The rise of the Senior Paralegal

Faith Kelly
Senior Manager,
Sellick Partnership

In recent years, the legal industry has witnessed significant changes, including the rise of the Senior Paralegal role. While larger, national firms have already embraced this shift, smaller firms often lag in recognising and rewarding experienced Paralegals.

Imagine a seasoned Paralegal, whose years of dedication and intricate knowledge rival that of any new Lawyer. They’ve chosen to remain in a supportive yet pivotal role, not because of a lack of ambition, but because their passion and expertise lie in the meticulous, behind-the-scenes work that keeps the legal machine running smoothly. Yet, despite their invaluable contributions, they often find themselves grouped with fresh graduates, their experience unacknowledged and unrewarded.

For the firms yet to take into consideration the need for evolution, it’s time to understand why elevating the Paralegal role can transform a firm’s culture and efficiency.

Here, our aim is to educate legal employers on the benefits of restructuring the Paralegal role – particularly for career Paralegals, to include senior positions, thereby acknowledging the expertise and dedication given to their careers.

Recognising ‘career Paralegals’

It’s important to acknowledge that not all legal professionals aspire to become Solicitors or pursue additional qualifications. Many Paralegals find fulfilment in their support roles and choose to remain as what we call ‘career Paralegals’.

This is a decision that often aligns with the personal circumstances or lifestyle preferences. For these individuals, the traditional view of Paralegals as junior or entry-level staff is not only outdated but also overlooks their substantial contributions, the hard work they deliver and the experience they have gained.

Retention of valuable employees

Many of the partners and senior members of staff I speak to, from a recruitment and retention perspective, know the value Paralegals bring. However, the vast majority are unwilling when it comes to having a progressional pathway which means paying a higher salary to a seasoned Paralegal.

But by not creating this pathway for experienced Paralegals to advance within their roles, firms risk losing valuable employees to competitors. The cost of replacing a knowledgeable Paralegal, including recruitment and training expenses, often exceeds the cost of providing a modest salary increase.

Recognising and retaining seasoned Paralegals can therefore be a cost-effective strategy for smaller firms. This is especially the case when you consider the number of entry-level Paralegals who will be training and looking for their next opportunity one to two years down the line, only for the firm to start all over again.

A pathway to progression

As previously mentioned, progressional routes allow employees to advance and improve, however it also offers alternative pathways they may never have considered before. Deviating from the traditional path of advancing to a Solicitor role, means that career Paralegals can look into moving to supervisory or management positions within the firm.

This can allow them to continue contributing to the firm’s success while advancing their careers in a manner that suits both their skills and ambitions.

Depending on the size of the company, a Senior Paralegal could nurture the other Paralegals in the team, ensuring that they don’t feel stagnant in their role. There could also be an opportunity to specialise in a certain area.

Experience deserves recognition 

When it comes to pay, some of the clients we work with offer the same salary to a Paralegal no matter what stage you’re at in your career, or the experience you’ve built – the title is the title regardless. However, in some cases experienced Paralegals might have their own caseload which requires a simple sign off by a Solicitor, whereas a junior would need much more supervision.

Career Paralegals, who have built up their expertise and can be considered a safe pair of hands, should not be treated the same as those just starting out as entry-level Paralegals that needs extensive training. Training that may even be delivered by their experienced counterpart.

Balancing salaries and charge-out rates

While it is important to reward experienced Paralegals, firms must also consider the financial implications. Unlike Solicitors, whose charge-out rates can increase significantly with experience, Paralegals typically have a cap on their charge-out rates.

Therefore, there must be a salary limit for Senior Paralegals to ensure financial viability for the firm. However, within this cap, there should be room for salary progression to reflect their expertise and contributions.

Conclusion

The rise of the Senior Paralegal is a positive development that smaller firms should embrace, if they aren’t already. By recognising and rewarding experienced Paralegals, firms can retain valuable staff, reduce turnover costs, and foster a more motivated and dedicated workforce.

While it is important to maintain a balance in salaries, acknowledging the expertise of career Paralegals through senior roles can ultimately benefit both the employees and the firm. It is time for smaller firms to follow the lead of their larger counterparts, where possible, and offer career Paralegals the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

At Sellick Partnership, we specialise in legal recruitment, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of both clients and candidates.

For clients looking to restructure the Paralegal role within their firms, we provide expert guidance and strategic advice to ensure a seamless transition that maximises efficiency and acknowledges their value.

Our extensive network and industry insights enable us to identify and attract top talent, whether you're seeking to fill a newly created Senior Paralegal position or looking for Paralegals ready to take the next step in their careers. For candidates, we offer personalised support and career advice, helping you find roles that align with your skills, ambitions, and lifestyle.

To learn more about Sellick Partnership, visit: https://www.sellickpartnership.co.uk/.