Leslie Martinez, LP
11260 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 143
Phoenix, AZ 85028
[email protected]

I am a Legal Paraprofessional and many people are confused on the title. I am in full support of changing the name. I believe the community will be able to understand the new roles of the LP with the name change.

Randi Partain, LP
1630 S. Stapley Drive, Suite 200
Mesa, AZ 85204
[email protected]

As a Legal Paraprofessional (LP), I advocate for changing the title. The current term is confusing to most and fails to accurately convey the role we (LPs) are authorized and licensed to fill. While "paraprofessional" traditionally implies delegation without full professional licensure, LPs possess both licensure and qualification. Employing a more precise and relevant title would enhance clarity within the community.

Stacy Portonova
Legal Paraprofessional
Ellsworth Family Law PC
1630 S. Stapley Drive, Suite 200
Mesa, Arizona 85204
(480) 635-8700
[email protected]

I support the amendment. Thus far I have found, the designation of legal paraprofessional has not been very clear and tends to confuse potential clients.

Thank you.

Michael Newman, Law Student
1625 N Camilla Blvd. #4
Tucson, AZ 85716
[email protected]

I am a student of law, with the intention of testing for an LP license. Most people to whom I speak about the license and the Access to Justice movement confuse Legal Paraprofessional with Paralegal. I believe this name change would confer more professionalism to the title, and make it clear that LPs not only serve the legal field, but practice law as well.

Posted By Martha Rodriguez March 27, 2024
Martha E Rodriguez, BS. CPC Univ Of AZ Law Student, Masters of Legal Studies anticipated December 2024.
485 S Watson Road Ste. 103-#134
Buckeye AZ. 85326
[email protected]

The name change is supported by me. I will complete my studies in the Paraprofessional Law courses in December, already I have been asked will I be a paralegal. And than the conversation swings to Oh ok you will work for an attorney, and i explain that I have the option of being independent. So much explanation about the title is often needed. Where as the description or title Law Practitioner would need no explanation.
I could simply answer the question by saying as a Law Practitioner I will assist with legal matters within the limitations and scope of my license.

Staci Maret, Legal Paraprofesional
303 E. Gurley Street #127
Prescott, AZ 86301
602-833-7479
928-857-8277
[email protected]
www.maretlaw.com

I am a legal paraprofessional and support the Petition to Amend. I have been licensed for more than 2 years and still find myself overexplaining my role and license. In the legal community, there remains confusion I may be a licensed paralegal. I believe this confusion is supported by the similarities in the title - i.e., - para. In the general public, there is even more confusion as the word paraprofessional means without a license. The license was created to assist the general public with access to justice. If the general public believes there is now a licensed paralegal who can give legal advice and provide representation in court, the door is open to an increase in the unauthorized practice of law. The license is based on the same premise as a nurse practitioner. The title legal practitioner makes the most sense. LPs are practicing law.

Denise M. Blommel, Attorney
Denise M. Blommel, PLLC
6945 E. Sahuaro Drive, Suite 125
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-247-7477

I respectfully oppose the above-captioned Petition. There is a great deal of confusion that may be caused by the public not understanding that a "Legal Practitioner," unlike a Nurse Practitioner, is not required to be supervised. The "paralegal" is now well-known to the public through countless depictions in the media. The Legal Paraprofessional will also be understood to mean an individual who has limits to what can be done for the "client." Paraprofessionals are well-known in the educational community. Again, these "paras" have limits. The "Legal Practitioner" name, on the other hand, does not connote any limitation on the services to be provided.
I appreciate the Court looking at the "big picture" of what is being proposed, rather than the current LPs trying to rebrand themselves.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Denise M. Blommel, Attorney
State Bar Number 05388
[email protected]
www.azlaborlaw.com

Linda Marie Brown
Black Mountain Law Offices, PLLC
2020 Silver Creek Road, Suite A220
Bullhead City, AZ 86442

