Petition · Ministry of Justice
Allow legal professionals to conduct litigation without being solicitors
Closed
42 signatures
What the petition asks
Amend the Legal Services Act 2007 to recognise experienced legal professionals (e.g., paralegals or fee earners with 10+ years' experience) as eligible to conduct litigation without requiring full solicitor authorisation.
We ask the Government to create a pathway under the Legal Services Act 2007 that allows experienced legal professionals, such as paralegals and non-solicitor fee earners to obtain litigation rights. This would apply where individuals can demonstrate substantial, relevant experience, good character and competence.
This could be achieved either by:
*Alternative authorisation routes for non-solicitors via the SRA or another regulator or;
*Expand the definition of “authorised person” under the Act.
This could be achieved either by:
*Alternative authorisation routes for non-solicitors via the SRA or another regulator or;
*Expand the definition of “authorised person” under the Act.
Timeline
| 15 Oct 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 15 Apr 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
42
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
15 Oct 2025
Closed
15 Apr 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 21 Aug 2026.