A reception is being held at the Scottish Parliament to mark the commencement of Law Society of Scotland Registered Paralegal Scheme, in association with the Scottish Paralegal Association.

The event on 22 September marks the culmination of efforts to regulate and recognise the estimated 10,000 legal executives and paralegals working in Scots law firms.

The scheme "seeks to define and credit the role of highly qualified paralegals in Scotland and set new, high standards for the new ‘Registered Paralegal. The aim is to support paralegals, the solicitors who employ them, and the public."

The reception is being chaired by convener of the Justice Committee Bill Aitken MSP and will be attended by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.