I strongly oppose this proposal as a practitioner is a person who can advise and "practice" law. A licensed document preparer is just that, they can only prepare documents. Allowing preparers the use of word "practitioner" in their title is misleading to the public and gives the appearance that the person can actually practice law. In my opinion, there is a whole leap between a preparer and a practitioner as practitioners can advise on the law wherein a preparer can only prepare legal documents. Why mislead the public. I support the use of the name "Legal Document Preparer" with the designation of LDP which is just who a LDP is and not a practitioner. This is NOT medicine wherein they allow persons to be nurse practitioners. In those instances, NP are clearly labeled "nurse" to show the limitations of their services to the public. If document preparers were permitted to use the term "practitioner", this does not give the public any sense of limitations. Practitioner is defined as a person who practices a profession or art. A profession is defined as prolonged training and a formal qualification. Many lawyers have gone to law school, studied to take a state bar exam, and continue to maintain dues and CLE credits to obtain and maintain their status as a licensed legal practitioner, one qualified to "practice" law and not one who is qualified to "prepare" legal documents. In my opinion, there is a big difference and to allow this petition to pass would certainly mislead the public.

Staci Maret, Legal Paraprofessional
303 E. Gurley Street #127
Prescott, AZ 86301
602-833-7479
928-857-8277
[email protected]
www.maretlaw.com

Hi Linda - I think your concern supports our position. A legal paraprofessional is a person who is licensed to give advice and "practice" law. I have been licensed to practice family law since 2021. I give advice, appear in court, and have my own law firm. A document preparer most certainly cannot provide advice or practice law. It is imperative the public and the legal community understands our role. I would be happy to dicuss further. Thank you.

Ms. Brown’s comment underscores why this petition should be granted. The term “Legal Paraprofessional” is so confusing that even members of the Bar mistakenly conflate legal paraprofessionals with document preparers. Legal paraprofessionals do more than “just…prepare documents.” They advise clients as to their rights, file motions, conduct discovery, and appear on their clients’ behalf in court. In short, they practice law. Legal paraprofessionals go through prolonged training and must pass a formal qualification exam. They are dues-paying members of the Bar and are subject to all the same rules regarding ongoing education. In other words, they meet all the standards Ms. Brown says should apply to someone using the title of practitioner.

The term “Legal Practitioner” is a clearer title. It more accurately reflects the type of work performed by a legal paraprofessional. I have had the pleasure of handling a dozen or so family law cases with legal paraprofessionals and have found them to be highly skilled and effective. The term, legal practitioner, is one the public is more likely to understand because the public is already familiar with the role of nurse practitioners in the medical field.

I support this petition.

Dan Riley, Esq., CQP
Board-Certified Specialist in Family Law
Certified QDRO Professional
112 N. Central Ave.
Suite M07
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-640-0719

Mandi Hemming, LP
Hemming Family Law
1910 S. Stapley Rd., Suite 221
Mesa, Arizona 85204
(480) 688-5163
[email protected]

As a Legal Paraprofessional (LP), I support the proposed amendment. With a background encompassing licensure as a Certified Legal Document Preparer prior to becoming an LP, and over two decades of service as a family law paralegal, I possess a comprehensive understanding of the nuances within legal support roles and how the public views the same. Having transitioned to the designation of a licensed LP, I am keenly aware of the common misperceptions surrounding the terminology, specifically with the word “paraprofessional.” The general public often mistakes the LP role as a licensed paralegal. In fact, I have had clients tell me they were a little confused at the beginning of representation because they thought a paraprofessional was someone like a teacher’s aide. It is imperative to clarify that LPs operate within a distinct framework of licensure and expertise. Contrary to the conventional definition of paraprofessionals, LPs undergo a licensing process and possess the qualifications to be designated as qualified practitioners. Thus, it is essential to rectify any misconceptions regarding the designation of LPs and underscore our status as fully licensed and qualified legal practitioners who may practice law within their designated endorsement.

Linda Marie Brown
BLACK MOUNTAIN LAW OFFICES, PLLC
2020 Silver Creek Road
Suite A220
Bullhead City, AZ, 86442
(928) 299-2296

Just to be clear, I understand the distinctions between a document preparer and legal paraprofessional and that they both fall under Ruke 31.3(e), but maintain my opposition to a name change While legal paraprifessional can perform more than a CDP, this proposal will add greater confusion to the public as to the distinction between a practitioner (attorney) and paraprofessional. Perhaps moving a legal paraprofessional from being joined with a document preparer under Rule 31 but I oppose the name change to practitioner becayse i believe that will confuse the public even more on who is an attorney and who is a paraprofessional with limited scope authorization.

