Accredited paralegal round up
Laura McBain, Affiliates & Accreditation Manager and Secretary to the Accredited Paralegal Committee, returns for her final check-in before we ring in the New Year to share her highlights, what’s left of 2025 and what you can look forward to in 2026.
Launch of our General Accreditation
In October we introduced our new General Accreditation. This accreditation provides paralegals working beyond our existing 15 practice areas with the opportunity to gain formal recognition for their expertise and contribution to the profession.
We are thrilled to congratulate Emma Hamilton of Complete Clarity Solicitors, who has become the very first paralegal to achieve the General Accreditation. Many of you may already know Emma from her recent success as Paralegal of the Year at the Denovo Scottish Legal Awards. You can read more about Emma’s journey to accreditation here.
For full details on the General Accreditation, please visit our website. Alternatively, you can contact us at accreditedparalegals@lawscot.org.uk - we’d be happy to hear from you.
Paralegal Practice (Cert He) – there’s still time to apply!
It’s hard to believe it’s nearly been two years since the first cohort of students started the Paralegal Practice (Cert He) with Robert Gordon University. The students are due to graduate in the summer of 2026, and we would like to extend our congratulations to all participants on their journey so far.
If you are looking to take the next step in your paralegal career, you can find out from RGU student Gioia Whitmore why the course may be right for you in this article.
Full details of the course including entry requirements, fees, and a complete breakdown of the course modules can be found on the RGU website. Applications for the 2026 intake close on 12 January 2026.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at paralegalpractice@lawscot.org.uk.
From paralegals to university tutors
I am delighted to offer a huge congratulations to paralegals Sharon Connolly, Nikki Scott, Makaela Fehlhaber, and David Gray on their recent appointments as tutors at Robert Gordon University.
| The tutors are currently delivering the final module of the Paralegal Practice Course (Cert He), which provides an excellent platform for experienced paralegals to share the expertise they have developed over the years and to mentor the next generation of legal professionals. A huge thank you to the course tutors for the dedication and insight they have brought to the course so far. Find out more about Residential Conveyancing tutor Sharon Connolly in our article here. |
|
Competency reviews – what’s coming next?
As part of its ongoing work, the Accredited Paralegal Committee regularly reviews practice area competencies to ensure they remain relevant and fit for purpose.
In the year ahead, our focus will be on Liquor Licensing, Criminal Litigation, and Family Law. If these are your areas of practice, please keep an eye out for future updates.
You can find full details of all existing competencies and standards here.
It’s nearly time to renew your membership
A reminder that the current practice year ends on 31 January 2026. Here are some things to consider in the lead up to the renewal period:
- Have you completed your CPD? We require all Accredited Paralegals to complete 10 hours of CPD during the practice year. Details of your CPD should be uploaded to the member site by 31 January 2025. If you are yet to complete your hours, we offer a wide range of in-person, live and on-demand courses including conferences, certified courses, and essential skills training. As well as our main CPD programme we also offer a variety of free courses so there is lots to choose from. Please visit the CPD section of our website to find out more. Further information on our CPD requirements can also be found here.
- Are your employment details up to date? If you have moved firms throughout the practice year and are yet to notify us, please get in touch so we can send your renewal information to the correct details. Please email accreditedparalegals@lawscot.org.uk with any updates.
- Are you up to date on the general and practice area competencies? It’s important that all Accredited Paralegals maintain the standards of the status. Please familiarise yourself with the general and practice area competencies to ensure you are up to date with any changes.
Accredited Paralegal webpages – what do you want to see?
As part of its ongoing work, the Accredited Paralegal Committee will be reviewing the paralegal webpages on the Law Society website.
We’d love to hear your suggestions on what information you find most useful. This could be anything from CPD opportunities, career progression information to opportunities on how to get involved with the Law Society, we are open to ideas! Please share your thoughts with us at accreditedparalegals@lawscot.org.uk.
Additional
