The Law Society has commissioned former Ministry of Justice senior civil servant Nick Smedley (pictured) to produce research papers on paralegal qualifications and on improved support for solicitor-advocates.

Smedley’s first paper will be a ‘scoping study’ into whether the Law Society should develop or endorse qualifications for the rapidly growing paralegal market. Former minister Alan Milburn’s 2009 paper of diversity in the professions, Unleashing Aspiration, recommended that the professions be opened up to a wider mix of people.

The second paper will be a study into the support that solicitor-advocates may need. Over 5,000 solicitors now have the right to appear in the higher courts. The Society wants to see whether they are being properly supported and have the tools they need to maintain and enhance standards.

Law Society president Robert Heslett said paralegal qualifications are becoming increasingly important as the market continues to grow. He said: ‘Given the Milburn agenda, people are looking for recognised ways of entering the profession. We want to see whether there is a demand for this among solicitors.’

Heslett added: ‘Solicitor-advocates are here to stay and provide important additional choice and competition in the market. The Society wants to support them and help them achieve the highest standards.’