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Paralegal

Paralegals support legal professionals by researching cases, preparing documents, managing information and assisting clients. There is no universal degree requirement. Paralegal work can support progression in law but does not automatically lead to qualifying as a solicitor.

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Career fit

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Entry level
£20,000 (starter)
Mid-career (typical)
£20k – £40k
Senior / lead
£40,000 (experienced)
What you'll do

A day in the life

  • Research legal issues
  • Draft letters and legal documents
  • Organise case files and evidence
  • Communicate with clients
  • Support solicitors on cases
The path

Your career roadmap

Every milestone from school to senior. Track progress as you complete each stage.

  1. 1

    GCSEs

    education
    Usually 2 years at school; adult courses vary

    Develop English, maths and research skills through GCSEs or equivalents before progressing towards university entry qualifications.

  2. 2

    A Levels or equivalent

    education
    Usually 2 years; Access courses often 1 year

    Complete A levels or accepted equivalents that prepare you for a law or legal studies degree.

  3. 3

    Law / Legal Studies degree

    qualification
    Usually 3 years full-time; often 4 in Scotland

    Study legal principles, case analysis and legal research through a law or legal studies degree.

  4. 4

    Legal work experience

    experience
    A few days to several months, often alongside study

    Gain supervised exposure to legal research, client administration and document preparation, often alongside your degree.

  5. 5

    Junior / trainee paralegal

    role
    Often 1–2 years before taking broader responsibility

    Join a legal team and handle routine research, file administration and document drafting under supervision.

  6. 6

    Paralegal

    role
    Varies; often several years building expertise

    Take greater responsibility for case preparation, legal research and client updates within your competence and your employer's supervision arrangements.

  7. 7

    Senior / specialist paralegal

    role
    Varies; usually follows several years of relevant experience

    Handle more complex work in a chosen legal area and may support junior colleagues or coordinate casework.

  8. 8

    Legal Executive / Solicitor progression

    role
    Usually several years; prior qualifications and experience may reduce this

    Optionally complete further professional qualifications and required experience to become a chartered legal executive or solicitor.

What you need

Skills you'll build

Qualifications
  • Paralegal apprenticeship (Level 3) — optional
  • Law or legal studies degree — optional
Certifications
  • CILEx qualification
  • NALP Paralegal qualification