What qualifications do you need to work as a paralegal?

Jul 13, 2022

Written By Francesca Evans

There are a couple of routes into becoming a paralegal. Here, we will discuss what qualifications are required to be a paralegal, including the apprenticeship pathway which provides a great alternative for non-university students.

What is a paralegal?

Paralegals are essentially the step below a qualified solicitor. They are trained in legal matters and can do certain legal tasks. While they are not fully qualified lawyers, they often work closely to assist solicitors and barristers in their legal duties.

They often work within a specific field of law – for example, clinical negligence, family, conveyancing or litigation.

It is often the first legal job that many undergraduates start with to kick-start their legal career following university.

What do paralegals do?

On a day-to-day basis paralegals are responsible for a variety of administrative and legal tasks, including but not limited to:

- Legal research

- Preparing court bundles

- Drafting basic legal documents

- Legal advice

- Interviewing witnesses

- Administrative / organisational tasks

- Assisting lawyers during court hearings

What skills should you have?

Prospective paralegals should demonstrate similar skills and characteristics typical of lawyers, for example:

- Strong organisational skills – such as the ability to plan and organise work in a time effective and sufficient manner.

- Ability to work well as a team – teamwork is vital as paralegals are required to work with other legal professionals when working on cases.

- Strong interest in the law – can be shown through both your academic and non-academic commitments/interests.

- Ability to work well under pressure – this includes the ability to work to tight timeframes and meet targets.

- Research competency – this may include the ability to use legal databases, such as WestLaw and LexisNexis.

- Great communication skills – Paralegals need to be able to communicate with both their team and clients, as well as court staff.

Do you need to go to university or have a Law degree?

No – you do not need to go to university to be a paralegal. Although, it may be beneficial given the level of competition for paralegal positions. Apprenticeships are also available for those who do not have a law degree.

What qualifications do you need?

Surprisingly, there are no strict official requirements required to be a paralegal. However, a substantial legal background, whether that be through university or an apprenticeship, is essential.

Importantly, due to the growing popularity of paralegal positions, most law firms now demand at least an undergraduate LLB law degree, or a non-law degree and the PGDL.

However, firms may also consider individuals who have done a paralegal apprenticeship.

What apprenticeship/ non-university options are available?

Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeships are available for those who have not gone to university and usually last around two years. As a Level 3 qualification, it is equivalent to A-Levels.

Importantly, these apprenticeships are designed specifically to mould you into a paralegal and help you to develop the key skills, such as those listed above, that are central to being a successful paralegal.

BPP University is one example of an institution that offers this route. Their course lasts two years, comprising online teaching and on-the-job training with an employer, awarding graduates a ‘Certificate of Higher Education (Law and Legal Practice)’.

If you wanted to progress onto becoming a qualified lawyer, however, you would have to progress onto a solicitor apprenticeship.

How much do paralegals get paid?

The salary for an entry-level paralegal can vary anything between £17,000-£28,000 a year. Just like with any legal job, London firms tend to offer a higher salary and salaries tend to rise with experience.

Paralegal apprentices often earn around £15,000-£17,000.

Where can I be a paralegal?

It is not only law firms that offer paralegal positions. There are many in-house positions also available for commercial businesses, as well as Local Authorities and the NHS.

Often Local Authorities do not demand as strict requirements, so this could be a good route for those who do not have as much legal experience but want to kick-start their paralegal career.

Paralegal Work