Klein Hamilton News
The Paralegal Shortcut
Written By - Sam Haynes - February 16,2017
Following the introduction of the “Paralegal shortcut” in July 2014, Legal Practice Course (LPC) graduates have qualified as Solicitors via this route. Under the shortcut, LPC graduates who have gained equivalent experience to a newly-qualified trainee can apply to become Solicitors.
If they are approved, they are given the status of someone who has completed their training contract but has not yet secured a job as a newly-qualified Solicitor.
SRA policy manager Carol Cook described the Paralegal shortcut as “a tough process” but “fair and transparent”. In an interview with Young Legal Aid Lawyers, Cook outlined how she and her colleagues assess an application for the shortcut:
“We carry out an initial check on applications to see if we can provide guidance on overall quality and whether they might need additional detail or evidence,” she said. “The applicant can make further representations on the detailed assessment of their application before we make a final decision.”
Cook added that to benefit fully from this, LPC graduates working as Paralegals “should plan now for future applications”, explaining:
“They need to think about evidence to support their application, work with their employers to set objectives and development needs that meet training stage outcomes, plan their work, keep a diary, and keep records of appraisals and performance reviews.”
The Paralegal shortcut falls under the “periods of recognised training” umbrella, which replaced the old — but still much-used — “training contract”. Part of the reason for the change in terminology was to facilitate the shortcut, helping the glut of LPC graduates stuck in Paralegal purgatory to finally become Solicitors.
Training contract numbers took a tumble lin 2014, with 5,097 training contracts registered between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2014 — a drop of more than 200 on 2012-13. Meanwhile, 6,171 students completed the LPC in 2013.
If they are approved, they are given the status of someone who has completed their training contract but has not yet secured a job as a newly-qualified Solicitor.
SRA policy manager Carol Cook described the Paralegal shortcut as “a tough process” but “fair and transparent”. In an interview with Young Legal Aid Lawyers, Cook outlined how she and her colleagues assess an application for the shortcut:
“We carry out an initial check on applications to see if we can provide guidance on overall quality and whether they might need additional detail or evidence,” she said. “The applicant can make further representations on the detailed assessment of their application before we make a final decision.”
Cook added that to benefit fully from this, LPC graduates working as Paralegals “should plan now for future applications”, explaining:
“They need to think about evidence to support their application, work with their employers to set objectives and development needs that meet training stage outcomes, plan their work, keep a diary, and keep records of appraisals and performance reviews.”
The Paralegal shortcut falls under the “periods of recognised training” umbrella, which replaced the old — but still much-used — “training contract”. Part of the reason for the change in terminology was to facilitate the shortcut, helping the glut of LPC graduates stuck in Paralegal purgatory to finally become Solicitors.
Training contract numbers took a tumble lin 2014, with 5,097 training contracts registered between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2014 — a drop of more than 200 on 2012-13. Meanwhile, 6,171 students completed the LPC in 2013.
Klein Hamilton Legal & Financeare an Accredited Legal Recruitment Consultancy who advise on recruitment strategy for some of the biggest names in the legal sector, with geographic locations in Manchester, London, Birmingham and Leeds. For any recruitment advice, feel free to make contact with Klein Hamilton Legal & Financevia the following link. https://www.kleinhamilton.co.uk/contact