What is the Society of Specialist Paralegals?

The Society is the alumni association for over 4,000 graduates of the Specialist Paralegal Practitioner Programme in association with two of the UK’s leading law schools - the University of Strathclyde and the University of the West of England. The Society creates a UK-wide network of alumni from both prestigious institutions and promotes the status of qualified Paralegal Practitioners.


Who is eligible for membership?

All past graduates of the Specialist Paralegal Practitioner Programme are automatically eligible for membership. In addition, Associate Membership is available to those who have successfully completed a BTEC Introductory Paralegal Award. To find out more about our range of paralegal qualifications in both England and Scotland, please visit our website at
www.paralegaldistancelearning.co.uk

How much does membership cost?

Full Membership of the Society of Specialist Paralegals runs for a period of one year from your date of joining, for an annual subscription fee of £50.


What is a paralegal?

There is currently no fixed definition as to who exactly can call themselves a paralegal, but the term - which originated in America - is generally used to refer to somebody qualified by a combination of education and work experience in a law environment to perform substantive legal work, usually under the ultimate direction and supervision of a solicitor.


Do paralegals have to do CPD?

It is recommended that members of the Society of Specialist Paralegals undertake at least ten hours CPD (5 hours for Associate Members) in their membership year to ensure they are kept up to date with the latest developments in their field of expertise. Members are entitled to discounts across a full range of update seminars and conferences. For more information about eligible CPD, please see the relevant page on our left hand menu.