Paralegals
In England & Wales anyone may call themselves ‘paralegals' without having to have any formal qualifications. In March 2006, in Scotland, the Law Society of Scotland recognised the Scottish Paralegals Association as the independent professional body for paralegals, and established a joint working group on standards and regulation for the paralegals profession.
Paralegals carry out legal work in law firms supporting solicitors in their specialist areas, and in private companies providing advice on contracts or business law. Many paralegals work for charities or trade union organisations and in the public sector. Other paralegals are employed in criminal and civil courts, the police force, the armed forces, and government bodies with enforcement powers. Paralegals are often tasked with typing, filing and administrative tasks and the preparation of legal documents. Much of a paralegals day can be taken up providing legal information to clients, interviewing clients and witnesses, attending court and handling client caseloads. Paralegals are also required to perform research work to support solicitors.
If you have no law qualification you can often join a law firm in an administrative capacity and study for paralegal qualifications (ILEX, National Association of Licensed Paralegals, Institute of Paralegals) whilst employed. Law graduates regularly take positions as paralegals if they do not have a barrister's pupillage or solicitor's training contract.
Whatever your role, or your aspirations, RAN Jobs is here to help you find the paralegals jobs that you deserve.
The Recruitment Agency Network's members are well established recruitment agencies - who are there to help and advise you in reaching that goal.