A paraptofessional is not a document preparer or paralegal but is not a practitioner and do not need go confuse the public more in identifying distinctions between an attorney ND the limited services a paraprofessioknal can perform. At the end of the day, I still maintain opposition to the name chase.

Stephanie D. Villalobos, LP
DE NOVO LAW
4140 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 101
Mesa, Arizona 85206
(480) 725-2200
[email protected]

The only question is whether or not changing the title of the Arizona Legal Paraprofessional to “Legal Practitioner” would be beneficial to the public. Not whether LPs are attempting to rebrand themselves; or, whether non-lawyers should be permitted to practice law. The latter was approved by the Arizona Supreme Court in February of 2021, and today there are over 50 Legal Paraprofessionals licensed in the State of Arizona. It should be noted that the Arizona Supreme Court Task Force on the Delivery of Legal Services recommended a title that included Legal Practitioner. It is unclear the reason behind the change during the approval process; however, it has only caused confusion within the community hindering the growth of the profession and preventing mass public knowledge.

Some comments in opposition to the change to Legal Practitioner are quite frankly evidence of why the change is necessary. Too many confuse the LP with Certified Legal Document Preparers and Certified Paralegals. LPs are not “certified”; rather, they are licensed by the State Bar of Arizona to practice law. Moreover, arguments that lawyers are “practitioners” and LPs are not, is completely illogical. LPs are in fact practicing law, just like an attorney, albeit in limited scope areas (family, civil, criminal, administrative). Nonetheless, to argue that an individual who is licensed to practice law is not a practitioner is non-sensical.

After three years, there remains a significant disconnect with the public’s comprehension of the Legal Paraprofessional title and role. Even in the legal community there is a lack of knowledge as to how the LP is integrated within the practice of law. This appears to be solely due to the name. Paraprofessional by definition is “a person to whom a particular aspect of a professional task is delegated but who is not licensed to practice as a fully qualified professional.” In addition, a “paraprofessional” is regularly associated with work within the educational community.

All too often LPs find themselves having to repeatedly explain what a Legal Paraprofessional is, and even then, it is equated to a Paralegal. This is likely due to the “Para” in Paraprofessional. When it is explained to be similar to that of the Nurse Practitioner in the medical field, only then does the community begin to understand. Consistency can aide in comprehension, which undoubtedly would benefit the public, as well as the legal community.

This disconnect caused by the title appears to be hindering the growth of the profession and ultimately its purpose – to close the gap of the staggering access to justice issues the nation faces. The title plays a crucial role in expanding the purpose behind creating this licensure. This expansion would not only serve the Arizona community, but also the community nationwide as other states follow Arizona’s lead in establishing a non-lawyer legal service provider program and licensure.

I fully support this petition.

Samuel A. Thumma
Chair, Arizona Commission on Access to Justice
Judge, Arizona Court of Appeals
Division One
State Courts Building
1501 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007-3329
[email protected]
Telephone: (602) 452-6700

The Arizona Commission on Access to Justice has authorized Judge Sam Thumma, Chair, to submit this comment opposing Petition R-24-0040.

S. Dean RN-BSN
Legal Practitioner Client
10640 E Emelita Ave
Mesa, AZ 85208
520-431-5874

I fully support the change in designation from Legal Paraprofessionals to the title of "Legal Practitioner". I see a lot of comments from people in the legal field. I would like to speak as someone who was searching out a Legal Paraprofessional. The name was too similar to paralegal and a lot of document preparation sites flooded my search. Because of this, finding the more affordable/attorney alternative legal practitioner proved tedious. For some, they may simply go with the more expensive, even though they can't afford it, attorney. I did not have that option. As I understand it, the purpose of a Legal Paraprofessional is to make available the more affordable option without sacrificing a well educated/well practiced representative in their specific field. This name change would help to serve that purpose in making representation more affordable without sacrificing fair legal counsel for families going through an often emotional and difficult time. Thank you for your consideration.

