A legal assistant, sometimes known as a paralegal, provides vital support to solicitors and other legal professionals. The role involves preparing legal documents, conducting research, managing files, scheduling meetings, and communicating with clients. Legal assistants help ensure that legal cases run smoothly by handling administrative tasks and assisting with case preparation. Attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and a good understanding of legal terminology are important in this role. Legal assistants may work in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government offices.
Legal assistants in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £30,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are over 6,000 legal assistant positions advertised annually across the UK.
Most legal assistants work full-time, around 37 to 40 hours per week, usually during office hours.
Supports solicitors with property transactions, preparing documents and liaising with clients during the buying or selling of homes.
Works within a family law department assisting solicitors with paperwork and client correspondence relating to divorce, custody, and related matters.
Assists criminal law solicitors by preparing case files, managing evidence, and supporting clients throughout the criminal justice process.
Find out what a Legal Assistant does and what skills are needed.
Read job descriptions online, watch videos about legal support roles, and talk to people working in law. This will help you understand the daily duties, challenges, and necessary skills for a Legal Assistant.
Look for opportunities to visit courts or law firms, or attend talks and open days.
Many law firms offer open days or work shadowing for students. Attend these events to see how the legal sector operates and to network with professionals.
Complete GCSEs and consider A-levels or equivalent qualifications, focusing on subjects that develop communication and organisational skills.
Most Legal Assistant roles require at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and Maths. A-levels or equivalent qualifications in Law, Business, or English can be advantageous. Alternatively, you could study for a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Legal Studies.
Learn to use office software and develop strong organisational skills.
Legal Assistants need to be confident with word processing, spreadsheets, and email. Practise using Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and look for opportunities to help organise events or manage information at school or in extracurricular activities.
Apply for work experience placements or internships in law firms or legal departments.
Many law firms offer short-term placements for students. Even a week or two of work experience can provide valuable insights and boost your CV. Consider volunteering at charities or organisations that offer legal advice to gain relevant experience.
Search and apply for entry-level Legal Assistant positions or legal apprenticeships.
Use job boards such as Indeed, Reed, or the government's Find an Apprenticeship service to look for vacancies. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your skills, qualifications, and any legal experience. Legal apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn and can lead to further qualifications.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Legal Assistant. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Legal Assistant and a Paralegal both support lawyers by conducting research, preparing documents, and assisting with case management. They typically require similar legal knowledge and skills, making their qualifications closely aligned.
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.
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