Amanda Hamilton, the former CEO of NALP who fought tirelessly for better recognition of paralegals in the UK, is retiring on 30th June.
Amanda has transformed the sector taking paralegals from a job that was barely recognised for its contribution, to a career that is often described as the ‘back bone of the law sector’.
During her 14 years as CEO, Amanda transformed NALP from a small administration-based operation into a recognised professional organisation with national influence. She moved operations to London, incorporated the organisation formally, expanded its reach, engaged varied stakeholders and ensured they recognised the role of paralegals, and worked relentlessly to gain credibility with regulators and professional bodies.
Amanda changed the possibilities for paralegals, giving them a voice and recognition for their contribution. She helped to establish formal qualifications and professional standards for paralegals.
Under her leadership, NALP achieved awarding body status, enabling it to offer regulated qualifications including the Level 4 and Level 7 Diplomas in Paralegal Studies and Practice.
In addition, Amanda also developed the Licence to Practise helping paralegals set up their own firms to offer services direct to the public, and helped create the NALP Paralegal Achievement Awards.
However, her greatest success has been changing perceptions. She has helped take paralegals from hidden, often unrecognised contributors, to a respected and valued profession.
Her vision for the future is clear: that every young person considering a legal career fully understands the breadth of opportunities available to them.
“For years, people only talked about becoming a solicitor or barrister,” she says. “I want professional paralegals to be recognised as the third option alongside those established professions.”
Amanda is now stepping back to focus her time on the National Paralegal College and her other passion; Argentine Tango.
“Without Amanda the paralegal sector would not be where it is today. She has been a force of nature fighting tirelessly to ensure paralegals get the recognition they deserve. Everyone at NALP will miss Amanda, her passion and her insight, and we wish her a wonderful (semi) retirement dancing the tango.” Said NALP CEO, Chantal Cooke.
‘It has been an honour and privilege to guide NALP over a long period of time and to increase recognition of the paralegal profession, but it’s my time to take a step back and leave the next stage of development in the very capable hands of my colleague, Chantal Cooke.’ said Amanda Hamilton.
ABOUT NALP
The National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) is a non-profit membership body and the only paralegal body that is recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual (the regulator of qualifications in England). Through its Centres around the country, accredited and recognised professional paralegal qualifications are offered for those looking for a career as a paralegal professional.
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