Scotia Law Training launches paralegal apprenticeship

The apprenticeship, with the training provided by Scotia, enables legal employers to train current or new employees with a comprehensive programme of paralegal skills. Participants can then be fast tracked into paralegal roles, thereby freeing up more experienced staff.

Apprentices may specialise in one of these areas: Civil Litigation, Conveyancing, Criminal Litigation or Executries. Candidates study by distance learning and are assessed in the workplace on a limited number of occasions. The apprentice gains a nationally recognised paralegal qualification and employers can benefit from funding depending on candidate eligibility, e.g., full grants apply for 16 to 19 year olds.

Scotia has been providing paralegal qualifications for the Law Society’s Accredited Paralegal scheme since 2010 but this is the first time the company has offered a modern apprenticeship. In fact, Scotia is the first provider to offer the Modern Apprenticeship in Paralegal Practice.

Rob Marrs, head of education, Law Society of Scotland said: “It is great to see the Modern Apprenticeship in Paralegal Practice launched – it should open up a fantastic career to many young Scots. Hopefully legal employers get involved and hire paralegal apprentices.”

Katherine Howells-Price, solicitor, Lyons Davidson, added: “Lyons Davidson Solicitors are delighted to be working with Scotia Law Training to bring the MA in Paralegal Practice to life in Scotland. We have been involved in developing apprenticeships across the UK and have seen first hand in England and Wales the huge benefits they bring to both the staff and the company.”

Scotia’s managing director, Munro McCannell commented: “I am very grateful for the support provided by the legal profession, which has enabled Scotia to offer the apprenticeships to the sector.”

See www.scotialawtraining.co.uk and contact Munro at 0141 354 1446 or munro@scotialawtraining.co.uk.