Kristy Clairmont
Legal Paraprofessional Program Coordinator
Professor of Practice
University of Arizona
James E. Rogers College of Law
1201 E. Speedway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85721
520-626-8526
[email protected]

Please see the attached comment in support of the proposed amendment.

Kimberly Larkins
Resident of Surprise, Arizona
[email protected]
(623)570-7254

I am a member of the public and am in support of the title change to "Legal Practitioner".

My husband and I have personally utilized "paraprofessional" services recently and the title was very confusing to us in the beginning. Ms. Brown’s comment above is an example as to why this petition should be granted. Just as Ms. Brown, we were unaware that legal paraprofessionals do much more than prepare documents. We were informed of paraprofessional services via a document preparer and educated on the services provided and the difference between the two professsions. The title “Legal Practitioner” is appropriate for the services these professionals offer.

I am in full support of this petition.

Respectfully,
Kimberly Larkins

Elvis Malfabon
[email protected]
10070 N. 85th Avenue #2263
Peoria, AZ 85345

I am a member of the public and I am in support of the title change to "Legal Practitioner".

I have utilized Legal Paraprofessional services and I was initially under the impression they were equal to those of paralegal services. I believe the name change would provide a better understanding of the role to the general public.

Regards,
Elvis Malfabon

I am a member of the public and do not support the rule change. I believe it would be misleading and implies that one would be "practicing" law. It would lead to inaccurate assumptions.
Thank you,
Michelle Fox, DVM
[email protected]
480 244-8928

Linda Marie Brown, Esq
BLACK MOUNTAIN LAW OFFICES, PLLC
2000 W Bethany Home Rd Ste 200
Phoenix, AZ 85015
(928) 299-2296

Noted that there is no confusion on my end as to what a document preparer is and what a paraprofessional is as I agree that this request is unlike a Nurse Practitioner since the term "nurse" avoids any confusion. In this instance, the Paraprofessional is concerned they may be confused with a paralegal, while in that same vein, lawyers are concerned that the public may confuse a legal practitioner with lawyers. That said, again, is extend my strong non-support of this amendment.

Michael Houlberg
Director of Special Projects
The Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System
2060 South Gaylord Way
Denver CO, 80208
[email protected]
(303) 871-6647

Please see the attached comment supporting, in part, the proposed amendment.

Daniella M. Montez
Family Law Legal Paraprofessional
19445 W. Indian School Rd., Ste. 102 #107
Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340
(623) 526-2322
[email protected]

The term paraprofessional has caused confusion with the public and even current members of the bar. Often, we are mistaken for paralegals or document preparers. I am continually questioned whether I can provide legal advice or represent an individual, and constantly have to explain the paraprofessional license and the work I am approved to perform. We are practitioners - we are qualified and approved to practice law and advocate for our clients just as an attorney, albeit with certain restrictions. We are held to the same ethical and legal standards as attorneys. The path to become a licensed legal paraprofessional is not an easy one. We are deserving of a title that recognizes the value this license serves. Our title should reflect what the Arizona Supreme Court approved us to do - PRACTICE law. The current title diminishes our role and has caused public confusion. I fully support the proposed petition.

Amber D. Labadie
Arizona Legal Paraprofessional (Family Law)
4500 S Lakeshore Drive, Suite 300
Tempe, Arizona 85282
(480) 598-8724
[email protected]

I am one of the first ten licensed legal paraprofessionals and practice family law. Yes, I am able to practice law. I am not a paralegal or a document preparer.

It has been more than two years since I was licensed and no one that I speak to has ever heard of a legal paraprofessional. They are completely perplexed. Even when I consult with potential clients, none of them understand the role when it has been explained to them. I explain that I am licensed by the State Bar (like an attorney) and that I can practice law, give legal advice and even appear in court but they still think I am some sort of paralegal. Everyone has heard of a nurse practitioner and most of us have gone to a nurse practitioner. We know they can give medical advice, prescribe medicine and practice medicine. I fully and completely support changing our title from Legal Paraprofessional to Legal Practitioners so the public, my clients, other attorneys, judges and even my own family can understand my license. My clients refer to me as their attorney and I quickly correct them but they can't even say the word legal paraprofessional, let alone tell their spouse that they have hired one.

