessional license. The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) online with a legal paraprofessional emphasis focuses on providing non-lawyer limited legal practitioners with the knowledge and curricular qualifications needed to be eligible for the Arizona legal paraprofessional licensure exam.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
What is a legal paraprofessional emphasis?
The legal paraprofessional emphasis was specifically designed to fulfill the curricular requirements for eligibility to take the Arizona legal paraprofessional licensure exam. The limited practice areas included in this licensure are:
- Administrative law (as permitted by agencies).
- Civil law (limited jurisdiction).
- Criminal (limited jurisdiction).
- Family law.
- Juvenile.
Once you’ve obtained a license, you’ll be prepared to provide legal advice and assistance to clients in the permitted practice areas, including client representation in court.
Can I practice law with this paraprofessional law emphasis?
Not right away. However, this program does fulfill the curricular components needed to be eligible for the legal paraprofessional licensure exam. To practice law, you’ll need to pass the exam and complete the experiential component of the requirements.
What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?
A degree program’s emphasis is similar to a concentration, but there are key differences.
Professional licensure and certification
ASU academic programs are designed to prepare students to apply for applicable licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet education requirements for license or certification in another state. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Arizona, it is strongly recommended that you visit our professional licensure page for contact information of the appropriate licensing entity to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Please note your diploma will state the degree you earn: Master of Legal Studies. Your emphasis in legal paraprofessional will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.
Legal paraprofessional emphasis courses
This one-year program is made up of a required course, foundational courses and emphasis courses. Courses include:
What can I do with a paraprofessional law emphasis?
The MLS program with a legal paraprofessional emphasis provides you with the courses and knowledge needed to be eligible to sit for the Arizona legal paraprofessional licensure exam. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to pursue roles including, but not limited to:
Learn from top legal practitioners in their fields
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.
Learn from top legal practitioners in their fields
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.
Legal paraprofessional admission requirements
Applicants to the Master of Legal Studies online program must fulfill the requirements of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
U.S.-educated applicants can apply through our FastApp process, which streamlines the application process and may allow for an offer of conditional admission to the MLS program while the applicant continues to submit any additional requested documentation. Find more information about the FastApp process here.
Study at one of the best law schools in the country
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU is one of the top schools in the nation, providing personalized and practical legal education. Offering more than 250 unique courses, students can tailor their educational experiences to meet their unique interests. Our bar passage achievements and peer-reviewed U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight our dedication to preparing students for success.
#1
in Arizona for bar passage.
5
law programs ranked amongst the top 25 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
#15
best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report.
#36
best law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
