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updated on 21 May 2013
The Law Society has plans to launch a paralegal accreditation scheme, with the aim being to "drive up standards and provide recognition to these employees".
Reported in Legal Futures, the accreditation scheme is proposed in a report to the Law Society Council and which recommends that such a scheme would reflect the government-led plan to professionalise this sector of the legal workface. It will, however, be separate from the government's national apprenticeship scheme which launched in March.
The paralegal accreditation will recognise "educational attainment levels mapped to the national recognised qualifications framework", supplemented by evidence of ability in core competencies. Research into the scheme has revealed support among firms and employees, and further research will continue with focus groups around the country.