How to become a paralegal
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in law, legal studies or paralegal practice.
There's a lot of competition for places on law degrees, so you'll need good grades in your entry qualifications.
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
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College
You could take a college course before you look for work. Courses include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Legal Studies
- CILEx Level 3 Certificate in Law and Practice
- Level 3 Legal Secretaries Diploma
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You could take a paralegal advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You may be able to find work with a legal practice as an admin assistant and do training on the job to qualify. This could be done through the Institute of Paralegals or the National Association of Licenced Paralegals
You'll be expected to have GCSEs or A levels and a good standard of English.
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Career tips
You'll find it useful to have some understanding of how the legal system works.
Further information
You can find out more about paralegal careers from the Institute of Paralegals and the National Association of Licenced Paralegals.