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Why there is a need for Certified Paralegals
The majority of Institute
members who are practicing paralegals have achieved Certified Paralegal
status.
"Certified Paralegal"
status is a professional designation which tells clients, the government,
regulators, the court and other legal professionals that the Certified
Paralegal has been independently verified as having significant
and genuine practice experience.
The designation is not
proof of competency (the Qualified Paralegal professional designation
does that). Instead it is confirmation of experience - "flying
hours".
There is a great need
for the Certified Paralegal and Qualified Paralegal designations.
Unlike solicitors or barristers, anybody can call themselves
a paralegal regardless of their qualifications, experience or expertise.
For this reason we recommend,
and employers encourage, members to gain formal recognition of their
hard-earned skills and status as professional paralegals by achieving
Certified Paralegal status.
Certified Paralegal - a recognised
professional
designation
The benefits to you:
- A professional title
- Recognition of your professionalism and
experience
- Improved job prospects
- Seniority
- Access to Institute resources and benefits
- More focused training and career development
(stage 3 of the 4 stage Route to Qualification career path)
The benefits to Employers:
- Increasing the professionalism of staff
- Improved staff motivation
- A method of reclassifying and upgrading
quality staff
- Recognition of the professionalism and
benefits of paralegals on staff
- External support for your paralegal staff
- A straightforward career progression that
lends itself to paralegal managers
- Assistance with refocusing your training
and career development programmes for paralegal staff
Who Can Become a Certified
Paralegal?
To be a Certified Paralegal
you must:
- Have met the work experience/educational
requirements
- Be a member of the Institute
- Comply with the rules of the Institute,
in particular the Continuing Professional Development training
requirements
For more information visit
www.theiop.org/application_ind.jsp
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