Regulation
Paralegals are not regulated in the same way as solicitors. Technically, anybody can work as – and refer to themselves as – a paralegal (whereas somebody can only use the term “solicitor” if they have formally qualified as a solicitor). However, if a paralegal is working in a law firm that is subject to SRA regulation, then they too will be bound by the relevant SRA rules and principles.
Membership bodies
However, paralegals can voluntarily join membership bodies such as the National Association of Licenced Paralegals or CILEX, which often involves paying a membership fee.
These bodies regulate its paralegal members through imposing and enforcing codes of conduct. This can include investigating complaints, sanctioning paralegals, and revoking membership. In extreme circumstances, some bodies may even publicise paralegal wrongdoing to warn prospective employers and clients about their conduct.
Why would paralegals do this? Well, first and foremost, being part of a membership body can give credibility, as it indicates you are endorsed as being competent and fit to practice, and are being held to that body’s standards. This in turn can build trust with firms and clients.
Membership bodies can also advocate on paralegals’ behalf, deliver training opportunities, provide career support and networking opportunities, offer support with setting up a paralegal business, provide opportunities to take various qualifications, and so on.
Qualifications
Note that there are various qualifications paralegals can take to gain specialist knowledge and boost their standing, including those offered by the National Association of Licenced Paralegals, and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.
In this context, by “qualifications”, I mean courses that paralegals can choose to study in order to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. For example, some qualifications focus on specific areas of the law, helping paralegals to pick up the knowledge needed to hit the ground running in specific teams. This isn’t mandatory though.
It’s worth looking for qualifications that have been reviewed and approved by the regulatory body for qualifications (called Ofqual), and this can help to demonstrate the quality of the content.
Note that certain qualifications may also help you to progress through other career routes. For example, certain paralegal qualifications might also “map across” – meaning count towards – the studying you need to do to complete an apprenticeship should you choose to do this in the future.
Licence to practice
Although not legally required, the National Association of Licenced Paralegals also offers a “licence to practice”, which essentially confirms that you have the right knowledge and experience to offer certain services to the public, and that you have the right insurance in place. Again, demonstrating that an independent body has carried out due diligence on you and subsequently awarded you a licence can give you more credibility in the eyes of third parties.
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