A legal paraprofessional performs limited legal actions without a full JD. Arizona certification is a requirement for this role, and this program fulfills the curricular requirements to take the Arizona legal paraprofessional licensure exam.
Your coursework in this program will reflect your chosen legal specialty. The limited practice areas included in this licensure are:
- Administrative law (as permitted by agencies)
- Civil law (limited jurisdiction)
- Criminal law (limited jurisdiction)
- Family law
- Juvenile law
Once licensed, you’ll be prepared to provide legal advice and assist clients in the permitted practice areas, including client representation in court.
Paralegal vs. legal paraprofessional: How the two compare
While legal paraprofessionals share specific legal roles with lawyers, paralegals act as legal assistants who support lawyers and law firms with research, administrative tasks, proofreading and other essential tasks. If you’re interested in becoming a paralegal, choosing the MLS program with an emphasis in your desired field is recommended.
What is a degree emphasis? Is it the same as a concentration?
While an emphasis and concentration are similar, there are key differences.
A concentration is a formalized selection of courses within a major requiring a minimum of 15 credit hours; at least nine must be upper division. The concentration appears on your ASU diploma and transcripts.
An emphasis is a selected topic area defined within the major that’s typically 9–12 credit hours and doesn’t need to be officially declared.
Considering the Arizona legal paraprofessional licensure exam? Arizona State University’s online Master of Legal Studies with a legal paraprofessional emphasis provides legal practitioners with the knowledge and curricular qualifications needed for exam eligibility. As a licensed legal paraprofessional, you’ll give legal advice, assist clients in permitted practice areas and even represent clients in court — all without needing a JD.
This one-year program is made up of a required course, foundational courses and emphasis courses. Courses include:
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.
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.
in Arizona for bar passage
specialty law programs ranked amongst the top 35 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report
best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
best law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
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.
Possible outcomes from FastApp submission may include:
- Conditional admission.
- A request for supplementary documents.
- A request to complete the full MLS application with accompanying documents.
- Denial.
For the FastApp application to be considered complete, it must include:
- The complete MLS FastApp application form and the following uploaded documents:
- An unofficial transcript from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
- Resume that does not exceed three typed pages.
If a decision cannot be made from a FastApp, our admissions team may request additional information from an applicant, including any or all of the following:
- Writing sample.
- Explanations to affirmative answers to any conduct questions.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Transcripts from all institutions attended, including the transcript showing a bachelor's degree was conferred.
A minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of an applicant’s bachelor's program is preferred. Prospective students may earn admission with a cumulative GPA below 3.00 if the other assets included in the application package are strong, such as but not limited to:
- A personal statement that addresses a low GPA or inconsistent academic performance.
- Improved academic performance in subsequent degrees.
- Significant work history since completing a bachelor’s degree.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application.
- Official* transcripts.
- CV or resume.
*Transcripts can be unofficial through the FastApp process. Official transcripts reflecting degree conferral(s) will be required if an applicant is admitted.
If English isn’t your native language and you haven’t completed a bachelor’s degree or higher at a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., you must provide evidence of English proficiency.
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
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.”
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.