Testimonials

Over 6,000 past graduates have qualified with Specialist Paralegal Qualifications and have gone on to forge successful careers in the Scottish paralegal profession. A few of our success stories are listed below.

1 – Stephen John McGowan

Name (full title):	Stephen John McGowan
Firm/Company:	Lindsays
Years Practicing:	Qualified as a paralegal in 2003, qualified as a solicitor in 2010
Practice Area:	Licensing Law
Job Title:	Director – Licensing and Gambling

"Becoming a qualified licensing paralegal was very much a springboard for my career. The Qualification enabled me to secure a position with a specialist firm of solicitors in the first instance, from which I then decided to pursue a full law degree. The academic experience of taking the course certainly helped me with the law degree as well as the work experience I was able to gain through the position it helped me secure. I am now a qualified solicitor specialising in the field of licensing and in fact I was ultimately appointed the tutor to the very course I had taken myself. I am now honoured to help future paralegals through their own studies and am very proud of the candidates I have successfully guided to graduation."

1.	Why did you decide to become a paralegal?
	I was working in the licensing section of Glasgow City Council and the area of law was of personal interest as well as relevant to my job. I decided to put myself through the course for personal development and to add to my CV
2.	In which area of law did you qualify with a Specialist Paralegal Qualification?
	Licensing
3.	Did you attend a tutorial class of complete the course via distance learning?
	Distance learning
4.	How did you hear about our courses?
	Through marketing
5.	What did you like about the course?
	It gave me access to the wider sources and resources of the area of law in which I was interested as well as personal guidance from the tutor at that time
6.	Would you say the course enhanced your career prospects? If yes, why?
	Yes. I was able to secure a position within a private firm which was certainly assisted by my qualification
7.	Did you attend the graduation? If so, did you enjoy the ceremony?
	I did not attend the ceremony due to other commitments but I have attended numerous ceremonies as the tutor of the course and I think it is very worthwhile that students be given their “day in the sun” after all the hard work they have put into achieving the certificate.
8.	Would you recommend the course to a friend/colleague?	YES
9.	Did your employer help you fund the course?	NO
10.	Paralegals play a vital role in the delivery of legal services in Scotland – how would you describe your role in the firm?
	As I now a qualified solicitor I am perhaps not able to answer this directly but I have three qualified paralegals working in my team and their knowledge and support is invaluable.
11.	Are you a Registered Paralegal?	NO
12.	If not, do you intend to join the Registered Paralegal Scheme?	NO
13.	Are you a member of the Society of Specialist Paralegals?	YES
14.	Do you undertake CPD courses regularly?	YES
15.	What would you say to anyone who was interested in a career as a paralegal?
	I have advised a number of people that a paralegal certificate is a most valuable undertaking and would recommend it to anyone interested in seeking a formally recognised legal qualification

2 – Gillian McGoldrick

Name (full title):	Gillian McGoldrick
Firm/Company:	Tods Murray LLP
Years Practicing:	Qualified as a Paralegal in 2005 (6)
Practice Area:	Family Law
Job Title:	Senior Legal Executive

"I joined Tods Murray as a Legal Executive in December 2006 in the Litigation Department in the Glasgow Office. I deal with a variety of cases and in particular specialise in Debt Recovery and Housing Law cases. I handle my own caseload under the supervision of the Glasgow Litigation Partner and deal with all aspects of each case from taking instructions, preparing court documentation, attending at Court for first hearings in Summary Cause and Small Claims actions until either Decree is granted or the case becomes defended. In defended actions I support the solicitors on the team by assisting them with the preparations required for proof hearings. I was recently promoted to Senior Legal Executive and look forward to the challenges and added responsibilities that my new role will bring

Tods Murray is a leading independent Scottish law firm, dedicated to providing first rate, innovative and commercially aware specialist advice to companies, institutions and organisations, within both the private and public sectors, and to families, individuals and charities. The firm is very supportive of the role of the paralegal and actively encourage my involvement with the Law Society Registered Paralegal Standing Committee representing the Society of Specialist Paralegals which allows me to assist with the decision making in relation to the future development of the Scheme and the Paralegal profession as a whole."

1.	Why did you decide to become a paralegal?
	I was employed as a litigation secretary and was performing some paralegal duties and wished to advance my career by qualifying as a paralegal. At that time I worked for a small firm and dealt with a large volume of family law cases and after discussion with my supervising partner we decided that a qualification in Family Law would be of most benefit to the firm and to myself.
2.	In which area of law did you qualify with a Specialist Paralegal Qualification?
	Family Law
3.	Did you attend a tutorial class of complete the course via distance learning?
	I completed the course via distance learning because of family commitments and this option was ideal as I could do the assignments when it suited me and at my own pace. I completed the course and sat the examination within ten months so distance learning didn’t mean it took longer to qualify than if I had attended tutorials.
4.	How did you hear about our courses?
	Email
5.	What did you like about the course?
	Well written, easy to understand and convenient.
6.	Would you say the course enhanced your career prospects? If yes, why?
	The course definitely enhanced my career prospects as I now work for a much larger firm based in Glasgow City Centre. I don’t deal with Family Law cases in my current role however having the qualification gave me the opportunity to apply for employment with a City Centre firm and I have now achieved Law Society Registered Paralegal status in the area of Debt Recovery. Qualifying as a paralegal gave me the confidence to achieve my ambition to become a fee earner and be recognised for my contribution to the firm.
7.	Did you attend the graduation? If so, did you enjoy the ceremony?
	I did attend my graduation and thoroughly enjoyed it. I would encourage any paralegal to attend their graduation as it is a huge achievement to qualify and the graduation is a lovely way of having your achievement and commitment recognised.
8.	Would you recommend the course to a friend/colleague?	YES
9.	Did your employer help you fund the course?	YES
10.	Paralegals play a vital role in the delivery of legal services in Scotland – how would you describe your role in the firm?
	My current role is busy, varied and challenging. I love the job that I do and my firm encourage me to maximise my potential. I run my own caseload with supervision from the litigation partner to who I report, I attend Court hearings at Glasgow Sheriff Court and deal with all aspects of the cases from taking instructions and preparing the paperwork. I also assist with training sessions for clients and generally feel that my input to the team, department and firm as a whole is recognised and indeed encouraged.
11.	Are you a Registered Paralegal?	YES
12.	If not, do you intend to join the Registered Paralegal Scheme?	N/A
13.	Are you a member of the Society of Specialist Paralegals?	YES
14.	Do you undertake CPD courses regularly?	YES
15.	What would you say to anyone who was interested in a career as a paralegal?
	I would encourage anyone who is interested in a paralegal career to take the first step and enrol on a course which interests them. The future of the paralegal profession is very exciting with the introduction of the Law Society Registered Paralegal Scheme and finally the role of a paralegal is being recognised as being a great way to deliver legal services to their clients.