Institute of Paralegals
Setting Standards - Promoting Professionalism
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
2. Which grade should I apply for?
3. Can I speak to someone to discuss my particular circumstances?
4. What if I live in the UK but have legal training and experience from overseas?
5. I am already a lawyer in the UK (as opposed to overseas). Can I join?
6. I am a trainee legal executive. Can I join?
7. I am qualified as a lawyer overseas. Can I join?
8. I am an overseas paralegal. Can I join?
9. Why do you distinguish between UK and international members?
Answers
You can apply online today, or download a form for completion later: click here
2. Which Grade/Qualification/Designation Should I Apply For?
To see your options please click here.:
3. Can I Speak With Someone to Discuss my Situation?
We would be delighted to assist you. You can telephone our membership secretary, Annie Hall on:
020 7587 3919 (if calling from outside the UK, dial +44 20 7587 3919)
4. What if I Live in the UK But Have Legal Training/Experience From Overseas?
You need to apply for the UK grade most appropriate for you. Some credit can be given for any overseas experience you have, but not for overseas qualifications: see more (if you are living overseas then all your overseas qualifications and experience may be considered relevant).
No disrespect is intended to your overseas education and experience - it is just that the Hong Kong and International grades are not available to people in the UK because of the possible confusion it would cause.
5. I am Already a Lawyer in the UK (as Opposed to Overseas). Can I Join?
Yes. The Legal Services Act 2007 recognises eight groups of lawyer: solicitors, legal executives, barristers, trade mark agents, patent agents, law costs draftsmen, notaries and licensed conveyancers. All but law costs draftsmen are entitled to join immediately as Qualified Paralegals. Law costs draftsmen are excluded because they do not practice law so much as provide a support service (invaluable and important though it is).
6. I am a Trainee/Associate of the Institute of Legal Executives. Can I Join?
You would be most welcome. We appreciate that although pursuing a Filex qualification right now you may also be a paralegal. We have no problem with "dual nationality". The route to becoming a legal executive can be a long one. We have a number of members happily working towards Filex status but who want interim professional recognition. We are happy to provide a both a permanent and a temporary home!
7. I am Qualified as a Lawyer Overseas. Can I Join?
You are welcome to join. However we can only formally recognise your overseas qualification, education and experience if you are still resident overseas and want to become an International member.
If you are resident overseas then you are eligible to immediately become a Qualified Paralegal.
8. I am an Overseas Paralegal. Can I Join?
You are very welcome to join. However the above points about UK/Hong Kong/overseas lawyers and recognition of their qualifications etc., also apply to overseas paralegals.
9. Why do You Distinguish between UK, Hong Kong and International Members?
Because the Registered Paralegal, Certified Paralegal and Qualified Paralegal grades tell clients, the courts and other legal professionals about your level of experience and competency in the laws of the country you are practising in.
Members who live and work outside of England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland will rarely have expertise in UK practice and procedure - hence the reference to UK, Hong Kong and International members.