CITMA Paralegal competency framework

4th Jun 2019

The CITMA Paralegal competency framework outlines the key skill sets of a CITMA Paralegal. 

CITMA Paralegal

The framework includes technical skills, related to understanding of legislation and management of trade marks and designs, and general skills such as communication, conduct and ethics, self-awareness and development.

The framework is intended to be used as a useful guide to those thinking of joining the profession at this level, those who have joined the profession at administrative level and are interested in progression, right through to those who are experienced CITMA Paralegals. 

It is not intended to be overly prescriptive and not all CITMA Paralegals will necessarily undertake all the areas set out in the document.

Click here to download the framework document

There will be differences in the type of work undertaken by CITMA Paralegals in different working environments. 

This will be most notable between private practice and industry, and by the nature of the business they work in, for example, serving corporate clients, SMEs or individuals, or by the organisation of a business whereby a CITMA Paralegal focuses on a particular area. 

The framework is intended to provide a general illustration of the standards and knowledge expected of CITMA Paralegals but by no means a set of compulsory elements. 

The framework can be used by members of the profession as a guide to a career path for progression and areas for learning, training and development. 

It can also be used to identify skills gaps and areas where experienced CITMA Paralegals in their firms are covering some of the tasks they are not yet handling.

It can be used by administrators, legal secretaries and CITMA Paralegals as well as line mangers, senior/department managers, trainers and HR departments within firms.

The CITMA Paralegal Course, which provides a qualification by CITMA once completed, is built around the key competencies set out in the framework and it is recommended that those seeking to take the course have 18-24 months experience in the profession before taking the course.  

For those experienced CITMA Paralegals who might be thinking about becoming a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney in the future it may be useful to view the competency framework published by IPReg for Registered Trade Mark Attorneys alongside the CITMA Paralegal competency framework. The framework published by IPReg can be found here.

Information about becoming a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney can be found here.