So you want to be a paralegal?

Becoming a Paralegal...

What is a paralegal?

There is no single definition of a paralegal. The Institute’s definition is widely used however: a non-lawyer who does legal work that previously would have been done by a solicitor or barrister.

Paralegal work is done under a huge variety of job titles. In law firms paralegals are often called paralegals, solicitors' clerks, legal secretaries, legal assistants, conveyancing assistants etc. outside of law firms the term “paralegal” is rarely used. People doing paralegal work are referred to by a myriad of titles e.g. caseworkers, clerks, managers, compliance officers, etc – it is about the work done and skill-set, not the job title.

Who are paralegals?

There is no formal route to become a paralegal. In law firms experienced legal secretaries frequently gain sufficient experience to begin handling paralegal matters. Outside law firms, employers either hire in for a specific position, or a staff member develops an expertise in a paralegal matter and that becomes a large part of their job.

Only a minority of paralegals are graduates. It is a very diverse profession in terms of age, gender and ethnic origin.

Is there a paralegal profession?

Within law firms, the answer is yes. The profession is still in its formative stages, but is increasingly recognized by employers, the government and the judicial system. Outside of law firms it is not yet a recognized profession because it covers so many different occupations and sectors. There is however an increasing recognition that it is a distinct, and transportable, skill set.

There are a great many paralegals. The Institute estimates that there are over 500,000 in the UK, with only 50,000 working in law firms or in-house legal departments. This number dwarfs the number of practising solicitors and barristers. There are also over 1,200 government-regulated paralegal advisory firms: firms advising on legal matters for the most part without a solicitor or barrister in sight.

Is it worth becoming a paralegal?

Absolutely! Salaries are often modest, but with experience can top £50,000 a year and the job is often very interesting and rewarding. Increasingly paralegals are recognized as legal professionals, and careers, standards and training frameworks are being developed. Government strategy, trends in the legal profession and an ever-increasing need for legal professionals all promise a bright future for the paralegal profession.

How to become a paralegal

First and foremost, law firms want experienced people. You should still apply to firms even if you have no experience, but understand that your chances of success are probably low. If you can, try and get some experience: ask your current employer to let you do any paralegal type work he/she has (compliance, company secretarial etc.); or try volunteer work (e.g. as a Citizens Advice Bureaux adviser). Consider also doing vocational (i.e. practically orientated) legal training such as BPP’s LPQ Foundation Certificate in Paralegal Practice and joining a professional body such as the Institute.

If you have at least six months paralegal experience then try a specialist paralegal recruitment agency first.

Alternatively, consider working for an employer such as your local council. It will have people doing paralegal work on housing matters, benefits, criminal prosecutions, consumer law etc., and does not usually demand prior experience. The skills you’d pick up there would help you get a job in a law firm later, if you did not wish to stay with the Council and progress your career through them.

It is all a bit chaotic at the moment as the paralegal profession is just forming, so persevere!

Courtesy of

James O'Connell
Chief Executive
Institute of Paralegals http://www.instituteofparalegals.org/