The finalists for the inaugural National Paralegal Awards have been announced. The awards recognise the achievements of the 100,000 paralegals in the UK; law firms that develop paralegals; and recruitment companies who recruit paralegals. Rita Leat, managing director of the Professional Paralegal Register, the voluntary regulator for paralegals which is hosting the awards, said: ‘I am delighted to be pioneering these awards as the profession needs celebrating, not only because it is the fastest growing legal sector but because it has gone unrewarded for far too long.’ The winners will be announced on 29 March at a black-tie gala at the May Fair Hotel, London.