Law Society registered paralegals given new status

Over 400 Law Society of Scotland registered paralegals have become known as, ‘Accredited Paralegals’ this week. The name change is intended to reflect the professional status of paralegals accredited under the scheme.

Denise Robertson, manager in the society’s Registrar’s team, said: “The term ‘accredited’ more fairly and accurately reflects what the status is and does: accrediting paralegals as knowledgeable and proficient in a particular practice area, and confirming that they have experiential learning, supported by a qualification.

“One of the aims of the accredited paralegal scheme is to provide a professional qualification and identifiable quality standard for paralegals across the profession. In turn, having a quality standard will assure clients that work is being processed efficiently and at the right level”.

Paralegals currently registered with the Law Society of Scotland will automatically become ‘accredited paralegals’ and all paralegals with relevant experience or who hold a relevant qualification are eligible to join the scheme.

Janet Rieu-Clarke, the society’s Accredited Paralegal said: “The scheme has tangible benefits for legal services users, solicitors employing paralegals and the accredited paralegals themselves.

“As part of the change, accredited paralegals will have access to a range of career development opportunities and benefits, including access to our Professional Practice helpline, which offers free support and advice on legal practice and procedure. I would strongly recommend the scheme to my paralegal colleagues.”