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WorkNest’s Head of Litigation becomes quickest ever to attain Law Society of Scotland accreditation
Written on 26 February 2021
WorkNest’s Head of Litigation for Scotland, Paman Singh, has been recognised as an Accredited Specialist in Employment Law by The Law Society of Scotland.
The Law Society of Scotland is the professional governing body for Scottish solicitors. Its accreditation scheme recognises solicitors who develop and display specialist knowledge during their careers and also helps the public choose a solicitor with the necessary expertise, particularly in more complex cases.
Currently, around 500 solicitors in Scotland are accredited specialists, with just 60 or so specialising in Employment Law, out of the country’s 11,000 registered solicitors. Paman therefore joins an exclusive club of highly-experienced professionals who are proven experts in their field.
“One of my main career goals when I started out in Employment Law was to be recognised as a leader in my field”, says Paman. “Given the quality of Employment Law practitioners in Scotland, I’m delighted.”
Even more impressively, Paman becomes the quickest ever to attain the accreditation, which is usually reserved for solicitors who have at least five years’ standing. However, due to his experience and portfolio of high-profile work, the governing body made an exception to the rules.
Paman comments: “Becoming the fastest ever to be recognised as a specialist in the history of the accreditation scheme is very humbling.
“Of course, I haven’t gotten here alone. There have been so many clients, colleagues (junior and senior), and others who have helped. While I’m not one to give a Hollywood acceptance speech, it is important that I pay tribute to all those who have been part of the journey. I also have to thank other Employment Lawyers who have been generous with their time, as well as both opponents and Employment Judges who have taught me many valuable lessons.”
Gavin Snell, CEO
Adding to WorkNest's accolades
In terms of his professional career, achieving accreditation means Paman stands stand shoulder to shoulder with the Employment Lawyers he looks up to. “I’m particularly pleased that the accreditation panel is made up of other experienced Employment Lawyers who have deemed that my portfolio justifies such a rare step”, he says.
It’s also a win for WorkNest and its clients, providing further independent confirmation of the depth of our expertise, the quality of our advice, and the calibre of our Employment Law Team, who are already recognised by The Legal 500.
CEO Gavin Snell says: “Increasingly, employers are attracted to accredited specialists when choosing their solicitor, as this acts as a hallmark of expertise that clients can trust. Paman is a shining example of the high level of knowledge we have within our team of 65+ individually regulated solicitors, and the continued professional development we strive for here at WorkNest.”
Paman adds: “I’m proud to be in a team where we now have three accredited specialists; I feel it shows the deep pool of talent I’m lucky to work alongside. My expectation is that many others in the team will also become accredited specialists – there are plenty of worthy candidates!”
And Paman doesn’t plan on stopping there. Next month, he’s hoping to be recognised as an accredited mediator and he’s also been “eyeing up” becoming a Solicitor Advocate when the application process opens in June.
“I’m under no illusion that my journey is complete. On top of everything else, I’m looking to take part in presenting CPD events a little more moving forward”, he adds. “I’ve been focused on tutoring fledgling solicitors at university, so to present at CPD events will allow me to continue pushing for emerging and talented practitioners to be recognised.
“My hope is that I’m able to open the door for others, and for them to see that if I’m able to achieve this, then there’s no barrier to them going on to being recognised in the same way.”
