The 5th annual National Paralegal Day on 11th November 2025 celebrated leading performers in regulated paralegal qualifications, highlighting the profession’s expanding role in delivering affordable legal services.
Hosted by the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP), the event recognised students achieving the highest marks across Ofqual-regulated courses from Level 3–Level 7. These qualifications equip learners with practical skills for careers in paralegal practice, supporting solicitors, barristers and clients across settings ranging from local authorities to FTSE 100 companies.
2025 NALP award winners
Level 3 Certificate for Paralegal Technicians
• Winner: Scarlett Reid-Gordon – Cardiff and Vale
Scarlett, who studied via blended online and in-person learning, described paralegals as “the backbone” of the legal sector, comparing their behind-the-scenes work to the essential role nurses play in healthcare.
Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies
• Winner: Julienne Gresock – National Paralegal College (NPC)
Her achievement reflects NPC’s emphasis on flexible, practical training supported by expert tutors.
Level 7 Diploma in Paralegal Practice
• Winner: Ruqayah Akbar – National Paralegal College
Ruqayah excelled in advanced modules designed to prepare learners for senior-level responsibilities.
Level 3 Diploma in Paralegal Practice
• Winner: Donna Mamigonian – Datalaw
Donna praised Datalaw’s interactive platform, which covers areas such as criminal law and wills. She advised future learners to focus on preparation, planning and avoiding plagiarism.
Level 3 Certificate in Paralegal Practice
• Winner: Sarah O’Neill – Law Training Centre (LTC)
Sarah benefitted from LTC’s supportive environment offering qualifications up to Level 7, particularly valuable for those entering the sector without a law degree.
Level 3 Award in Paralegal Practice
• Winner: Aaron Hickey – Datalaw
Aaron said the course strengthened his understanding of court systems and contract law, directly improving his case-management work. He recommended using travel time for reading to stay ahead.
Videos featuring interviews with winners, NALP-approved centres and sponsors Mindful Education and BARBRI were released on the day, sharing learner experiences and study tips.
Growing importance of paralegals
National Paralegal Day underscores the essential role paralegals play in improving access to justice, often providing licensed services at lower cost than traditional solicitors. Around 250,000 paralegals now work in the UK, making them the largest segment of the legal workforce. Their presence spans international aid organisations, fashion houses and small businesses.
Recent trends show 86% of paralegals hold degrees, signalling a shift toward a highly qualified profession trusted with interviews, caseloads and research under supervision.
NALP’s role in professional standards
NALP is the UK’s only Ofqual-recognised awarding body for paralegal qualifications. As a non-profit membership organisation, it works with centres nationwide to deliver accredited courses, promote career progression and offer licences to practise for eligible members establishing independent practices. Its qualifications range from GCSE-equivalent entry levels to master’s-level advanced study.
Sponsors’ contributions
Mindful Education, a producer of professional courses and apprenticeships, contributed to the celebrations. Mark McKenna highlighted the structured nature of the qualifications and encouraged winners to take pride in supporting affordable access to justice.
BARBRI, a global legal educator, also sponsored the event. Rob Dudley emphasised tailored support for NALP members, including SQE discounts, and noted the precision required in paralegal client work.
Industry recognition
“NALP’s CEO, Chantal Cooke, said: “Massive congratulations to this year’s winners – getting the highest marks across all Learners is a hugely impressive achievement. Well done. And congratulations to the winning Centres too, these awards are a testament to the quality of teaching delivered by each of NALP’s approved Centres. I am confident all the winners have a great career ahead of them, and I am sure they are proud of being a paralegal and part of the backbone of the law sector.”
As the legal sector adapts to demand for cost-effective expertise, the awards reaffirm paralegals’ central role in efficient, accessible legal service delivery.