The former CEO of National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP), who “fought tirelessly” for better recognition of paralegals in the UK, has announced she is retiring.
Amanda Hamilton (pictured), who is credited with transforming the paralegal sector, will step down on 30th June and says she intends to focus her time on the National Paralegal College – and indulging her passion for Argentine tango.
During her 14 years as CEO, Hamilton took NALP from a small administration-based operation into a recognised professional organisation with national influence.
Under her leadership, NALP achieved awarding body status, enabling it to offer regulated qualifications including the Level 4 and Level 7 Diplomas in Paralegal Studies and Practice.
She also developed the Licence to Practise, helping paralegals set up their own firms to offer services directly to the public, and helped create the NALP Paralegal Achievement Awards.
Hamilton said: “A few years ago I thought that I would never retire. However, I now feel instinctively that the time is right to do so. I have been an Argentine Tango dancer for 16 years and a Tango DJ for 11 years and over the last few years my DJing has taken off. I would like to pursue this if I am able.”
She added: “It has been an honour and privilege to guide NALP over a long period of time and to increase recognition of the paralegal profession, but it’s my time to take a step back and leave the next stage of development in the very capable hands of my colleague, Chantal Cooke.”
NALP CEO Chantal Cooke said: “Without Amanda the paralegal sector would not be where it is today. She has been a force of nature fighting tirelessly to ensure paralegals get the recognition they deserve. Everyone at NALP will miss Amanda, her passion and her insight, and we wish her a wonderful (semi) retirement dancing the tango.”
