- What are the aims of the PPR?
- Who has set up the PPR?
- Why do Paralegals need to join a Recognised Membership Body (RMB)?
- I am a Member of a Recognised Membership Body that has a self-regulatory scheme, why do I also need to join the PPR?
- What are the benefits of joining the PPR?
- When would I need a Paralegal Practising Certificate?
- What type of Paralegal Practising Certificate would I need?
- How can I obtain Professional Indemnity Insurance?
- How will you regulate Paralegals?
- Which Tier will I be in?
The Professional Paralegal Register (PPR) is a voluntary registered scheme to promote professional paralegals as a recognised fourth arm of the legal profession and to enhance consumer choice and protection.
The National Association of Licensed Paralegals and The Institute of Paralegals after extensive consultation with other regulatory bodies; employers; sector stakeholders and Paralegals.
Membership bodies exist for the benefit of their members and are sector specific. They provide advice on careers and offer self-regulation. In order to be able to apply to be on the PPR, you must be a member of a RCB who is able to verify your eligibility.
The PPR is the overarching voluntary regulator for all Paralegals who do not work in solicitor’s firms. The PPR adds a final tier of complaints handling that will assist your clients to obtain compensation should things go wrong.
Currently consumers cannot take complaints to the Legal Ombudsman for services that have been offered in the unregulated market. The PPR seeks to resolve this problem.
The PPR sets the standards for paralegal practising certificates and in time only those paralegals with such certificates will be effectively employable in assuring consumer protection.
There are many benefits including: a robust regulatory scheme to give consumer confidence; a recognised status provided by the Tiers; accessibility to employers and consumers via the register; the ability to provide consumers with real redress to include sanctions against a paralegal who has not provided the professional service; the ability for compensation to be awarded; membership of the fourth arm of the legal profession; improved professional status; the ability to be able to advertise your services; advice and guidance on good practice and improved ability to contribute to the shaping of the Paralegal Profession through consultations and discussions.
If you are offering legal services to consumers you must have a Paralegal Practising Certificate.
This depends on the services and area(s) of law that you practice in.
At Tier 2 only a ‘Specified Certificate’ is available to cover one area of law.
At Tier 3 and 4 you may apply for a ‘General Certificate’ if you offer more than one area of law.
You must have PII insurance to include document storage with
£1 million cover if you have a Paralegal Practising Certificate. You may obtain this cover with any broker company that you wish. For convenience you may use the downloadable form available on this site.
We will regulate in a proportionate way dependant on the risks that are associated with your activity. We will be open and transparent in all that we do for the benefit of the profession, the legal sector as a whole and for the end user.
The Tier that you will be in depends on the qualifications and/or experience that you have.
The Tiers progress from 1-4, with 4 being the highest tier.
If you have been working for many years offering legal services but do not have formal qualifications, then your application will depend upon the membership level you have gained with your RMB and the evidence that you can provide as to your competency.