Linda Marie Brown
BLACK MOUNTAIN LAW OFFICES, PLLC
Bullhead City, AZ
(928) 299-2296

While persons are commended for their commitment and contributions to the legal profession, a LP is not the only party who vigorously studies to obtain a level of education to work and serve the public. Paralegals, legal secretaries, certified legal document preparers and attorneys, as well, also endure specific training and education to obtain their title. In the response provided by Ms. Montez, it is concerning that she types in upper case the term PRACTICE law. While it is understood LPs may appear in court on permissible areas of law, stating that one can PRACTICE law without following with a caveat as to their limitations gives the misconception that they can PRACTICE law in the broadest term of the word. It is believed that permitting one to throw around the term of a legal practitioner adds more confusion and could lead to misuse and abuse of the privilege one is trained to perform. Ms. Montez seems to shout out that she can PRACTICE law but adds nothing more immediately following to any limitations placed on the title or training of a LP. In all respects, LPs appear to be upset that they may be confused as CDP or paralegals but in their quest fail to give credence to attorneys and lawyers who may, if the petition granted, be confused as LPs. Legal Paraprofessionals are limited, and the term legal practitioner adds nothing more to alert the public as to their limitation. The Supreme Court did not issue a carte blanc approval to PRACTICE law but rather placed limitations in the interest of furthering access to justice for the general public.

I must defer to the Arizona Supreme Court decision in that it placed limitations on areas of law that a LP can assist the public and likely believed that the best means to alert the public to these limitations was to coin the term "paraprofessional". It would seem appropriate that the public is on notice that a paraprofessional is not a full-fledged attorney/lawyer and that LPs are limited in services they can provide to the public. And yet today, LPs are not satisfied and seek to retitle themselves as practitioners when the term practitioner provides no notice to the public as to limitations placed on practitioners.

In my humble opinion, I believe that the use of a paraprofessional is fairly a new concept. It would seem reasonable that as time progresses, the public will be better educated as to the variants of legal services available under the many different hats made available thus eliminating any confusion. However, if the proposal is granted, there is no turning back to the confusion that will result in the distinctions between an LP and its limitations and a licensed lawyer/attorney.

For this and other reasons stated earlier, I continue to maintain my opposition to the proposed amendment.

Daniella M. Montez
Family Law Legal Paraprofessional
19445 W. Indian School Rd., Ste. 102 #107
Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340
(623) 526-2322
[email protected]

In response to Ms. Brown's comment, capitalizing practice was merely emphasizing that we are licensed to practice law - something the public is confused by based on the term "paraprofessional". No where in my comment did I suggest we were able to practice without limitations. Rather, my comment specifically indicated our license has certain restrictions. Ms. Brown believes the Arizona Supreme Court coined the term "paraprofessional" to alert the public of our license limitations. However, that term has only served to confuse the public and they are unaware an LP is able to represent them at all.

Ms. Brown comments that I failed to provide details regarding the limitations or training of an LP. Pursuant to the Arizona Supreme Court website:

Under ACJA § 7-210, Legal Paraprofessionals can

Prepare and sign legal documents;
Provide specific advice, opinions, or recommendations about possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, or strategies;
Draft and file documents, related to motions, discovery, interim and final orders, and modification of orders, and arrange for service of legal documents:
Appear before a court or tribunal
Negotiate legal rights or responsibilities.

****
While we have restrictions surrounding our license, by all accounts, based upon the above - we practice in certain areas of law for our clients. We are practitioners. Details regarding restrictions based on legal areas and the required educational and/or substantive work experience are further outlined in the above code.

