A legal assistant, sometimes called a paralegal, works alongside solicitors and other legal professionals to provide essential support in legal offices. Their duties include preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, managing case files, and liaising with clients. Legal assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that legal processes run smoothly and efficiently. The role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities. Many legal assistants work in law firms, but opportunities also exist in corporate legal departments, government agencies, and non-profit organisations. Entry to the profession is possible with A-levels or relevant diplomas, and experience or further qualifications can lead to career progression.
Legal assistants in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £30,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
As of 2023, there are over 6,000 legal assistant job postings across the UK each year.
Most legal assistants work standard office hours, around 37 to 40 hours per week.
Supports solicitors with legal paperwork and processes related to buying and selling property, including preparing contracts and liaising with clients.
Assists solicitors in cases involving family matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoption, managing documents and client communications.
Provides administrative and research support to legal teams involved in court cases, helping to organise evidence, prepare documents, and liaise with clients and courts.
Learn what a Legal Assistant does by exploring job descriptions and talking to professionals.
You can find information about the day-to-day responsibilities of Legal Assistants on careers websites and by reading job adverts. Attending law careers events or open days at law firms can provide insight into the profession. Speaking to someone already working as a Legal Assistant or paralegal can give you a realistic view of the job.
Look for opportunities to gain experience in a legal setting, such as work experience placements or volunteering.
Many law firms and local legal centres offer short-term placements to students. Volunteering at citizens advice bureaux or community legal clinics can also give you valuable exposure to legal work. This experience will help you build relevant skills and make your CV stand out to employers.
Obtain GCSEs and A-levels, focusing on subjects like English, Law, or Business if possible.
Most Legal Assistant roles require at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English. Taking A-levels in relevant subjects will strengthen your application. Some colleges offer Level 3 Diplomas in Law or Business, which can also be useful.
Complete a paralegal or legal assistant course, or apply for a relevant apprenticeship.
There are various Level 3 and Level 4 paralegal or legal assistant diplomas and certificates available from colleges and training providers. Legal apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn and gain practical experience in a law firm. These routes can lead directly to employment as a Legal Assistant.
Build organisational, communication, and IT skills, which are essential for the role.
Legal Assistants need to be highly organised, have strong written and verbal communication skills, and be comfortable using office IT systems. You can develop these skills through part-time work, volunteering, or extra-curricular activities such as student council or debate club.
Create a CV and cover letter tailored to legal assistant roles.
Highlight your education, relevant experience, and key skills. Show that you understand the legal environment and are committed to a career in law. Use clear, formal language and check your documents for accuracy and professionalism.
Look for Legal Assistant vacancies and apply to law firms, legal departments, and public sector organisations.
Vacancies are advertised on law firm websites, job boards, and through recruitment agencies specialising in legal roles. Read job specifications carefully and tailor each application to the employer's requirements. Be prepared for interviews and assessments as part of the recruitment process.
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 legal research, preparing documents, and assisting with case management. They generally require similar legal knowledge and organisational skills, making them closely aligned in terms of qualifications.
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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