A paralegal is a legal professional who supports solicitors and barristers in their work. Paralegals carry out a variety of tasks such as legal research, preparing documents, managing case files, and liaising with clients. They play a crucial role in the legal process, ensuring that cases run smoothly and that solicitors are well-prepared for meetings and court appearances. Paralegals may specialise in areas like family law, corporate law, or conveyancing, and their responsibilities can vary depending on the size and type of their employer. Becoming a paralegal can be a stepping stone to qualifying as a solicitor or a long-term career in its own right.
Paralegals in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £35,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are estimated to be over 80,000 paralegals working in the UK across law firms, in-house legal teams, and public sector organisations.
According to the Office for National Statistics, demand for paralegals has grown by 12% in the last five years, reflecting ongoing changes in the legal sector.
Specialises in supporting solicitors with property transactions, such as buying and selling houses.
Assists solicitors working on cases involving divorce, child custody, and other family law matters.
Works alongside criminal defence solicitors, helping to prepare legal documents and case files for court.
Begin by achieving good GCSEs, especially in English, and then progress to A Levels. Subjects like Law, English, or History can be helpful.
Most employers look for a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 including English. A Levels are not always essential, but they improve your chances of getting onto further training or into employment. Studying Law at A Level can provide a good introduction, but it is not mandatory.
Take a recognised paralegal qualification, such as a Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Paralegal Practice, or consider a legal apprenticeship.
Many colleges and private providers offer paralegal courses accredited by bodies such as the National Association of Licensed Paralegals or CILEx. Legal apprenticeships are a paid alternative route, combining work and study, and can lead to a paralegal qualification without needing a degree.
Some paralegals choose to study for a law degree (LLB) to boost their knowledge and career prospects.
A degree in law is not required to become a paralegal, but it can open up more opportunities and is sometimes preferred by employers. If you already have a degree in another subject, you could take a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) to convert to law.
Apply for work experience placements, internships, or voluntary roles in law firms, courts, or legal departments.
Many law firms and legal advice centres offer short-term placements for students or recent graduates. These opportunities provide valuable insight into legal work, help you build contacts, and improve your CV.
Start applying for junior paralegal or legal assistant roles as soon as you have relevant qualifications and some experience.
Entry-level paralegal jobs may involve administrative duties, document management, and assisting more senior staff. Highlight your relevant skills, education, and any work experience on your application.
Continue developing your research, communication, and organisational skills while working as a paralegal.
Strong writing, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are key skills for paralegals. Consider further training or certification in specialist areas of law, such as conveyancing or family law, to enhance your career.
With experience, you may be able to take on more responsibility, move into senior paralegal roles, or even train as a solicitor.
Some paralegals go on to qualify as solicitors or chartered legal executives by completing further study and training. Others specialise in a particular area of law or move into management roles within legal firms.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Paralegal. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
You can get into this job through:
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.
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course before you look for paralegal work.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could take a Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
This usually takes 2 years to complete as a mix of workplace learning and study.
You could also do a Legal Technician (conveyancing or probate) Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship if you wanted to specialise in either of these two areas.
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
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.
You'll find it helpful to get some experience in the area of law you want to work in, such as family, criminal or property law.
As well as opportunities with law firms, look out for placements in legal departments of businesses, charities, central and local government.
You can find out more about paralegal careers from the Institute of Paralegals.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
