The magazine dedicated to the paralegal branch of the profession, The Specialist Paralegal has ceased publication.

The magazine had run for 17 issues in conjunction with the Society of Specialist Paralegals, Central Law Training and the University of Strathclyde. The magazine is understood to have been discontinued as a result of financial pressures in the economic downturn.

Editor Lisa Marie Ferla is retaining her contact with the organisation to prepare future newsletters and assisting with the launch of a new "routemap to qualification" to be set up by Central Law Training in association with the Institute of Paralegals in England. An announcement to formalise the project is expected soon.

“Obviously it's disappointing, but in the current economic climate the emphasis has to be on making Specialist Paralegal Qualifications as cost-effective as possible for those looking to train or requalify in another specialism,” Ferla told The Firm.

“With many exciting developments in the pipeline it is certain that the magazine will return in some format in the future."

The next round of paralegal graduations takes place on 27th October.