The number of paralegals working in England has doubled in the last decade and is set to rise further, according to a government-sponsored think-tank.
A report by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills showed the number of paralegals has increased from 24,509 in 2001 to 51,250 today—a rise of 109%. By contrast, solicitors have seen a 40% rise in their numbers in the same period.
The report predicts that demand will grow as competition intensifies following the introduction of alternative business structures.
According to the National Association of Licensed Paralegals, the results of the report are over-cautious, and there are approximately 200,000 paralegals currently working in the legal sector.
Amanda Hamilton, chief executive of NALP, says the rise in numbers is due to an increased emphasis on providing cost effective legal services to clients.
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