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31 January 2025 / Amanda Hamilton
Issue: 8102 / Categories: Features , Profession , Career focus
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Paralegals: a growing force

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From finding a niche to going freelance, Amanda Hamilton sets out the increasing range of career options available to paralegals

Traditionally, paralegals were seen as support staff. They performed administrative and clerical tasks under the supervision of solicitors. However, the responsibilities of paralegals have expanded considerably, and they now routinely handle more substantive legal work. This shift has been driven by factors such as the rising cost of legal services, regulatory changes, and the increasing recognition of paralegals as skilled professionals in their own right.

Individuals pursuing a career as a paralegal have a variety of options, reflecting the diverse nature of the legal profession and the growing demand for skilled legal support staff. The role of a paralegal can be a stepping stone for those aspiring to become solicitors or barristers, as it offers valuable experience and, in some cases, alternative routes to legal qualification through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or similar pathways. Additionally, a paralegal has the flexibility to tailor their career based on personal interests, specialisation areas,

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Plans to reduce jury trials risk missing the real problem in the criminal justice system. Writing in NLJ this week, David Wolchover of Ridgeway Chambers argues the crown court backlog is fuelled not by juries but weak cases slipping through a flawed ‘50%’ prosecution test
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The courts have drawn a firm line under attempts to extend arbitration appeals. Writing in NLJ this week, Masood Ahmed of the University of Leicester highlights that if the High Court refuses permission under s 68 of the Arbitration Act 1996, that is the end
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