Little Support For Equivalent Means Qualification

The equivalent means route to qualification, whereby a paralegal who has completed the LPC can become a solicitor if they can demonstrate sufficient experience, has received uncertain support from those in the profession.

In a survey conducted by the Leeds Law Society, just 27% of industry professionals believe that paralegals should be able to qualify. 38% of respondents were uncertain, saying that they ‘possibly’ think that paralegals should be able to qualify through equivalent means.

One respondent said that, “Paralegals do not usually have the breadth of experience in the number of areas that trainees are offered.” Another argued that, “there would have to be criteria relating to length of experience, and also criteria stipulating a required range of experience (as is the case for a training contract). It should also depend on some form of academic achievement, not just experience in a work place.”

70% of respondents were concerned that paralegals do not receive adequate supervision or have enough experience. 22% believe that paralegals need three years’ experience before qualifying, with 10% believing five years is a better length of time. Detailed responses showed that many believe paralegals should experience different areas of law before they can qualify.

The survey also found:

- 45% believe legal apprenticeships could possibly increase diversity in the profession

- 62% believe more students will undertake legal apprenticeships as a result of GDL and LPC fees. 

Blog

• Catalonia - arrest warrants issued for deposed government members
• Clifford Chance’s SPARK Scheme: How can it help you to secure a training contract early on?
• Gender pay gap at the top - women paid around £12,000 less
• Robert Mugabe resigns after a 37 year rule
• "The Gender Pay Gap Is A Continuing Reality"