3359: Exploring Legal Innovation with the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP)

Jul 26, 2025

Amanda Hamilton, former CEO and current Patron and Director of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP), champions the critical role of paralegals in providing affordable legal support. She highlights the drastic changes in the legal landscape since the 2013 legal aid cuts and how paralegals stepped up to fill the gap. The conversation touches on the balance of technology and human expertise in law, the importance of transparency, and the need for standardization in the profession to enhance public trust and access to justice.

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INSIGHT

Clarifying the Paralegal Role

Paralegals are legally trained professionals who assist with many legal tasks but are not qualified solicitors or barristers.
They provide vital support within firms or organizations across various legal areas, often misunderstood by the public.

INSIGHT

Affordable Legal Support Limitations

Paralegals offer legal support at much lower costs, helping improve access to justice for many.
They cannot perform reserved activities like court representation or litigation, which are limited to solicitors and barristers.

INSIGHT

Voluntary Regulation for Paralegals

Paralegals in England and Wales are not statutorily regulated, unlike solicitors or barristers.
NALP acts as a voluntary regulatory body to provide credibility and standards within the profession.

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In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I had the opportunity to sit down with Amanda Hamilton, patron and director at the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP). While many of our discussions often focus on cutting-edge technology and digital transformation, today’s conversation tackled a very different kind of disruption, one happening quietly in the legal industry.

The legal landscape in the UK has shifted dramatically over the last decade, particularly following the 2013 legal aid cuts. This policy change left many without affordable access to legal representation. Amanda walks us through how the paralegal profession stepped in to fill that gap, providing legal support at lower costs while still maintaining high standards of professionalism and care. What stood out was how NALP functions as a voluntary regulatory body, offering credibility and structure to a sector that otherwise lacks statutory regulation.

We also explore how AI and digital tools are reshaping legal work. Amanda offers a grounded view on where technology helps and where it still cannot replace human expertise. From virtual hearings during the pandemic to the efficiency gains through email and digital collaboration, the legal profession is gradually adapting. Amanda stresses the importance of using technology thoughtfully, especially in situations where personal judgment and contextual understanding are critical.

Another important theme was transparency and trust. The National Paralegal Register is a public tool that allows individuals and employers to verify the qualifications and membership levels of licensed paralegals. Amanda believes this kind of openness is vital to building awareness and confidence in the services paralegals can offer.

So, whether you're exploring legal tech, building new professional services, or facing legal challenges yourself, this conversation sheds light on the growing role of paralegals in today’s evolving legal system.

How is your industry approaching transparency, training, and the impact of emerging technologies?