Accredited paralegal roundup

Membership

The status continues to thrive, with 610 members at the end of 2022. More than 74 new members joined last year, and a further 15 paralegals successfully completed the accredited paralegal traineeship.

The new practice year started on 1 February. Renewal invoices were sent to all members in January. If you are yet to receive your invoice, please contact accreditedparalegals@lawscot.org.uk.

New accreditation

At the start of the year, the Society launched a new area of accreditation for paralegals, with immigration law becoming the 14th recognised practice area. 

Accredited Paralegal Committee convener Karen Leslie said: “Adding immigration law as a new paralegal specialism recognises the importance of this work in serving the community, while rewarding accredited paralegals for their expertise and the quality of their work.”

Demand for immigration legal services continues to grow, driven by increasing immigration levels and issues such as Brexit and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

For more information on the accreditation and details on how to apply, please visit the Society’s website or email us as above.

Committee

Kirsty Dutch from Anderson Beaton Lamond has joined the Accredited Paralegal Committee. Having joined the status as a trainee, she now has full accreditation in wills and executries. She said: “Having gone through the process myself, I understand what the requirements and standards are to become an accredited paralegal. I am really looking forward to working with the committee.”

We are currently looking for new committee members from both solicitors and paralegals. Applications close on 28 February; further information is available on the committee recruitment section of our website. If you have any questions, please email us as above.