The Awards

The Awards

Be recognised - elevate your career

Organised by CILEX, the National Paralegal Awards celebrate the exceptional work of paralegals - the backbone of the legal industry. Paralegals provide essential legal expertise and support to businesses, law firms and individuals, offering an efficient and accessible path to legal services. 

The NPAs offer a thrilling opportunity for paralegals to receive the recognition they deserve. Entries are open to all professionals within the paralegal sector, within the UK, and this year's competition promises to be more competitive than ever. 

Key dates:

  • Submissions open: 1 April 2025
  • Deadline for entries: 15 June 2025

Entry fees: 

Early bird discount (until 11.59pm on 6 May 2025):

  • £55 per individual category
  • £130 per business category

Standard price (after 6 May 2025):

  • £80 per individual category
  • £160 per business category

Entry details:

  1. Read the eligibility criteria and T&Cs: we strongly recommend you read both of these carefully to ensure you meet all the requirements before proceeding. 
  2. Choose your award category and pay the entry fee: do this before 6 May 2025 to take advantage of the early bird discounts. 
  3. Prepare your entry and supporting documentation: once you've paid your entry fee, you'll received a payment confirmation email with a link to download the submission pack, which includes category criteria ad a submission template form. Gather all the necessary information including evidence of your achievements, testimonials and other relevant documentation. 
  4. Submit your award-winning entry: complete your entry ensuring all documents are included. Submit your entry, using the link provided in your payment confirmation email, by the deadline, 11.59pm on Sunday 15 June 2025 to be considered for the National Paralegal Awards. 

You can enter up to three categories - a combination of individual and business categories - to maximise your chance of winning. 

Don't miss your chance to gain industry recognition and be part of a landmark event in the paralegal calendar. 


Change button to be Read award category criteria and link to a page/document that has the details 

Eligibility

The National Paralegal Awards warmly welcomes entries from all professionals within the paralegal sector, based in the UK. You don't need to be registered within the Professional Paralegal Register (PPR) or a member of any membership body or organisation to participate - the event is open to all paralegals who meet the entry criteria. 

Entries are open to both companies and individuals, provided they meet the specific requirements of their chosen category. 

How to enter

Follow these simple steps to register for your category and submit your entry for the National Paralegal Awards: 

  1. Register and pay: selected the category you wish to enter and complete the online payment process.
  2. Once entry per category: each individual or business may submit one only one entry per category. 
  3. Enter up to three categories: you can enter up to three categories, which can be a mix of individual and business categories, so long as you meet the relevant criteria for the award. 
  4. Multiple organisations: employees from different organisations may submit entries for individual awards, provided they meet the relevant criteria. 
  5. Include essential information, your entry should detail your;
    1. experience and qualifications
    2. key achievements
    3. impact on the legal sector and why your work stands out
    4. clear details of how you meet the criteria.
  6. Provide supporting evidence: strengthen your entry with:
    1. client/colleague testimonials and case studies
    2. evidence of how you've built a strong reputation and delivered results
    3. clear details of how you've met objectives and exceeded expectations. 
  7. All entries must be made via the submission site, Judgify, using the link provided to you un your entry confirmation email, following receipt of your submission payment. 

Nominations

Would you like to recognise an outstanding paralegal or business? 

Simply complete the nomination form and we will reach out to the nominated individual or business and invite them to enter the awards. 

Nominations are an excellent way to highlight the hard work and dedication of a colleague or organisation - don't miss the chance to shine a light on someone who deserves recognition. 

Terms and conditions

Before entering, please ensure you read and understand the terms and conditions of entry. 

Eligibility and categories:

  • Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have selected the correct category or categories. 
  • You may enter up to three categories (a mix of individual and business categories is allowed). 

Entry period: 

  • Entries will be accepted from 1 April 2025 to  11.59pm on 15 June 2025.
  • Entries received after the deadline will not be considered. 
  • Finalists will be announced on 11 July 2025. 

Submission requirements: 

  • Clearly explain why you deserve the award - outline your objectives, achievements and impact. 
  • Entries must stay within the specified word count, 1,750 for individual award submissions and 2,000 words for business award submissions. 
  • Submit one PDF document of up to 4 pages of supporting evidence.
  • Ensure any sensitive information is redacted and permissions are obtained where necessary. 

Entry format: 

  • All submissions must be submitted online into the Judgify website, using the link provided. 

Category withdrawal:

  • CILEX reserves the right to with categories with insufficient entries. 

Deadline extensions: 

  • CILEX reserves the right to extend the entry deadline if necessary. 

Fees:

  • Award submission fees are non-refundable. 
  • Gala dinner tickets are non-refundable, should you not be able to attend, we welcome a substitute guest attending in your place. You will be required to notify us of the substitute guest details and any dietary requirements. 

Confirmation of entry:

  • You'll receive confirmation of your registration and payment within 24 hours.
  • If you don't receive confirmation, please contact events@cilex.org.uk 

Shortlisted finalists: 

  • The shortlisted finalists will be notified by email on 11 July.
  • Winners will be announced at the Gala dinner and Award ceremony on Thursday 18 September 2025 at the Burlington Hotel, Birmingham. 

Attendance:

  • By entering you agree to purchase a ticket to attend the gala dinner, if you become a finalist. 
  • If you are unable to attend, you must arrange for a representative to attend on your behalf. 

Awards and marketing: 

  • Winners will received a framed certificate and trophy
  • Highly commended finalists will receive a framed certificate. 
  • By entering, you agree to: 
    • receiving marketing communications relating to the event
    • provide a case study/testimonial for future CILEX/NPA marketing campaigns
    • publication of your name (and photo's where appropriate) if you are selected as a finalist, awarded highly commended or a winner
    • allow CILEX to publish event photography and video footage (which may include you) across its sites and social media platforms. 

Judges: 

  • Judging will be undertaken by leading legal and business professional and their decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into.