As I initially noted, we are to adhere to the same legal and ethical standards as an attorney. We are required to obtain the same CLE credits annually as an attorney. LPs respect and do not hold themselves out to be attorneys. We are required to identify ourselves as legal paraprofessionals in documentation, and potential clients are aware of our practicing restrictions. The public should be aware that our license and role is not that of a paralegal or document preparer. Our license was created to widen access of legal assistance to the general public - especially those with limited financial means. The term paraprofessional does not alert them to the affordable representation options available. I am not upset to be referred to as a paraprofessional. I am upset that the public believes only an attorney can represent them in their case and advocate on their behalf.

I believe the Legal Paraprofessional role is extremely important for our community and provides affordable advocacy to low income individuals and others, who previously were not able to afford representation in Court. 

The current title “Legal Paraprofessional” is confusing and does not adequately portray the breadth and importance of this new role.  In my opinion, Legal Paraprofessional sounds too familiar to paralegal. Potential clients often confuse a Legal Paraprofessional with a paralegal or document preparer.  Clients initially do not understand their LP can represent them in Court and are licensed bar members. I think even attorneys are confused about the scope of the role.   

It is my opinion, the title “Legal Practitioner” is more clear.  It rightfully suggests the individual is a practicing member of the state bar and  I do not believe it will cause confusion for the public.  

Lawyers are consistently called attorneys or lawyers and on occasion counsellors.  I am not aware of any lawyers who refer to themselves as a “Legal Practitioner.”  In addition, with the increased use of Nurse Practitioners, I believe the community  is comfortable with the term and fully understand a Nurse Practitioner is not a physician, and will also understand the distinction between a Legal Practitioner and a Lawyer. Lastly, LPs are required to inform clients they are not lawyers and explain their limitations.  In my experience LPs are very careful with this requirement and will ensure there is no confusion to the public.   

I support this petition.   

DeShon Pullen
Certified Family Law Specialist
DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC
80 E. Columbus Avenue
Phoenix AZ 85012
602-834-7005

Jennifer Stevenson
Legal Paraprofessional
Arizona Attorney General's Office
2005 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
[email protected]


As a practicing legal paraprofessional licensed in family law, I support this petition.  There is a great deal of confusion among the public and the legal community regarding the roles of LPs.  Although licensing began in 2021, the gap in understanding has not been reduced.

My experience differs from the other LPs that have responded, as I represent a government agency and not individual clients.  However, the confusion experienced regarding my role is the same.   The public that our client agency serves, who are often not represented by counsel, have no concept of what an LP is and often mistake my role as a paralegal or assistant to the attorney and not one of a licensed individual. The title of Legal Paraprofessional is confusing and does not adequately represent the role LPs were licensed to provide.  As many have pointed out, the term paraprofessional is defined as a trained aide who assists a professional person.  LPs are professionally licensed individuals, albeit limited, but still licensed.

I support the name change to Legal Practitioner as I believe it will assist the public in understanding what an LP is and take the ambiguity out of the term.  I do not believe that this will blur the lines between attorneys and LPs as attorneys are not commonly referred to as legal practitioners by their clients.

Disclaimer:  The opinions I have expressed are my own and not the opinion of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

I am a member of the public and I support the title change of the Legal Paraprofessionals to the title of Legal Practitioner.

The title Legal Paraprofessional is often used in law/legal offices as an interchangeable title. It can represent a wide range of individuals who occupy positions from Mitigation, Investigator to Legal Assistant. The commonality in all those titles is they support an Attorney. With this being said, prior to being educated on this new role approved by the Arizona Supreme Court, I found myself associating the Legal Paraprofessional as a member of a support staff.

It was encouraging to learn that alternative legal representation could be available to those who might not be able to afford such a high retainer. Now that Arizonans have options if they require legal assistance, in the limited scope areas, I believe it would be much easier to identify and understand this role if the title were changed to Legal Practitioner.

Erin Dean
10242 E. Capri Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85208
602-571-4281

Thomas Johnson
[email protected]
612-877-0544
I am a member of the public.

I am a client of Stephanie Villalobos, Arizona’s First Legal Paraprofessional, at De Novo Law.

I am in support of this change, from a client perspective, I feel that the title change to Legal Practitioner would not necessarily give me more confidence in the hard work that Stephanie has done on my behalf, but it would make it easier to explain to the other people that I may refer to Stephanie instead of trying to explain what a Legal Paraprofessional is before expressing my trust, confidence, and the outstanding representation that I have received from Stephanie Villalobos.

