Paralegals rarely feature as the stars of our TV shows and our movies, but in real life their roles are often key to the successful delivery of legal services. The paralegal sector includes highly skilled legal professionals working with solicitors, or in firms set up specifically to provide paralegal services, or in a wide range of businesses where they perform regular law-related tasks—such as drafting contracts—inhouse rather than outsourcing to (more expensive) solicitors.

Paralegals are the fastest growing profession in the legal sector, outnumbering solicitors. There are upwards of 250k paralegals working in England and Wales, although some may not realise that they are included in that number; it is the work done, not the job title that is the qualifier.

Are you a paralegal?

Paralegals are defined as persons who are trained and educated to perform certain legal tasks, but who are not qualified solicitors, barristers or chartered legal executives. Is that you?

Do you work for an organisation that has you performing a task with a legal element to it? For example, checking contracts, or working in a housing department of a local authority and being responsible for ensuring that letters are sent out to non-rent payers and/or taking them to court.

Have you ever been given in-house training that includes an element of law or legal knowledge? For example, working in an in-house human resources department and been given training in employment law.

If yes, then you are most definitely a Paralegal and you should be proud to be recognised as such.

Paralegals can do almost everything that a solicitor can do, with the exception of certain activities known as ‘reserved activities’. With the ability to gain a Licence to Practise, which allows you to have your own clients, and even open your own paralegal firm, it is a career to be seriously considered.

If working for yourself is not what you have in mind, then there is plenty of demand for paralegals: on the Totally Legal website, for example, there are over 3,000 paralegal jobs advertised per year, so there is plenty of scope and opportunity to find that fulfilling well paid job.

Why has there been a change in attitude towards paralegals?

The current legal climate has changed so dramatically over the last ten years, especially since the virtual eradication of legal aid in 2013 (Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012). Consumers used to be able to gain legal funding (subject to means) to assist them in taking someone to court or defending an action against them. This is no longer available.

Solicitors’ and barristers’ fees have always been quite hefty, and so now, by default, many people are forced either to represent themselves in court or alternatively, use the services of paralegals, who charge far less than solicitors, to guide them through the processes.

Solicitors may charge anywhere from £200 - £600 per hour, which is out of reach for most people. Enter the paralegal professional to take up the slack. Charging only £30-£80 per hour, these professionals can offer access to justice at a reasonable cost.

If you are working in-house, you can still be recognised as a ‘Paralegal’ and be part of the professional membership body, NALP (National Association of Licensed Paralegals) which can also help support you towards your chosen career pathway. Some in-house career paralegals reach high status, either becoming heads of departments or even partners in their law firm.

If you did wish to gain initial or further training as a paralegal, there are nationally recognised paralegal qualifications that will help you hone your skills and knowledge. Be sure to choose a qualification that is regulated by Ofqual so that you can be confident of the quality and know it will be widely recognised.

Summary Some paralegals work for solicitors, others for barristers and more and more are working for in-house legal departments within a wide range of industries from Premiership football clubs to recording studios, from fashion houses to the Ministry of Defence. In addition, many paralegals are working for themselves. There are so many opportunities for paralegals now and so many career paths that it is a profession to be proud of.

About the author

Amanda Hamilton is the Patron of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP), a non-profit membership body and the only paralegal body that is recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual (the regulator of qualifications in England). Through its Centres around the country, accredited and recognised professional paralegal qualifications are offered for those looking for a career as a paralegal professional.

Web: http://www.nationalparalegals.co.uk