The National Association of Licensed Paralegals
The Professional Body for Paralegals
The National Association of Licensed Paralegals is the leading professional body for paralegals in England and Wales.
The National Association of Licensed Paralegals is recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual, the regulator of qualifications in England.
Diploma In Paralegal Studies (Level 4/5)
(Formerly the Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies)
Having being introduced in 1988 as The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies, it was in 1996, awarded national approval and accreditation by the National Open College Network (NOCN), a network of further and higher education colleges and educational establishments throughout England and Wales. Since 1989 when the first examinations were held, over 7000 students have sat for the Associate Qualification (A.PLL) - the Association's Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Post Graduate Diploma in Paralegal Practice (Level 7)
The Post Graduate Diploma in Paralegal Practice was introduced, as a result of referrals and with consultation with other legal bodies, to assist law graduates, The course is designed to bridge the gap between an academic degree and the practical and procedural knowledge and skills necessary to be able to function effectively as a career paralegal. Alternatively, it will provide the Graduate with a foundation for subsequent professional development and will help them in their quest to obtain a training contract or to make a decision whether to do the LPC Course.
Higher Diploma in Procedural Law
The Higher Diploma in Procedural Law allows a university to offer to their students an optional career path as a paralegal within their degree program. The effect is that on graduation the student will receive their law degree, the Association's Higher Diploma in Procedural Law and Graduate Membership of the Association.
Law Faculties interested in running this scheme should either email or telephone the association on 020 3176 0907.
Anglia Ruskin University is introducing the programme for 2010/11.
The NALP is in discussion with other Univeristies hoping to introduce the programme either in the coming academic year or in 2011/12.
Thirteen different subject areas leading to Fellowship of the Association (F.PLL) These awards are for the paralegal working in their particular department in Legal Practice, Commerce, Industry or the Public Sector department doing work of a specialised or semi-specialised nature.Awards in Paralegal Studies for the Voluntary and Community Sectors
The demand for a specialised legal qualification to assist the efficient running of community and voluntary associations involved in regional and area regeneration was met by the development, in conjunction with a development trust of the highly successful Advanced Award in Paralegal Studies for the Voluntary and Community Sectors, which was subsequently followed by a Foundation Award and a Fellowship Award in the same sectors. Currently being rewritten, these courses are to be offered again in late 2010.
Licensing
The aim of the licensing provisions is to provide for the regulation of our members in order to bring them in line with the rest of the legal profession. Whereas anyone can call themselves a 'paralegal', only those who can fulfil the criteria laid down by the association can call themselves a 'Licensed Paralegal'. By gaining qualifications and experience, paralegals can work, through the association, towards gaining the coveted goal of being licensed.
Over time it became apparent that the legal profession, generally, was changing and there became a perceived need for the paralegal profession to become more in tune with the changing market. As a result of the introduction by the Government of a review of legal services by Sir David Clementi in 2004, the association, after consultation, published its strategic plan for the self-regulation of the paralegal profession by way of licensing. This was implemented in 2005 following the publication of the Clementi Report and accordingly the association was restructured as "The National Association of Licensed Paralegals" and commenced issuing licenses to those paralegals who could satisfy the Licensing Criteria laid down by the association, of knowledge, competence, dedication, good character and continuing professional development. The association provides this as the bench-mark in England and Wales for the qualified, experienced and dedicated paralegal. As a result, the association now caters for all paralegals, at whatever stage they have reached in their career development.
The Association has trained students throughout England and Wales as well as in America, Antigua, Arabian Gulf, Australia, Austria, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Isles, British West Indies, Canada, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Scotland, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda and Vietnam.
NALP is a not for profit company limited by guarantee
