About Us
Formed in 1993, the Scottish Paralegal Association is the only association formally recognised by the Law Society of Scotland as the body representing the interests and promoting the development of paralegals in Scotland. The Association holds among its membership paralegals who operate in a variety of roles within the legal profession assisting solicitors in many areas of law. The Association acts in the best interests of the members in representing their collective opinions and views.
We have in place a firmly established membership criteria, code of conduct, and grading structure. The grading system operated by the Association was developed through consultation with the Law Society. All of which, when combined with a requirement for CPD, ensure that members of the Scottish Paralegal Association carry out duties in a competent and professional manner. We also provide a “Situations Vacant” service through our website and, in addition to advertising by recruitment agencies, we accept adverts from law firms.
Furthermore, satellite groups have been formed in certain areas to allow for social contact.
We have a good relationship with the Law Society of Scotland and through our many discussions with their representatives and also with Central Law Training a variety of update courses are now offered, our members can also attend seminars held by a number of faculties.
Given the increasing use of paralegals in both the public and private sectors we believe that it is in the best interests of paralegals, employers, clients and the public as a whole that persons employed as paralegals ought to meet certain criteria and be able to demonstrate ability in their field. Membership of the Scottish Paralegal Association helps prove this ability and provides comfort to clients and employers alike.
One of our objectives is to increase our database and to this end we would appreciate if you could circulate this information to any members of staff who might meet the criteria as “paralegals” and wish to join our Association. We would also welcome any enquiries from employers.
Contact can be made through the SPA President, Christine Lambie