The number of paralegals has doubled in the last decade and is set to rise further, according to a report from government-sponsored think tank the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.
The report, which explored the country’s present and future skills needs, disclosed that the number of paralegals in England has increased from 24,509 in 2001 to 51,250 today – a rise of 109%. The number of solicitors has increased by around 40% over the same period.
The report predicted that demand for paralegals will continue to grow, given the increasingly commoditised nature of much transactional work, and greater competition in the legal services market, following the introduction of alternative business structures.
The report, which explored the country’s present and future skills needs, disclosed that the number of paralegals in England has increased from 24,509 in 2001 to 51,250 today – a rise of 109%. The number of solicitors has increased by around 40% over the same period.
The report predicted that demand for paralegals will continue to grow, given the increasingly commoditised nature of much transactional work, and greater competition in the legal services market, following the introduction of alternative business structures.
Although the National Association of Licensed Paralegals estimates that the increase in numbers of paralegals are on the cautionary side and that there are actually upwards of 200,000 paralegals at present working in the legal sector.
Amanda Hamilton, Chief Executive of NALP says:
“NALP has been the professional body for Paralegals in England & Wales for the last 23 years and has always defined what a 'Paralegal' is; this definition has definitely changed over the last ten years.”
NALP has always advocated that paralegals should be properly trained and educated to perform paralegal work, and indeed has run the Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies, a recognised qualification, for the past 20 years.
Furthermore, since 2005 NALP has introduced self-regulation through 'Licensing'. Once a license has been attained a paralegal will be able to work unsupervised in the legal sector.
Amanda Hamilton concludes that:
“NALP believes that now, even more than previously, emphasis lies on being able to provide cost effective legal services to clients and this is why the role of a paralegal is becoming more and more significant.”
Amanda Hamilton, Chief Executive of NALP says:
“NALP has been the professional body for Paralegals in England & Wales for the last 23 years and has always defined what a 'Paralegal' is; this definition has definitely changed over the last ten years.”
NALP has always advocated that paralegals should be properly trained and educated to perform paralegal work, and indeed has run the Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies, a recognised qualification, for the past 20 years.
Furthermore, since 2005 NALP has introduced self-regulation through 'Licensing'. Once a license has been attained a paralegal will be able to work unsupervised in the legal sector.
Amanda Hamilton concludes that:
“NALP believes that now, even more than previously, emphasis lies on being able to provide cost effective legal services to clients and this is why the role of a paralegal is becoming more and more significant.”
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