This Paralegal Certificate Program is accredited by the Institute of Paralegals.

The Institute of Paralegals is the UK body setting national standards for paralegals, legal secretaries and other non-lawyer legal professionals working in the legal profession. They offer self regulation and certification for paralegals in England and Wales. On behalf of paralegals they also liaise regularly with government, The Law Society, Bar Council and others on issues of concern to paralegals, such as rights of audience, diversity, recognition of paralegals, terms and conditions, education and direct access to the Bar.

They also: work with employers and recruiters, create career paths for support staff, lobby government, provide qualifications & accreditation, and help people become legal professionals

The Institute is widely recognised by, amongst others, The Law Society, Bar Council, UK government, Solicitors Regulation Authority and Legal Services Ombudsman. They are headquartered in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London

A not-for-profit professional body incorporated by guarantee, they were formed in 2003. They were granted institute status by the UK government in 2005, with the support of, amongst others, The Law Society of England & Wales, the Bar Council, Citizens Advice and the Crown Prosecution Service, all of whom recognised the need for the developing paralegal profession to have a representative body.

For more information on the Institute visit www.theiop.org

Students taking the Paralegal Certificate Program are entitled to obtain Affiliate membership of the Institute is available for the discounted sum of GBP£15 per year.

Students with paralegal practice experience are eligible for discounted international associate membership at a cost of GBP£35 per year.

Students taking the Paralegal Certificate Program should view and download for free the National Competency Standards for Paralegals (Introductory Level) at http://www.legalstandards.org/page_1226672432278.html