A Paralegal is not a qualified Solicitor or Barrister but is a person who can perform legal work given their knowledge of the law and its procedures. Paralegals offer a less costly but just as highly effective legal support alternative to Solicitors. Hence, that's probably why most Solicitor firms employ so many Paralegals themselves.

However, Paralegals do not have the same rights as a solicitor. Paralegals can do almost everything that a solicitor can do, but there are some exceptions.

Despite knowledge and experience of the law and legal procedures and practices, Paralegals are not statutorily regulated.

However, some Paralegals are members of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals.

Paralegals can assist with the following:

• Financial claims (i.e. debt recovery and debt defence - both personal and commercial)
• Business solutions and legal guidance
• Matrimonial or Civil Partnership disputes
• Employment disputes and tribunals
• Housing and welfare disputes
• Mediation

Paralegals cannot help with Reserved Activities which include the following:

• The exercise of a right of audience
• The conduct of litigation
• Conveyancing activities
• Probate activities
• Notarial activities
• The administration of oaths
• Immigration advice

If an unauthorised person or Paralegal undertakes any of these, it is a criminal offence. 

The Small Claims Court often deals with claims of a value between £1 and £10,000. Hence, in most cases, you will not be able to recover the costs you incur with a solicitor, even if you win. Therefore, using a Paralegal to assist you in preparing your claim makes economic sense. 

Claims with a value of over £10,000 are likely to be covered by Fast Track or Multi-Track. Therefore, it is recommended that you instruct the services of a solicitor in such a case.

The short answer is yes. A claim form must be issued within the Limitation Period, usually six years from when your right to make a claim arose in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, this is five years.

No, as certain activities are reserved under the Legal Services Act of 2007. However, Pendular Paralegal Services can help show you how to make a claim. We will support you from the moment you start your claim through the preparation of paperwork. We can also help with what aspects of the claim you should be bringing to the judges attention.