How to become a Paralegal

How to become a Paralegal Want to work as a Paralegal? Well, it’s not against the law… Paralegals support Lawyers and Solicitors by helping to prepare legal documents, and carrying out other tasks to make their jobs easier.They can be found working within a wide variety of different organisations, whether it’s for small private law firms, or for larger government organisations. And although much of their time is spent in the office, they may have to attend court hearings and meet with clients as part of their role.Paralegals are an integral part of the legal team â€" without them, Lawyers and Solicitors simply could not do their jobs effectively.Key duties for a Paralegal could include:Interviewing new clients and taking witness statementsPreparing documents and handling confidential informationCarrying out legal researchProviding supporting documentation for court casesDrafting legal documentsGiving clients advice on matters concerning the lawIs it right for me?Aside from an excellent knowledge of law and the legal system, good research skills are essential for anyone looking to become a Paralegal.You’ll need to have natural organisational ability, being able to deal with vast amounts of information on a daily basis (spoiler alert: it may not always be interesting). Something which also makes accuracy and attention to detail other key attributes for anyone looking to get into the industry.Additional skills for a Paralegal include:Team workingTyping skillsDiscretionResponsibilityDeterminationProblem solving skillsCareer Progression Legal SecretaryUp to £20,000 ParalegalUp to £30,000 SolicitorUp to £50,000What's it really like? I’ve been working part-time as a Paralegal whilst studying for my law degree. It’s a lot of work, but sometimes it’s difficult to connect with the theory of what you’re learning, and getting practical training really helps you put it into practice. I’ve built up a lot of skills, like interviewing clients and drafting witness statements, but there’s still a lot more to pick up. It can be difficult to keep up with some of my colleagues who have been qualified for years, especially during a difficult case. But it’s really setting me up for a great career â€" I love it. Get qualifiedYou won’t need a degree to become a Paralegal, although you will need a good knowledge of the legal sector in order to find employment. Some employers may also require previous experience in order to get started, and law-specific diplomas are a great way to stand out in a highly competitive field.