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.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2023


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Legal Paraprofessional (MLS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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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:

  • Family law.
  • Civil law (limited jurisdiction).
  • Criminal (limited jurisdiction).
  • Administrative law (as permitted by agencies).

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.

For more information on the practice areas and their respective requirements, click here.

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.

  • A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major. A concentration requires a minimum of 15 credit hours of which at least nine credit hours must be upper division. Your concentration appears on both your ASU diploma and your transcripts.
  • An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major. It’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared. The emphasis will not appear on your diploma or transcripts.

Does my Master of Legal Studies degree 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:


Required

U.S. Law and Legal Analysis


Foundational

Administrative Agencies and Regulations


Foundational

Business Organizations


Foundational

Criminal Law


Foundational

Criminal Procedure


Foundational

Fundamentals of Contract Law


Foundational

Intellectual Property


Foundational

Property Law


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. Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll be equipped to become a:

Licensed limited legal paraprofessional

Paralegal

Social worker

Counselor

Child and family welfare advocate

Guardian ad litem

Landlord

Residential/commercial property manager

Learn from top legal practitioners in their fields

The faculty members in the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law have more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. The College of Law’s world-class faculty members provide comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and address legal challenges on a global scale.

Learn from top legal practitioners in their fields

The faculty members in the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law have more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. The College of Law’s world-class faculty members provide comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and address 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.

FastApp process

Application requirements

Additional admission information

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. The college provides personalized and practical legal education. Offering more than 250 unique courses, students have the opportunity to tailor their educational experiences to meet their unique interests. Our bar passage achievements and peer-reviewed U.S. News and World Report rankings highlight our dedication to preparing students for success.

#1


in Arizona for bar passage.

Top 25


bar passage & JD advantage jobs, according to the American Bar Association.

Top 10


public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Top 30


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.

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