There is a decrease in the number of training contracts available and an increase in the number of Legal Practice Course (LPC) Graduates. Following the Banking collapse the number of LPC students doing paralegal work is increasing. Those who have not obtained training contracts might want to work as paralegals. Not just as a temporary career path but become freelance or career paralegals. However, even though they may have a law degree it doesn't necessarily mean they are able to carry out paralegal work without further training.
However, with a little bit of further training, paralegals have many options: they can be self employed freelancers doing what they love to do and giving them a work and home balance while working within the legal profession.
Becoming Licensed is the benchmark to prove not only that the individual has legal qualifications, but also experience, and has fulfilled the criteria laid down by the National Association of Licensed Paralegals to a high standard. A Licensed Paralegal has many options: he can work from home as a company Formation agent or can also work in the community and voluntary sector, can train newly appointed company and charity Trustees, and advise members of Committee on the new law updates. A Licensed paralegal can also work freelance and can perform tasks for members of the public as long as he does not offer legal advice.
He can also train Paralegal students, attend court, assist Counsel in civil and criminal matters, take witness statements and other instructions. He can attend immigration interviews on Solicitor 's instructions (but only if accredited). A paralegal can represent Solicitors in court at hearings, can become a police station representative after accreditation and can attend conferences in chambers and has a right of audience before a District Judge in chambers.
A paralegal could be a litigant in person with confidence. He could become an Exclusion Advocate, a courtroom coach, a fee earner on Locum contracts, working flexible hours if there are family commitments. He could be on referral services to solicitors being paid commission.
A paralegal could do business start-up advice work, start a paralegal recruitment agency, He could take up debt counseling work, work as a legal secretary (with the necessary skills). He could take up Employment Tribunal representation, be a McKenzie Friend, attend charity tribunals and social service tribunals, A paralegal can open a community advice center or become a legal researcher with access to PC, email blackberry phones (out source as a virtual PA company- ). A paralegal may work on legal document drafting, and compiling bundles.
A paralegal may hold crime reduction workshops for youths in the community and domestic violence workshops. With the help of a career coach, a paralegal might discover many other ways to work as a career paralegal or become freelance and earn good living. There are ways to thrive in spite of the credit crunch!
Training as a paralegal will give you an advantage and is very rewarding. A person who trains with the National Association of Licensed Paralegals will become an Associate or Graduate Member of the Association.
The Licensed paralegal route is a great option for those who would otherwise struggle financially. Debts from long academic stages of training could be paid off in time. Licensed Paralegals are good value and should not be overlooked. A fair number of Paralegals are LLB graduates and have taken courses to gain the necessary set of skills and know-how. Since 10 hours a year of CPD (Continuous Professional Development) is a requirement for Licensed Paralegals, many have up-skilled in Administration, legal IT, and marketing.
Solicitors should take notice of the Paralegals who are no longer 'cheap labour' but who are trained and qualified to perform legal tasks on par with themselves. It makes financial sense to make use of these skilled, trained lawyers. Working with paralegals in this way can be viable not only to the solicitor but also to clients as well. They can take on freelancers and pay them by the day or hour, or take them on a contract basis. There are many flexible options.
There is greater competition for jobs in the current recession. Paralegals should no longer be looked upon as cheap labor but taking them on, could be a means of survival for both firms of solicitors and paralegals. Firms of all sizes are reviewing their staff levels. It is time for change - paralegals are experienced, equipped and skilled. Becoming a Licensed Paralegal can be a great alternative even for qualified solicitors who have found themselves redundant, and who would still like to practice law and earn a living.
Law graduates and paralegals might find it useful to check out the Professional body - the National Association of Licensed Paralegals England and Wales to find out about great career option.
There is always a way out of a sticky situation if you ask the right Questions! Unlock the potential - your potential, plan your next move, make an informed decision to become a Licensed paralegal and be the best you can be. Paralegal work can be a home based and regarding business.
This is a booming industry in this economic climate if you know what to do. With the support of a career coach you need to discover how to set up your own business as a freelance paralegal, your skills audit, and career re direction to becoming a Licensed paralegal. You can move away with confidence from redundancy or a canceled training contract. Clarify your career direction.
The National Association of licensed Paralegals has a broad foundation qualification in substantive Law and procedure which is recognized by the Law society in England and Wales.
United Kingdom
Veronica Fasan is a Certified Life coach with background both in legal and education. She is a family coach in times of crisis. ILM graduate, mentors youth, coaches troubled teens she has worked with people who have life issues and challenges over the years and gets results helping them as a coach, sounding board and confidant to people in distress who would rather speak to some one objective she is the owner of F C coaching and consultancy services UK, or mentor she is also an exclusion advocate, a Graduate Licensed member of National Association Licensed Paralegals England and Wales.
http://fccoachingconsultancy.com
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