Paralegal

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

You'll usually need:

• 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

Courses include:

• legal studies
• law and practice
• paralegal practice
• T Level in Legal Services

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/

You could apply to do a Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Advanced Paralegal Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These usually take around 2 years to complete and combine workplace training with study.

You could also do a Legal Technician (conveyancing or probate) Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you wanted to specialise in either of these 2 areas.

Entry requirements

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.

Career Tips

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.

Further Information

You can find out more about paralegal careers from the Institute of Paralegals.

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

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