Paralegals are a group of professionals who performs tasks that require knowledge of legal concepts but do not have the full expertise of a lawyer with a license to practice law. Often considered the backbone of legal proceedings, they have many tasks, from research and documentation to client interactions and court preparations. If you want to know what do paralegals do and how to join this dynamic profession, keep reading.
Understanding the Paralegal Role: What do paralegals do?
A paralegal’s role extends beyond traditional administrative tasks. Working as the lifeblood of the legal system, they offer support to other legal professionals in a wide range of settings, be it law firms, private corporations, public sector organisations, or non-profit entities.
Paralegals prepare essential legal documents and conduct in-depth legal research. They serve as the backbone of administration in legal settings, often providing quotes to clients, arranging interviews with clients and witnesses, and guiding clients through complex legal information. They frequently manage a diverse caseload of clients, adding another dimension to their professional experience.
Qualifications Required to Become a Paralegal
So, we’ve addressed the question: what do paralegals do? Now, let’s explore the academic and professional qualifications necessary to enter this field.
One of the most traditional routes towards becoming a paralegal is earning a law degree (LLB). An LLB is equivalent to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science and is a Qualifying Law Degree that provides a strong foundation in legal principles and processes.
For those who have already embarked on their professional journeys and wish to transition into the paralegal profession, Specialist Paralegal Qualifications can provide a feasible path. These are flexible, distance learning qualifications ideal for those currently working as paralegals, legal secretaries, or as an entry route for those without traditional qualifications.
If you’re looking for a more specific or practical route, an award in legal studies could be an excellent choice. It provides a focused overview of the law and equips students with essential legal skills. A legal secretary certificate or diploma is another path that provides both administrative and legal training, creating a unique skill set ideal for a paralegal role.
The National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) offers a paralegal practice award, certificate, and diploma. This series of qualifications provides a structured progression path, with each stage designed to enhance legal knowledge and practical skills.
What areas of law do paralegals typically practice?
You could, for instance, specialise in wills, litigation, personal injury, criminal, employment, family, or dispute resolution. A paralegal has a wide range of specialisations and a diversified job.
The 24 different legal practice areas are diverse and require various qualities and abilities. You might want to think about becoming a solicitor or barrister if you desire a profession in law but don’t want to be a paralegal.
Skills and Qualities of a Successful Paralegal
Beyond qualifications, what do paralegals do to stand out? They hone a variety of skills and personal attributes that enhance their work:
An adaptable and flexible approach to work
The desire to deepen their understanding of law
Commercial awareness and business acumen
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Attention to detail for careful file and data analysis
Multitasking and case management abilities
Legal research skills
The ability to perform well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Strong organisational skills
Teamwork and interpersonal skills
What Do You Need to Become a Paralegal?
Let’s now address the process of becoming a paralegal. Although there are no rigid rules, education is highly valued by prospective employers. Here are the recommended paths to gain paralegal qualifications:
Specialist paralegal qualification
Law Degree
Award in legal studies
Legal secretary certificate or diploma
National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) paralegal practice award, certificate, or diploma
How to Become a Paralegal
While there’s no fixed route to becoming a paralegal, the most common path involves pursuing the relevant education, gaining experience, and demonstrating the required skills.
Completing Relevant Studies
Education is highly valued in the legal industry. So obtaining a relevant qualification is typically the first step towards becoming a paralegal. Potential study routes include specialist paralegal qualifications, a law degree, an award in legal studies, a legal secretary certificate or diploma, or a paralegal practice award, certificate, or diploma from the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP).
Gaining Legal Experience
Beyond academic qualifications, practical experience in the law sector is a sought-after trait by employers. Candidates should aim to secure at least six months of work experience in the sector, which can be achieved via internships, work placements, or volunteering on pro bono cases. Part-time paralegal positions are also available to law students, providing valuable hands-on experience in the legal world.
What do Paralegals do on a daily basis?
When we ask what do paralegals do on a daily basis, we find a variety of tasks and responsibilities that can vary depending on the firm and the case at hand. Generally, a paralegal’s day can include preparing cases, liaising with other legal professionals, closely supporting lawyers, and conducting detailed research.
Paralegal Salary in the UK
The earning potential of a paralegal in the UK depends on experience, location, and specialisation. Non-graduate entry level paralegals can earn yearly salaries ranging from £16,000 to £22,000. For graduates, salaries range from £20,000 to £28,000. A paralegal with five years’ experience can expect a salary in the region of £32,000 to £45,000. Salaries can be higher for those based in London and other large cities. According to Reed.com, Paralegals earn an average salary of £26,536 per year in the UK.
Experience Needed to Become a Paralegal in the UK
What do paralegals do to gain experience? In the UK, employers typically look for candidates with at least six months of work experience in the law sector.
This practical experience can be obtained in several ways. One could look for internships at law firms or legal departments of organisations. Internships provide a first-hand experience of the legal world, offering insights into the practicalities of legal processes and day-to-day operations. Another avenue is through work placements, which often involve working on real cases and interacting directly with clients.
Volunteering in pro bono cases is another beneficial route, offering the dual advantage of gaining experience while serving the community. It’s also worth noting that many law firms in the UK offer part-time paralegal positions to law students. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the legal field, balancing their academic studies with practical legal experience.
Can Paralegals Work Part-Time?
Yes, many law firms offer part-time positions for paralegals, often for three days per week. These positions ideally require a minimum commitment of at least 12 months.
What else can you do with a Paralegal degree?
With a Paralegal qualification, you can also work as:
Litigation Paralegal
Senior Paralegal
Legal Assistant
Law Clerk
Office Manager
Attorney
Legal Secretary
Conclusion
In conclusion, what do paralegals do? They play an integral role in the legal system, performing an array of duties from research to case management, and there are a variety of paths to becoming one. Whether full-time or part-time, a career as a paralegal can be fulfilling and rewarding for those with a passion for the law.
Are you a paralegal? How has your experience been in this profession? If you have any tips for aspiring paralegals, do share them in the comments section. Also, share this blog post with those who might find it useful.
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