The National Association of Licensed Paralegals has announced the first National Paralegal Day.
The Association wants to recognise the vital work that paralegals carry out and the contribution they make to the legal system.
There are an estimated 100,000 paralegals in the UK and it is currently the fastest growing legal sector. Paralegals work not just within law firms but increasingly elsewhere; in-house in companies requiring legal assistance, with local authorities and for other legal practices such as conveyancers or will-writers.
They are highly trained and often very experienced, taking on much the same work as solicitors in many cases. Training costs are lower and learning is partly on the job, meaning those who are unable to afford to become a solicitor can still join the legal profession.
As legal aid is reduced, paralegals are able to take on work at lower rates for clients who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation.
The Association says that paralegals are often the unsung, unrecognised members of the legal profession, supporting solicitors and their teams and helping to deliver high quality services to clients.
National Paralegal Day will be on 14 March 2019, with an inaugural event taking place at the House of Commons.
The day will be an opportunity to connect with other paralegals and celebrate the contribution made to the legal industry. It will also be a chance to raise the profile of paralegals and demonstrate to the public how important they are to law firms and businesses alike.
The House of Commons event will include an awards ceremony to honour some of those at the top of the profession and those who have made an outstanding contribution.
More details are set to follow from the Association shortly.
What are the advantages of having paralegals within an organisation? Do you see the sector continuing to grow?