Regards,

Thomas Johnson

Jennifer K. Moshier
Moshier Law
11260 N. Tatum Blvd. Suite 143
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
602-345-0455

I do not support this change. It will lead to unnecessary public confusion. Legal paraprofessionals chose to enter a profession where their first challenge is to educate. I empathize. As a lawyer who practices collaborative process for the past 14 years, I can speak to the challenges of educating at a time that people struggle to absorb. Yet to practice collaborative process in tandem with litigation is the path I chose because I wanted to offer a superior, less damaging and more transformative alternative to litigation. When you choose a path that requires that you educate then sell your specific ability and limitations to serve, you assume a secondary challenge. If anyone can understand that, it would be me.

I performed a quick search in google of the word "Legal Practitioner." The results are screenshot but could not be attached, which will result in the exclusive of vital information for consideration of this proposal. What I searched is what others in the public will search. Here was the definition I found:
https://www.lsd.law/define/legal-practitioner#:~:text=A%20legal%20practitioner%20is%20a,their%20services%2C%20while%20others%20cannot.

or here:

Dictionary
Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn more
le·gal prac·ti·tion·er
noun
a person who practices law.
"the journal exists for both legal practitioners and academics"

Legal profession

A practitioner may choose a term to describe themselves such as an attorney, counselor or lawyer, but it's more about personal preference or to convey a sense of what they work on rather than any legal distinction about their services, Teicher says.1 day ago

Attorney vs. Lawyer: What's the Difference?

Those are the first results. Entities and people pay top dollar to be the first google search result, because that could be the only result many people ever consider. Top ranked results count, and the first page of google search results confirm that a practitioner is a lawyer. The public who searches this definition will quickly learn from the internet that a legal practitioner is a lawyer.

People who are pressured to find an attorney are typically operating from their sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system. Their ability to onboard new information and understand complex and difficult technical distinctions, foresee future events and self-regulate is limited if not absent. These callers know what a lawyer is. They do not know what a legal practitioner is that differentiates the legal practitioner from a lawyer. Do not expect the average reasonable person to grasp a legal complexity in a time of emotional upheaval. The public that the State Bar and Supreme Court have expressed a dominant interest in protecting, will now be presented with an additional educational challenge that could later further complicate their circumstances rather than effectively delegate their obligation to self-represent.

Legal practitioners and paraprofessionals are not going to experience a reciprocal privity with lawyers. Lawyers struggled through three years of law school to begin a marathon of a career in a saturated, competitive field. The mutual professional understanding I share with many lawyers is virtually impossible to achieve with those who have entered this space and are viewed from a scarcity model perspective as redirecting work and thus, resources away from lawyers. To the contrary, from an abundance model standpoint, I appreciate the legal paraprofessionals who either take the work I would not accept or by their very role limitations render a case such that a lawyer must step in.

Legal practitioners and paraprofessionals do offer a valuable service. I'm thrilled to see one or two people felt they were assisted. But the overwhelming majority of the public weren't given the link to comment nor assisted with gaining access to this venue for commentary. We know nothing of the experience of most of the public with legal paraprofessionals. Most of my clients, sophisticated though they may be, would know not the first step to even access the supreme court website to opine here. I assumed when I saw non-lawyer and non-paraprofessional feedback that these individuals had assistance and direction in providing input, or they had some level of public awareness that eclipses that of many consumers.

The public has had a very brief window of time to even begin to grasp that paraprofessionals are available as an alternative to lawyers. Allowing the public the time necessary is vital to avoiding confusion. The concept of a “para” in the English language is not lost on most people. It’s something operating alongside another thing. In this case, paraprofessionals are operating alongside lawyers.

Clients should not be presented with yet more confusion, asked to pay for services they may misunderstand, when they are most vulnerable and challenged to recover financially.

I’m a member of the public, my name is Mohammed El Alami, my phone number is 781-600-5514, my email is [email protected].
I would like to express my support for the change to “Legal Practitioner” .