(L-R) Trevor Philips, Baroness Buscombe, Bridget Prentice MP, James O'Connell

The qualifications are designed to appeal to those who may be employed or be seeking employment in legal roles across a wide range of employers, for example in local government, public or private organisations, as well as students interested in learning about the law.

Bridget Prentice MP, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State at the Department for Constitutional Affairs, opened the reception.  She said: “Having a legal profession that is representative of those it serves is something that I care passionately about.  Last November I published a Government report, which set out our plans to increase diversity within the legal profession. So I’m very pleased to be here to speak about the work that the IoP and the CRE are taking forward.”

James O’Connell, Chief Executive of the Institute of Paralegals, said: “The CRE is committed to improving the diversity of the legal profession.  Being able to reach out to a more diverse group of students through these exciting new vocational courses is an enormously valuable part of this process.”

Other speakers included, Trevor Phillips, Chairman of the CRE, and Baroness Buscombe, Patron of the IoP and Shadow spokesperson on Education and Skills.

The CRE is also partnering the IoP for the Paralegal Awards 2006 in November – the first professional and diversity awards for paralegals.

Ends/..