Paralegal

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in law, legal studies or paralegal practice.

It's competitive to get a place on a law degree, so you'll need to have good grades when you apply.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could do a college course before you look for paralegal work.

Courses include:

• legal studies
• law and practice
• paralegal practice

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could take a Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This usually takes 2 years to complete as a mix of workplace learning and study.

Entry requirements:

Work

You might be able to find work with a legal practice as an admin assistant and do training on the job to qualify.

You can do training through the Institute of Paralegals or the National Association of Licensed Paralegals .

You'll be expected to have GCSEs or A levels and a good standard of English.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to read English
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• administration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your initiative
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of English language
• persistence and determination
• active listening skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• customer service skills
• leadership skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Paralegals carry out research, prepare legal documents and give legal advice to clients.

As a paralegal you could:

• research and draft legal documents
• handle a caseload of clients and give them legal information
• manage data and confidential client information
• interview clients and witnesses
• go to court

Location : You could work in an office, in a court or at a police station.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

With further study, you could qualify as a legal executive or solicitor .

You could become self-employed or set up your own paralegal practice.