Green light for paralegal registration

Scottish Paralegal Association and Law Society of Scotland ratify plans

News, 25 April 2008

By the end of this year, paralegals should be able to register with the Law Society of Scotland, the governing body for solicitors.

The innovative scheme, a partnership between the Society and the Scottish Paralegal Association (SPA), is expected to benefit clients, paralegals and solicitors. Proposals were approved by the SPA at its annual conference last weekend and have now been ratified by the Society.

Neil Stevenson, head of strategic change at the Society, said: "The idea is that paralegals will be registered and regulated by the Society, receiving the professional recognition, career opportunities and ongoing training they deserve."

He added that work on the detailed arrangements would now begin. A discussion document on the proposals is expected to be published by the end of this month and the scheme could be up and running later this year.

There are an estimated 10,000 paralegals in Scotland. There is no fixed definition of a paralegal and those currently using the title do not need any particular qualifications, experience or registration requirements.

Standards

“This approach shows the Society and SPA working in partnership to identify an innovative solution that brings benefits to everyone involved”, Mr Stevenson commented.

“Clients and solicitors will have the reassurance that paralegals have met certain academic and work standards and are bound by a professional code of conduct."

The Society is currently working with the Scottish Qualifications Authority to establish new nationally accredited qualifications for paralegals.

Christine Lambie, SPA President, said: “The SPA is delighted to be working in partnership with the Society on setting out standards for a new registration process for paralegals in Scotland.

“Paralegals have contributed for years to the provision of legal services in Scotland and we are delighted that their contribution and professionalism will now be recognised.”