The first four paralegals have become eligible to qualify as solicitors without undertaking a training contract under new rules for the profession.
The trailblazers applied to be recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under the "equivalent means" provision it introduced last year, otherwise known as the 'paralegal shortcut'*. 20 more are on the waiting list. The provisions open up the profession to paralegals who have passed the LPC and can prove that they have gained sufficient experience on the job to qualify as solicitors. It gives them equivalent status to someone who has completed their training contract but not yet won an NQ position.
The SRA has rebranded TCs as "Periods of Recognised Training" in order to recognise the new class of pre-solicitor, which looks likely to grow rapidly if the number of training contracts on offer continues to dwindle. SRA policy manager of education and regulation Carol Cook said that paralegals keen to take advantage should keep a work diary, take a record of appraisals and work with employers to "set objectives and development needs that meet training stage outcomes". I.e. fetch the partner's gym kit when they ask.
*and hopefully soon as the Paratrain Method or the Uncontract Insertion.
Tip Off ROF
The trailblazers applied to be recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under the "equivalent means" provision it introduced last year, otherwise known as the 'paralegal shortcut'*. 20 more are on the waiting list. The provisions open up the profession to paralegals who have passed the LPC and can prove that they have gained sufficient experience on the job to qualify as solicitors. It gives them equivalent status to someone who has completed their training contract but not yet won an NQ position.
That paralegal over there? She's after your job. Send 'em all back. |
The SRA has rebranded TCs as "Periods of Recognised Training" in order to recognise the new class of pre-solicitor, which looks likely to grow rapidly if the number of training contracts on offer continues to dwindle. SRA policy manager of education and regulation Carol Cook said that paralegals keen to take advantage should keep a work diary, take a record of appraisals and work with employers to "set objectives and development needs that meet training stage outcomes". I.e. fetch the partner's gym kit when they ask.
*and hopefully soon as the Paratrain Method or the Uncontract Insertion.
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The simple truth is that it isn't that hard to do many jobs that sols do.
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It may be regrettable that people with less formal qualifications are allowed to become solicitors, but only from a protectionist perspective!
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Perhaps you meant to say "completing an undergraduate law degree at a good university and qualifying as a solicitor at (if they're the sort of candidate getting hired in London) a top commercial firm in a well-respected jurisdiction, before completing the (what is now fairly gruelling) QLTS..."
Not just condescending, but ignorant with a twinge of racism too. Nice.
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I wouldn't normally comment on such obvious ignorance, but it's too tempting. Not only does NZ require one to complete a full law degree (4 years min.), it also has a mandatory professionals course (6 months) before someone can qualify as a solicitor in that jurisdiction. You then need to sit the QLTT to qualify in the UK, not to mention the couple of years experience in a firm in NZ before a London law firm would even look at you. Doesn't really sound like a "shortcut" does it?
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And if the paralegal route upsets people you are in for a shock when the traditional non-degree articles route to qualification is reintroduced in the form of an apprentice route.
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Congratulations to those already, or about to be, qualified. You have been signed off on your experience gained and you will most likely have worked very hard for this recognition.