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05 January 2012 / Amanda Hamilton
Issue: 7495 / Categories: Features , Profession
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A fine distinction

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Amanda Hamilton takes the stand in the paralegal definition debate

The term “paralegal” is used in most jurisdictions to describe a professional who assists qualified lawyers in their legal work. This is certainly the case in the US. However, in England and Wales the profession has yet to agree a definition of a “paralegal” and thus much confusion has existed in this area for many years.

The term “paralegal” was first introduced into the UK by the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) in 1987. It defines paralegals as a person qualified through education and training to perform substantive legal work, who requires knowledge of the law and procedures, and who is not a qualified solicitor, barrister or legal executive.

Professionals in their own right?

To add to the confusion, there are several types of paralegals who are defined more from the way they work rather than particular practice areas or levels of expertise.

NALP has, for 24 years, recognised paralegals as professionals in their own right, with many working as freelancers

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