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Paralegals
Most are employed in private practice law firms where paralegals may be tasked with performing substantive legal work in supporting solicitors. The work is increasingly acknowledged as being a substantive role as part of the legal team in delivering the legal process. Paralegal roles also exist in a variety of work environments including the public sector, government departments, local authorities, police and social services departments and courts. Many departments in commerce and industry also have their own in-house legal services.
Duties can vary enormously from role to role. Some may be quite specialist to a particular area such as conveyancing, personal injury or litigation whilst other paralegal roles may involve various or routine tasks. Administrative tasks may be undertaken and a degree of willingness to assist as appropriate is required.
A good law degree may be a minimum requirement of some firms as employment as a paralegal is increasingly taken up by LPC or BVC diplomats not having secured their professional progression. Some law firms are opting to recruit for training contracts from their own (or other) paralegal applicants, so providing another potential means of securing a contract having demonstrated commitment and suitability in this role. In some cases some of the time spent as a paralegal may reduce the training contract by up to six months.
At an earlier stage, those deferring entry to LPC or BVC training are attracted to paralegal roles on temporary or fixed contracts to gain insight and experience. A relevant degree not always a requirement and so different employers tend to have different entry requirements.
The term and role of the paralegal is increasingly becoming a distinct professional group and salaries are rising. Increasingly graduates may opt or decide to make this their career role particularly if supported by appropriate and designated studies provided by professional organisations (see below).
Many opportunities for paralegal jobs across Yorkshire are advertised and secured via recruitment agencies. Law firms or organisations also advertise on their websites or respond to speculative applications.
Useful links:
Online legal resource for solicitors and barristers. Includes various searchable directories including the Top 10 legal firms.
Professional representative and regulatory body for practising solicitors in England and Wales. Site includes 'Find a Solicitor' to locate firms by set criteria including location. You can also search which events are being held in the Yorkshire region.
This is a list of the contact details for the 14 different Law Societies across the region.
The Sheffield District Incorporated Law Society
The Sheffield District Incorporated Law Society represents Solicitors practising within Sheffield, Rotherham and the immediate surrounding areas.
One of the oldest law societies in the country, Leeds Law Society provides support and advice to legal professionals working in or near Leeds. Lead stories from their monthly magazine The Leeds & Yorkshire Lawyer can be browsed on-site. They are also a supporter of the Leeds legal campaign (see below).
Based on Leeds' position as the largest legal market outside London, Leeds Legal is a partnership of top legal firms in the city working to market their services collectively and promote the high levels of service and advice provided by the city's law firms. Find out more about the Leeds law firms on their site.
Explains the work of the CPS and offers training and recruitment information. They also provide information on the CPS areas across the region.
The Law Centres Federation is the national body for a network of community based Law Centres, which provide free independent legal advice and representation to the most disadvantaged members of society. Details of the Law Centres in the region can be found on the site (North East region).
Community Legal Advice is funded by the Legal Services Commission and delivered in partnership with independent advice agencies and solicitors. They offer free, confidential and independent legal advice for residents of England and Wales.