Paralegal
Also advertised as: Case Handler, Conveyancing Assistant, Legal Assistant, Legal Executive, Legal Secretary, Litigation Assistant
Does legal research, drafting and case preparation to support solicitors.
What the job involves
Paralegals do substantial legal work without being qualified solicitors. You draft documents, research points of law, manage case files, liaise with clients and prepare bundles. Many people use it as a route to qualification through CILEX or a training contract.
Typical responsibilities
- Draft letters, contracts and court documents
- Research points of law and precedent
- Manage case files and deadlines
- Liaise with clients, courts and other firms
- Prepare bundles and evidence
Common employers
- Law firms
- In-house legal teams
- Councils
- Insurers
- Charities
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£22,000 – £28,000 a year
With experience
£32,000 – £45,000 a year
Typical hours
37.5 to 40 hours, longer near trial dates
Working environment
Office based
Remote working
hybrid
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Legal research
- Drafting
- Case management
- Attention to detail
- Client communication
Transferable skills you may already have
- Report writing
- Handling confidential records
- Meeting strict deadlines
Requirements employers ask for
- Legal research
- Drafting
- Case management
- Attention to detail
- Client communication
- No formal qualification required, but law study is common
Useful but not essential
- Report writing
- Handling confidential records
- Meeting strict deadlines
- CILEX Level 3 or 6
- Law degree or GDL
Helpful qualifications
- CILEX Level 3 or 6
- Law degree or GDL
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Paralegal (Level 3)
- Solicitor (Level 7)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Law
- Related subject: Criminology
- Related subject: Politics
- Related subject: English
Where this career can lead
next
Chartered Legal Executive
next
Solicitor
next
Legal Team Manager
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Real legal work without a training contract
- CILEX route avoids large debt
- Specialisms in every area of law
What people find hard
- Pay lags qualified solicitors
- Deadline pressure
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a paralegal?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a paralegal earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £22,000 to £28,000 a year, rising towards £45,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Report writing, Handling confidential records, Meeting strict deadlines.
Related careers
Compliance Officer
Checks that an organisation follows the rules that apply to it, and fixes gaps.
Solicitor
Advises clients and represents them in legal matters such as property, family or business disputes.
Barrister's Clerk
Manages barristers' diaries, fees and case allocation within a set of chambers.
Legal Secretary
Provides administrative and secretarial support to solicitors, including document preparation.
Licensed Conveyancing Assistant
Supports licensed conveyancers and solicitors with the legal work of buying and selling property.
Court Usher
Supports the smooth running of court hearings, guiding witnesses, jurors and the public.
Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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