What is a Paralegal?
A paralegal is a legal professional who is not qualified as a solicitor or chartered legal executive. Historically merely a supportive role, an increased level of responsibility has led to the position becoming a viable career path. Solicitors will commonly begin their career journeys as paralegals before qualifying.
What Do Paralegals Do on a Daily Basis?
Paralegals perform a combination of clerical work and legal work. The latter is necessary to be recognised as a paralegal. For example, organising schedules, answering phone calls and office administration is clerical work. Common examples of ‘legal work’ include;
- Drafting/proofreading legal documents
- Organising case files and bundles
- Attending trials and legal tribunals
- Conducting legal research
What is the Average Paralegal Salary?
Generally, paralegals without graduate degrees will receive between £14,000 and £22,000 annually. Importantly, there is no national pay scale for paralegals, and salaries can vary drastically. Factors that influence salary include;
- Qualifications – For paralegals with graduate degrees, the starting salary can reach £25,000 annually.
- Location – Inner city firms and London firms offer greater salaries than other regions in England.
- Type of firm – National or international firms typically offer greater starting salaries than regional firms.
- Area of work – The financial sector contains the most highly paid paralegals. Legal aid firms typically pay poorly.
What are Paralegal Apprenticeships?
Paralegal apprenticeships are an alternative pathway to becoming a paralegal aimed at school leavers. An apprenticeship lasts two years, consisting of study and paid employment. Areas of study consist of an introduction to the law, legal research and client care. During employment, the apprentice performs supervised work within a law firm. The apprentice will be periodically assessed through written assessments and must create a portfolio to evidence competencies gained during their employment. Once completed, the apprentice can seek paralegal work.
What Qualifications are Needed to Become a Paralegal?
Technically, there are no qualifications necessary to become a paralegal. Historically, the majority of paralegals lacked qualifications. However, today the intense competition from graduates means that lacking a degree or relevant legal experience can close many doors.
Do I Need a Degree to Become a Paralegal?
A degree is not needed to become a paralegal, but potential paralegals will need relevant legal experience to increase their employability. Also, potential solicitors wishing to become paralegals for experience will ultimately require qualifying law degrees.
What Skills are Essential for a Paralegal?
While a paralegal’s sector of practice will demand their own competencies, universal mandatory skills include;
- Communicating with clients in a concise and confidential manner
- Managing workloads and prioritise tasks according to deadlines
- Drafting, proofreading and evaluating legal documents
- Networking with new/potential clients to promote the firm
- Researching legal information according to clients’ needs
- Keeping up to date with legal developments
What Areas Can Paralegals Specialise In?
Through continued employment in one area, paralegals can qualify for more senior positions offering greater salaries and benefits. There are as many areas of legal work as legal problems, but here are a few areas paralegals can specialise in;
- Bankruptcy
- Charity
- Healthcare
- Immigration
- Police
By Charles Burton
