Legal Access Redefined: Kris Freeman’s LLP Experience

Kris: I saw this as an opportunity to provide our community with affordable legal services. 75% of litigants in family law cases are Pro Se and that’s not necessarily by choice. Most people can’t afford to hire an attorney. Some litigants don’t necessarily require the services of an attorney. Some litigants want someone to walk them through the process and make sure they are “doing it right”. Up until the creation of this program, family law litigants had two choices, represent yourself, or hire an attorney.  With the creation of the LLP program, there is a third, economical option.  As an LLP I can assist clients with their cases, ensuring things stay on track, thereby improving efficiency for the clients and the courts.

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

Kris: The only advice that I have is to take this role seriously. Study regularly and remain vigilant. The LLP program will succeed or fail because of what we do. Raise the bar. Set the tone.

Kris: I can attend court with a client, but I cannot examine any witnesses. Attorneys can examine witnesses. I cannot address the court unless the court engages me first. An attorney may address the court. 

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

Kris: I cannot draft QDROs, but I have access to experts who can draft them. 

I cannot take punitive contempt citation cases, but in those situations, the potential client could apply for a court-appointed attorney and seek alternate counsel.

I cannot take common law marriage cases if the existence of the marriage is disputed, or if the date of the marriage is disputed. An attorney is better suited to present a case regarding the existence of a marriage via an evidentiary hearing. In those types of cases, the presentation of exhibits and witness examination are essential. The existence of a marriage and the date of the marriage dictate which laws apply in a common law marriage case.

I cannot take cases where a “non-parent” is seeking an allocation of parental responsibilities, where the request is contested by one of the parents. These cases are also better suited for an attorney where the presentation of evidence and the examination of witnesses are essential elements in a case such as this.

Kris: I’ve seen shoddy legal assistance. I have seen the fallout from that kind of representation. I don’t ever want to be that person. I draw on my experience, my work ethic, my knowledge of the law, and if the roles were reversed, what expectations I would have of my legal representation.

Kris: I don’t discuss cases outside of MFL.  Any conversations are conducted in-house and with the client.

Kris: The client receives the benefit of having someone navigate the court system for them. The client doesn’t have to worry about docketing deadlines or scheduling hearings with the court in addition to everything else that they have going on. The client will have assistance drafting and compiling their financial disclosures and drafting and filing their pleadings.    

Kris: With this new role, I will have new experiences, apart from my previous role as a paralegal.  As a paralegal, I prepared cases for meetings and mediation. As an LLP, the responsibility of conducting those meetings and mediations falls to me. I’m looking forward to the work and the challenges of those new experiences. 

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?

Kris: The in-house Learning and Development has been a great resource for me. The planning, implementation, and marketing around this program have been astounding. I have been blessed with the support and encouragement of Modern Family Law, who remain steadfast and committed to providing me with the tools and resources that I need to be successful.