The Colorado Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) initiative is a pioneering program authorized by the Colorado Supreme Court, creating a new class of legal service provider. Although not attorneys, LLPs are licensed to undertake specific legal tasks, such as preparing documents, collecting information, and offering basic legal guidance. This initiative aims to make legal services more accessible across Colorado. (See CRCP 207.1).
The data contained in this report is generated by our proprietary case management software which tracks data points for all matters regardless of whether those matters are assigned to an attorney or an LLP. This allows the firm to compare the two groups from any point in time to determine similarities and differences such as those reported below.
Data is collected at the time the client retains the firm, as part of the financial disclosure process and at the conclusion of the matter.
Where actual data is compared to forecasts, the forecast is based on historical performance, growth trends, staffing and other resources as well as team input. Forecasting used in this report is generally done monthly.
During the first month of LLP practice, we observed robust hiring exceeding expectations, with our LLPs being directly hired on 17 cases. LLPs were hired on a variety of case types. Our LLPs are currently located in Fort Collins and Colorado Springs, Colorado
Of these 17 news clients, all but two were leads generated organically. There were two passed cases recorded this cycle. Passes are defined as pre-existing cases managed by attorneys which are later passed to LLPs for first chair representation.
One of the concerns expressed by members of the bar concerning the implementation of the LLP program has been that LLPs will take away new cases from licensed lawyers practicing in this area, contrary to the goal of the Supreme Court to provide legals services for those currently going unrepresented.
Determining the actual cannibalization rate is difficult and might require interviewing the new clients personally as to the nature of their choice. However, an inference can be made based on a comparison of forecast to actual, and how close the difference between those data points matches the actual LLP hires.
Fort Collins LLPs hired 10 new clients.
Fort Collins exceeded its July forecast hires (ALL) by 4.
Colorado Springs LLPs hired 7 new clients.
Colorado Springs exceeded its forecast hires (ALL) for July by 11.
Accurate determination of a cannibalization rate will continue to be challenging but not impossible with more data.
One objective of the LLP program is to lower the cost of entry for consumers. Less upfront expense helps consumers retain legal assistance from the start. This is particularly important in communities where the cost of legal services is generally out of reach.
While there exists some national and statewide data on the costs associated with family law representation, there does not appear to be data on cost of entry. Accordingly, we will use a comparison of cost of entry for cases inside our firm where a lawyer is designated as primary verses where an LLP is designated as primary.
Average Cost of Entry (Retainer)
Attorney Listed as Primary $2,736
LLP Listed as Primary $1,470
One month into the LLP program, it appears the average cost of entry for consumers is 46% lower for those hiring an LLP.
Note: Cost of entry at our firm is heavily impacted by the SimpleStart program which can reduce a client’s retainer to $0 if the client’s credit/income/assets demonstrate low risk. These averages cannot be compared to other firms without a similar program. The program is available to all firm clients, regardless of whether the matter is handled by an attorney or LLP, so an internal comparison is instructive.
A comparison of the types of new matters for each type of provider for the first month of the program:
Age
Zip Codes
Race
Income
The current data set is too small to run these comparisons. Additionally, income data won’t be available until disclosures are provided. Some of these data points may be available next month.
Insufficient data to report as none of the cases have closed yet. Once a case closes a total value is calculated and that data will appear here for comparison between the two types of service providers, attorneys and LLPs.
Insufficient data to report as none of the cases have closed yet. Once a case closes a total value is calculated and that data will appear here for comparison between the two types of service providers, attorneys and LLPs.
Insufficient data to report as none of the cases have closed yet. Once a case closes a client satisfaction survey is sent to all clients. That data will appear here for comparison between the two types of service providers, attorneys and LLPs.
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