Brief History

About the NALP

Established in 1987 the NALP has always striven to develop, promote and increase the visibility of Paralegals in the legal profession. NALP is the leading paralegal training organisation catering for the Career Paralegal and those starting out in their paralegal careers. Our qualified paralegals work within the legal profession and in commerce, industry, private and public sectors.

NALPs qualifications and training ensures the proper recognition of its members as an integral part of the legal profession, along with its ethical standards which they have to adhere to.

Awarding Body

In 2009 the NALP became an Awarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) and the NALP and since 2010 both NALP Paralegal qualifications are now on the NQF (National Qualifications Framework)

Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies

The Association's main benchmark qualification was introduced in 1988: Originally called The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies, the Diploma consists of 10 subject areas delivered in two modules: General Principles of Law and Procedure Law. On successful completion of the course students receive an Associate level qualification and can use the post nominal letters of A.PLL.

Level 7 Post Graduate Diploma in

Paralegal Practice

Introduced in 1999 this course caters for Law graduates (LLB or BA Law) and offers the necessary knowledge and skills in procedural law to enable them to take the alternative career route as a career paralegal. This Diploma consists of six Procedural Law units and four Legal Skills units. On successful completion of the course students receive an Graduate level qualification and can use the post nominal letters of A.PLL.

The Fellowship Awards

Designed for the qualified paralegal working in legal practice, there are thirteen different specialised subject areas to choose from and research. On successful completion of the course students receive the Fellowship level qualification and can use the post nominal letters of F.PLL.

Joint Diploma Scheme

NALP has a successful programme with several UK universities offering a combined LLB law degree with a Paralegal Diploma, which gives graduates an additional academic qualification, and thus an advantage on entering the legal sector.