Paralegal
What is the work like?
Paralegals carry out legal work for many types of employer, although they are not fully-qualified solicitors or barristers. Examples of places you could work as a paralegal include:
- law firms, supporting solicitors (usually specialising in one area of law such as probate or family law)
- the public or ‘not-for-profit’ sector, for example as an advice worker or caseworker in a Citizens Advice Bureau, charity or trade union
- civil and criminal courts
- police forces and enforcement bodies like Trading Standards
- private companies, advising on business law or managing contracts.
Your exact duties would vary depending on the type of setting you worked in, but would often involve:
- preparing legal documents
- research
- interviewing clients and witnesses
- attending court
- handling a caseload of clients
- giving legal information to clients
- typing, filing and other general clerical tasks.
With experience, you might eventually carry out most of the work that a solicitor does.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a paralegal you will need a good standard of general education, and a good understanding of the law and the legal system. Employers may ask for varying qualifications and experience, such as:
- a law degree
- a BTEC HNC/HND or foundation degree in law or legal studies
- relevant work experience in a legal setting
- a paralegal qualification from the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX), the National Association of Licensed Paralegals or the Institute of Paralegals.
Some employers may ask for a law degree of at least class 2:2, or a postgraduate law qualification. Some may even prefer you to have passed the solicitor's Legal Practice Course (LPC) or the barrister's Bar Vocational Course (BVC) – many law graduates take jobs as paralegals if they have not yet found a solicitor’s training contract or barrister’s pupillage. See the related profiles for more information on solicitor and barrister training.
If you do not have a law qualification, you could join a law firm as an administrator and study for paralegal qualifications whilst you are working.
What further training and development can I do?
Your employer will usually provide on-the-job training including company procedures and case management systems, or in-depth training in a particular area of law. You can also study for paralegal qualifications whilst you are working, from any of the following organisations:
- ILEX with City & Guilds
- National Association of Licensed Paralegals
- Institute of Paralegals.
- Level 2 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Legal Studies
- Level 3 Diploma in Vocational Paralegal Studies.
- Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies
- Advanced Award in Paralegal Studies for the Voluntary and Community Sector – specialist award for paralegals in the 'not-for-profit' sector
- Post Graduate Diploma in Paralegal Practice (PPC) – for law graduates who want to progress as a paralegal and do not wish to qualify as a solicitor or barrister.
The Institute of Paralegals offers:
- Legal Practitioners' Qualification Foundation Certificate in Paralegal Studies
- BTEC Level 2 and 3 Awards in Law and Legal Work.
You can normally study for these courses by distance learning, or part-time at some local colleges. Check each organisation's website for more information on their qualifications and where to study.
If you work in a legal setting, you could also choose to study a part-time foundation degree in law or legal studies. Several colleges and universities offer relevant courses. For information about foundation degrees, see Foundation Degree Forward.
At the moment there are no rules about what qualifications and training a paralegal must have. However, the National Association of Licensed Paralegals and the Institute of Paralegals both offer professional recognition and ongoing training to members – see websites for details.
Where can I go for more information?
73 Shenley RoadLambeth
London
SE5 8NE
Tel: 020 7252 7545
Kempston
Bedfordshire
MK42 7AB
01234 841000
Berkeley Square
Mayfair
London
W1J 6BD
Tel: 0870 243 2308
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are usually between £16,000 and £25,000 a year.
- With experience this can rise to up to £40,000.
- Top salaries in large law firms can reach £70,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In a full-time job you would typically work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, perhaps with occasional overtime to meet deadlines. Part-time, flexitime, job sharing and temporary work may be available.
Most of the work is office-based, with some travel to attend court or meetings.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent spoken and written communication skills
- patience and tact, to be able to work with all kinds of client
- the ability to take in large amounts of complex information
- a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- research skills
- the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- good organisational and time management skills
- computer and administrative skills
- respect for confidential information.
What opportunities are there?
Jobs may be advertised in the local press, at Jobcentre Plus or by specialist legal recruitment agencies.
With experience and further study, you could qualify as a legal executive and eventually as a solicitor. If you have already achieved the Legal Practice Course (LPC), some law firms may offer you a training contract to allow you qualify as a solicitor.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
Legal Week
The Law Gazette
The Lawyer
Legal Executive Recruitment
Totally Legal
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