Law Society Chief Executive Lorna Jack addressed an audience of legal academics and professionals at the launch of the Centre for Scottish Paralegal Education in Glasgow this afternoon.

The centre at Glasgow’s Central College opens ahead of the planned registered paralegal scheme run by the Law Society, tentatively anticipated to be up and running during summer 2010.

The centre aims to provide consistent paralegal training, based on recognised academic standards, combined with practical experience, ensuring for the first time that the term ‘paralegal’ has an authoritatively recognised definition.

"In recognition of the importance of paralegals in the delivery of legal services in Scotland, the Society has worked with the Scottish Paralegal Association for over a decade, ultimately assisting with the introduction of a CPD and complaints regime for their members. In 1997, the Society recognised the Scottish Paralegal Association as the independent representative organisation for paralegals in Scotland,” Jack said.

Jack welcomed the imminent registered paralegal scheme , which aims to introduce educational standards, continuing professional development obligations, and a complaints regime for the Registered Paralegal.

“It is these elements combined which the Society intends to ensure the protection of qualified paralegals, the solicitors who employ them and, of course, the public who are consumers of legal services.

Lorna Jack's full address can be read here.