New accreditation category to recognise high-performing paralegals

The Law Society of Scotland has expanded its paralegal accreditation scheme with a new category recognising practitioners who have high-level skills and experience.

General accreditation will be available for high-performing paralegals whose work does not meet the requirements for any of the existing 15 specialist accreditation areas.

Successful applicants for the new category must have at least two years’ experience and demonstrate core competencies set out by the Law Society’s Accredited Paralegal Committee.

Accredited Paralegal Committee Convener Sharon Connolly said: “Paralegals cover a wide range of work and some juggle quite niche work or multiple roles that our specialist areas simply cannot cover. This new category gives us scope to recognise and reward excellence in such cases.  

“Paralegals have pushed for this change to introduce generalist accreditation and we’re grateful for their ongoing interest in improving the scheme. We’ll continue to expand with further specialist areas where that makes sense.

“Providing career growth opportunities for paralegals is central to the accreditation and I know the committee and I are looking forward to seeing our first general paralegal gain accreditation.”

Alongside receiving recognition for their work, Accredited Paralegals receive access to the Law Society’s professional practice helpline and wellbeing portal, access to sector wide news and membership to the Scottish Paralegal Association.

More information on the new general accreditation can be found on our website.