How to Become a Paralegal | 10 Tips

Paralegals typically assist lawyers with legal cases. Whether gathering information for a court case or planning a presentation, paralegals conduct research and prepare reports for lawyers to use in their work. 

In this role, you might work in various settings, such as a law firm or government agency, or you can work for various types of organisations like businesses or nonprofits. You can even work as an independent paralegal if you’re willing to offer limited services. Explore the types of work you can do as a paralegal and how to start on this career path.

What does a paralegal do?

Your daily duties as a paralegal might include:

• Interviewing witnesses 

• Investigating information about a case 

• Conducting research for a case 

• Assisting lawyers during trials

• Maintaining records related to each case 

• Writing reports 

• Drafting emails, letters, and documents

• Helping prepare legal arguments 

• Preparing civil documents, like wills, real estate contracts, and divorce decrees

• Communicating with clients 

Types of paralegal jobs 

Your duties as a paralegal largely depend on where you work. For example, a smaller law office may give a paralegal multiple duties, while a larger organisation may assign a paralegal to one case phase.

As a paralegal, you can work in different aspects of the law just as lawyers do. Your duties may differ depending on the field of law.

10 tips for getting a job as a paralegal

No singular path exists towards becoming a paralegal. However, certain skills, education, and experience can make you more likely to find a rewarding position that offers competitive wages and long-term job security. Start by following these 10 steps.

1. Strengthen certain workplace skills. 

Before you start your journey towards a paralegal career, ensure you have the workplace skills necessary for the job. These might include: 

• Communication: You’ll communicate daily with clients, lawyers, colleagues, and many other people, both verbally and through written correspondence.

• Investigative skills: As a paralegal, you will spend plenty of time researching, analysing, and tracking down information. A good eye for relevant facts and attention to detail are a must.

• Comfort with technology: Law firms increasingly seek candidates comfortable with computers and common word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.

• Multitasking: It’s rare for a paralegal to work on one task at a time. You may make several phone calls, research law, and draft a document, all within half an hour.

• Teamwork: Paralegals rarely work alone. You’ll likely work with lawyers, other paralegals, legal assistants, and legal secretaries daily.

• Time management: In the field of law, you will have many deadlines. Your job will likely entail finishing your assigned tasks on time and knowing how to prioritise the most important ones. 

2. Get a Level 3 Paralegal Qualification. 

Open to anyone over 16 with reasonable English skills, the Level 3 Paralegal Qualification from the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) takes about one year to complete. It offers a good foundation for paralegal work with four mandatory areas of learning, which include:

• Introduction to Law for Paralegals

• Introduction to Law of Contract for Paralegals

• Introduction to Professional Conduct for Paralegals

• Introduction to Litigation and Dispute Resolution for Paralegals

3. Obtain a Level Four Diploma in Paralegal Studies.

The Level Four Diploma in Paralegal Studies from the NALP provides more specific information for learners who have taken the Level 3 qualification, and you have up to two years to complete the course. Two coursework areas include General Principles of Law and Procedural Law, each containing five separate sections. Upon completing this diploma, you can apply for an associate membership to NALP, adding extra credibility to your CV. 

4. Consider a law degree to further your career. 

Many paralegals earn a law degree, which can boost earning potential and open doors to more senior paralegal positions. Comparable to a BA or BSc, the LLB (Bachelor of Laws) may help you qualify to take the solicitor exam (SQE1) or the Bar Practice Course to become a barrister. 

5. Get a Level 7 Post-Graduate Diploma. 

Once you’ve obtained an LLB, you can increase your chances for a paralegal position by getting a Level 7 Diploma in Paralegal Practice through NALP. This course takes four to six months to complete, covering a range of topics, including civil litigation, corporate and business structures, and criminal practice. 

6. Apply for an apprenticeship. 

An apprenticeship can also help you prepare for a paralegal position. The UK government’s Paralegal Level 3 Apprenticeship lasts 24 months and combines classroom work with on-the-job training. Knowledge and skills you’ll learn from this apprenticeship include conducting research, providing administrative assistance, case file management, knowledge of legal terms, and development of legal documents. 

7. Consider joining a paralegal association. 

Joining a paralegal association can benefit your job search as a paralegal. Membership can offer benefits like professional advice and support, discounts on insurance, a pathway to paralegal licensure, guidance on training and qualifications, networking opportunities, and many other perks.

8. Learn a second language.

Learning a second language can be useful as a paralegal, especially in immigration law. Knowing another language can help you communicate with clients verbally and in writing and make you a more attractive job candidate. 

9. Network as much as possible. 

Networking may help you find a job. Having a large group of contacts at your fingertips means you have more resources when you need a reference, an introduction, or advice. If you’re not sure where to start, you can network by: 

• Getting to know your professors and classmates better 

• Attending seminars 

• Connecting with alumni from your university

• Reaching out through social media 

10. Take an entry-level position. 

Finally, when you’re ready to find a job, you don’t have to shy away from entry-level positions. These positions can hone your skills and introduce you to different aspects of the paralegal career. They also look great on your CV when the time comes to apply for a promotion or look for a better job. 

Next steps to becoming a paralegal

Knowing the requirements for becoming a paralegal and how to get a job can help you decide if you want to pursue this career. As you gain skills and education, you’ll be able to choose a specialty and begin applying for jobs in law, ranging from family law to government law.

To further explore your law interest, consider taking Introduction to English Common Law from the University of London on Coursera. Offered for beginners, this six-module course takes approximately three weeks to complete, but the flexible schedule allows you to learn at a pace convenient for you.

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