Blurred lines
Earlier this year, the then president of CILEx, Stephen Gowland, announced that the organisation would be carrying out an enquiry to investigate and prepare for what the next twenty or thirty years might hold for the legal profession.
Partially because of the difficulties brought about by the cuts to legal aid, the changes in personal injury litigation and increased commoditisation of legal services, there has been a significant increase in the number of unqualified or unregulated individuals either seeking a place in a changing market or necessarily filling a gap in what is perceived to be an unprofitable area.
For these reasons, this has become known as the Paralegal Enquiry. It is a fitting starting point, as the role of the one-time managing clerk, non-qualified litigator and legal executive has blurred as much as it has evolved over the past few decades. The increasing 'Americanisation'
of the British legal profession has seen the word paralegal thrown around without caution, leading to confusion within the profession, let alone with the public.
This week, I chaired the first of a series of paralegal focus groups which will seek to determine what it means to be a paralegal in today's myriad legal professional environments. Taking a broad view of the landscape has already opened my eyes to people and places I had previously never contemplated. The rise in litigants in person, McKenzie Friends and in house paralegals has all resulted from changes already being affected. But where will it stop?
Although the results of the enquiry are unlikely to be published before the middle
of next year, such is the range of opinions, comments, experiences and scenarios being sought, it is fair to say that this is one of the most wide-ranging and comprehensive pieces of research to be undertaken in this area. With CILEx having more than 12,000 members wearing the 'paralegal' badge, it is clear that this research is not only timely,
but necessary.
Labelling of legal professionals is only the start and will require some deep thinking. A title which accurately represents the role of the individual, makes them feel valued and identifies an appropriate career path will become essential as well as being in the professional and public interest.
It is the paralegal with aspirations and goals who will become the most valuable asset, yet there is a real risk that such roles
will continue to be filled with cheap and temporary labour. After meeting some inspirational yet frustrated paralegals this week, I see that as the market continues to change, firms and businesses will be forced to offer more than a 'foot in the door' or the proverbial 'training contract carrot' to get the workforce it wants.
Kevin Poulter, editor at large
@SJ_Weekly
#SJPOULTER
editorial@solicitorsjournal.co.uk