A Legal Assistant, sometimes known as a paralegal or legal secretary, provides crucial administrative and legal support to solicitors and other legal professionals. The role involves preparing legal documents, conducting research, maintaining files, and liaising with clients. Legal Assistants help ensure the smooth running of legal cases by handling routine tasks such as managing correspondence, scheduling meetings, and drafting standard legal paperwork. Attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and a good understanding of legal terminology are important in this career. Legal Assistants may work in private law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments. Some Legal Assistants choose to specialise in areas such as family law, conveyancing, or litigation.
Legal Assistants in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £30,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are over 30,000 legal assistant and paralegal positions across the UK, with opportunities in law firms, public sector, and in-house legal departments.
Legal Assistants usually work standard office hours, around 37 to 40 hours per week, though overtime may be required when deadlines approach.
Supports solicitors who specialise in property law, helping with paperwork and legal processes for buying and selling houses.
Provides administrative support to solicitors dealing with family-related cases such as divorce, custody, and adoption.
Assists solicitors and barristers who handle court cases by organising evidence, preparing documents, and managing case files.
Learn what a Legal Assistant does and what skills are required.
Start by reading about the day-to-day responsibilities of a Legal Assistant. Visit career websites, official government profiles, and professional associations like the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). This will help you understand the demands and expectations of the role.
Speak to Legal Assistants or visit a law firm for firsthand insights.
Arrange to speak with people already working in the field. You can do this by reaching out to local law firms or using networking sites like LinkedIn. Some firms may offer open days or work shadowing opportunities, which will allow you to see the work environment and daily tasks up close.
Achieve good GCSE grades, particularly in English.
Most employers require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A to C), including English and Maths. Strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial for a Legal Assistant, so focus on those subjects.
Consider taking A-levels or a college course in law or business.
A-levels in subjects like Law, English, or Business can be beneficial. Alternatively, you could take a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Legal Studies or a related field at college. These courses provide a good foundation in legal practice and administration.
Undertake a specific Legal Assistant or Paralegal qualification.
You can study for a CILEx Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Law and Practice, or a Legal Secretary Diploma. Some employers may also offer apprenticeships that combine work with study, allowing you to gain practical experience alongside a qualification.
Seek internships, placements, or part-time roles in law firms.
Work experience is highly valued. Contact local law firms, courts, or legal departments to ask about placements or voluntary opportunities. This will help you develop practical skills and make valuable contacts in the industry.
Build skills like organisation, communication, and attention to detail.
Legal Assistants must be highly organised, able to manage several tasks at once, and communicate clearly with clients and colleagues. You can develop these skills through part-time jobs, volunteering, or extracurricular activities such as debating clubs.
Search and apply for entry-level Legal Assistant jobs.
Use job boards, law firm websites, and recruitment agencies to find suitable positions. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your qualifications, relevant experience, and motivation for working in the legal sector.
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's duties often involve providing support to lawyers by conducting research, preparing documents, and managing case files, which closely aligns with the role of a Paralegal. Both positions require knowledge of legal procedures and help facilitate legal work under the supervision of attorneys.
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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