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Advocating With Compassion: Janet Price’s Journey As An LLP

In this insightful interview, Janet Price, a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) at Modern Family Law, sits down with Marketing & Communications Manager Caroline Germano to discuss her extensive background in family law, her approach to working with clients, and the many ways LLPs are making a difference in the Colorado legal landscape. With nearly two decades of experience, Janet shares her thoughts on how LLPs can offer cost-effective, compassionate legal support while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and trust.

Understanding The Role Of An LLP


Caroline: Can you briefly explain what a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) is?

Janet: An LLP is an individual who has demonstrated their knowledge of legal concepts, laws, and rules in domestic relations and has been sworn in by the Colorado Supreme Court to provide limited legal services in family law.  As an LLP, I combine 18 years of experience working in family law with specialized training to provide legal advice and guidance to someone who needs assistance with a divorce, child support, parenting time, or other family law matters.

Janet’s Inspiration & Experience


Caroline: What inspired you to become an LLP?

Janet: A desire to help others.  I have worked, and volunteered, in family law matters for 18 years.  Becoming an LLP allowed me to expand what I did to include providing legal advice and further guidance, like attending mediation and hearings, with a client.

The Scope Of Family Law Matters Handled By LLPs


Caroline: What specific family law matters will you typically be handling as an LLP?

Janet: As an LLP I can handle a full range of uncomplicated family law matters.  This includes divorces, with or without children, including common law marriages; cases where parents are unmarried but need to organize a parenting plan or to establish child support; modification of parenting time orders or child support; obtain protection orders; name changes; and motions for remedial contempt.

Caroline: What are some of the limitations of an LLP and how will you handle situations that fall outside your scope of practice?

Janet: An LLP can perform many of the same tasks that an attorney would undertake in uncomplicated family law cases.  However, during a case, an issue such as the need to hire an expert to value an asset or the preparation of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order comes up.  If an issue should arise that is outside my scope of practice as an LLP, one of several attorneys at Modern Family Law can step in.  Additionally, there are some things that an LLP cannot handle at all, such as preparation or litigation of a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement, a matter where one of the parties has a trust that is relevant to the resolution of the case, or legal issues collateral to, but that directly affect a case such as immigration, bankruptcy, and criminal issues.  Such matters would need to be addressed by an attorney.

Ensuring High-Quality Legal Assistance


Caroline: How do you ensure that clients receive high-quality legal assistance?

Janet: The legal process can be daunting, so I take a compassionate approach to working with clients.  I explain the process, provide legal advice, and keep an open ear.  Through constant communication, I explain documents and orders and outline the next steps.  I stay current on changes to the law through continuing legal education so that I can better advise my clients.  I belong to professional associations that allow me to collaborate with other LLPs and attorneys about trends and changes in the law.

Caroline: What steps do you take to maintain client confidentiality and trust similar to an attorney-client relationship?

Janet: An LLP must adhere to similar ethical rules that an attorney does.  All my communications with a client are done on a secure platform.  Any documents or other data received from a client is stored in a secure location and is not voluntarily revealed without the client’s consent.  With the knowledge that information is securely maintained and not shared without consent, a client can trust that the information needed to resolve their issue can be freely shared with me.

The Benefits Of Working With An LLP


Caroline: What are the main benefits of hiring an LLP for clients, especially those facing straightforward family law issues?

Janet: One of the biggest benefits of working with an LLP is the cost-effectiveness.  An LLP has the training and knowledge required to bring a case to resolution, at a lower billable rate than an attorney.  Using an LLP, whose billable rate is lower than an attorney, allows an individual who does not otherwise have the resources to obtain access to legal representation.

Advice For Aspiring LLPs


Caroline: What advice would you give to someone considering a career as an LLP?

Janet: Working in family law can, at times, be mentally draining.  Clients are going through a very emotional process.  Learn to advocate for your clients without personally taking on their problems.  As you study to become an LLP knowing the law and legal concepts is important.  But don’t lose sight of the human side of every case.  Search out information that addresses ways to work with that stress.  Find reliable resources that you can recommend to clients.  Trust in yourself and seek out a mentor who can be a sounding board.  Then go for it!

Looking Forward In The LLP Role


Caroline: What are you especially looking forward to in your new role as an LLP?

Janet: Helping clients feel heard and respected as they move through their cases.  Clients are dealing with circumstances that will deeply impact their future.  I want to be their compassionate advocate.

Caroline: Is there anything else you would like to share about your role as an LLP or about the LLP program at Modern Family Law?

Janet: Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals are new to the Colorado legal profession and Modern Family Law has fully embraced them.  Working as an LLP at Modern Family Law means that I am part of a collaborative team that specializes in family law matters.  Should a complex issue arise that an LLP is unable to address, the client can feel secure knowing that there are attorneys and other resources available within the firm. 

Conclusion


Janet Price’s role as an LLP at Modern Family Law is not only a reflection of her vast expertise but also her deep commitment to client advocacy. Her compassionate approach, combined with the cost-effective benefits of working with LLPs, positions her as a key resource for individuals navigating the often complex world of family law. As LLPs continue to grow in Colorado, Janet is excited to be at the forefront, helping clients feel heard and supported through their legal journeys.

By: MFL Team

Posted October 04, 2024


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