UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

JAMES E. ROGERS COLLEGE OF LAW

DECEMBER 4, 2024

UPCOMING EVENTS

January 6–25

January in Tucson

January 30–31

Winter Private Sector Interview Program

February 7

Legal Paraprofessional Summit

Greetings,

Arizona is among the lowest ranked states in the country on the ratio of lawyers to residents. Many people in the state have difficulty retaining a lawyer when they need one, especially in some critical areas, such as family law.

In February, we will host the third annual Legal Paraprofessional Summit. Organized by our Legal Paraprofessional Program, the summit is quickly becoming a focal point of the movement to train professionals from many educational pathways to help fill these gaps through licensing programs in Arizona and a growing number of states.

Until the footnotes,

Marc

FEATURE

University of Arizona Law to Host Third Annual Legal Paraprofessional Summit, Showcasing National Leadership in Expanding Access to Justice

We are excited to announce the third annual Legal Paraprofessional Summit, set for February 7, 2025. This highly anticipated event brings together licensed and aspiring Legal Paraprofessionals (LP) for a day of enriching professional development and continuing legal education. Participants can earn up to five Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits, including one ethics CLE credit, while engaging in important conversations about the evolving role of LPs in the justice system.

Now in its third year, the Summit has grown into the premier event for this new tier of legal professionals, drawing attendees from across the country who are eager to learn from Arizona’s pioneering efforts to expand access to justice.

“We’re thrilled to see the continued growth of this summit and the impact it has on the Legal Paraprofessional community,” said Kristy Clairmont, professor of practice and event organizer. “This year’s focus is on Legal Paraprofessionals as advocates and volunteers, aiming to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful difference in the legal field while enhancing their advocacy skills and connecting with volunteer opportunities statewide.”

This year’s summit, with the theme “Legal Paraprofessionals in Action,” will offer both in-person and virtual attendance options, providing flexibility for participants nationwide. The event will feature notable speakers, including Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Timmer and Arizona Court of Appeals Judges Maria Elena Cruz and Brian Furuya.

Tickets are required for the summit, with early bird pricing of $50 available until January 11, 2025. A special discounted rate will be available for students during this period. After January, ticket prices will increase.

See the full story to learn more.

AROUND THE COLLEGE

Support Indigenous Law Students Through Huerta Scholars Program

Thanks to all who supported another successful #GivingTuesday Huerta Scholarship campaign this week!

This year marks the ten-year anniversary of the Huerta Scholarship and we are celebrating and highlighting the scholarship’s impact and the students it has supported over the years. In this video, learn about current student Damon Clark and the impact your giving can have on students.

The #GivingTuesday campaign is open through December 31. Please consider including it in your end-of-year giving.

Support Indigenous Students

Prof. Lett Receives University-Wide Make Your Mark Award

Associate Clinical Professor of Law Sylvia Lett recently received the Buffalo Soldier Make Your Mark Award, presented by the University of Arizona Sankofa Black Faculty and Staff Association.

The Buffalo Soldier Make Your Mark Award recognizes one staff member and one faculty member each year for their outstanding work making a difference for Black lives on campus.

The award, created in 2023, honors the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers of the all-Black 10th Cavalry regiment who were among the most loyal, decorated soldiers of their time. They were also among the first protectors of the land destined to become our National Parks.

IN THE NEWS

University of Arizona Law unveils new high-tech courtrooms, classroom and lobby spaces

National Jurist, featuring ‘A New Day in Court’

Happy Native American Heritage Month From the Army That Brought You the Trail of Tears

The Intercept, featuring Keith Richotte Jr.

Lawfare Archive: Andrew Coan on 'prosecuting the President'

LawFare, featuring Andrew Coan

NEPA and Loper Deference (Part II)

Legal Planet, commentary by Justin Pidot

Do You Have News?

Your success is the college’s success and we want to celebrate with you! If you have landed a new job, received an award or recognition, stepped into a leadership role or have good news in general, let us know.

Share Your News Here

Instagram, @uarizonalaw

In the mid-1960s there were no Nurse Practitioners. Now there are around 400,000.

I believe that the Arizona Supreme Court, with the creation of Legal Paraprofessionals, has started a revolution in legal services as profound as the creation of Nurse Practitioners sixty years ago.

And I’m delighted that Arizona faculty and our College of Law have a hand in exploring and demonstrating the potential for Legal Paraprofessionals, and now we play a key role in training and further work to assess and support this critical innovation.

There are many ways to learn more about Legal Paraprofessionals: attending or watching the Third Annual Legal Paraprofessional Summit on February 7 would be a good way to learn, and to be on the cutting edge of an evolving conversation.

Warmly,