Thinking of becoming a paralegal? What you need to know ...
Becoming a paralegal can be exciting and many see it as the first step towards a career in law, while others see it as a rewarding profession in its own right. The role of a paralegal can offer the chance to work on real legal cases and with excellent opportunities to specialise in different areas. You don’t always need a law degree to get started, which makes it a great career choice for school leavers, graduates and those looking for a new career.
This guide has been written for those considering a career in this area of law. It explains what paralegals do, where they work and how much they earn in the UK. It also looks at the qualifications employers look for, different routes in, career progression and how the role compares with becoming a solicitor. If you’re considering a career as a paralegal or legal assistant, our guide can help you decide whether it’s right for you and how to take your next steps.
Ready to start your paralegal career?
If you’re planning your first paralegal role or looking for your next opportunity, now is the perfect time to see what’s available. Browse the latest paralegal vacancies from law firms, in-house legal teams and public sector organisations across the UK, and take the next step towards building your legal career.
What is a paralegal?
A paralegal works in the legal field and is also sometimes known as a legal assistant. They work in a supporting role on behalf of solicitors, lawyers, and barristers.
A legal assistant can provide a range of services across many industries. In some cases, people can approach a paralegal for advice rather than a solicitor. There are in fact many situations where someone may seek advice from a paralegal; only a few specific scenarios would require a solicitor or barrister. It is important to note, though, that paralegals are limited in the scope of legal advice they can provide.
Put simply, the role describes someone who performs legal work but is not qualified under The Legal Services Act 2007. This doesn’t cover general clerical work; rather, it covers the tasks listed in the next section.
FAQ – What is the difference between a paralegal and a solicitor?
| Feature | Paralegal | Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Main role | Supports solicitors and legal teams with legal research, drafting, client communication and case preparation. | Provides legal advice, represents clients and carries out reserved legal activities. |
| Qualifications | No formal legal qualification is required, although employers often prefer relevant qualifications or legal experience. | Must complete the required academic and vocational training before qualifying through a recognised route in England and Wales. |
| Can give legal advice? | Yes, but only within the limits of the law and without carrying out reserved legal activities. | Yes. Can provide legal advice within their area of practice and undertake reserved legal work. |
| Rights of audience | Generally cannot represent clients in court unless separately authorised. | Can represent clients in court depending on practising rights and the type of court. |
| Reserved legal activities | Cannot carry out reserved legal activities unless authorised or working under appropriate supervision. | Can undertake reserved legal activities once admitted and holding a practising certificate where required. |
| Typical employers | Law firms, in-house legal departments, local authorities, government organisations, charities and legal service providers. | Law firms, in-house legal teams, public sector organisations, commercial businesses and government bodies. |
| Typical duties | Legal research, drafting correspondence, preparing case files, liaising with clients, reviewing documents and providing administrative support. | Advising clients, negotiating settlements, drafting complex legal documents, managing transactions, conducting litigation and advocacy. |
| Entry requirements | Requirements vary by employer. They may include A-levels, legal qualifications, a law degree or relevant work experience. | A law degree or conversion course, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), and two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). |
| Time to qualify | Typically between 6 months and 3 years, depending on qualifications and previous experience. | Typically 5 to 6 years through the traditional route, although this varies depending on previous qualifications and the SQE pathway. |
| Typical UK salary | £22,000 to £45,000+, depending on location, experience and practice area. | Newly qualified solicitors typically earn £35,000 to £60,000+, with significantly higher salaries available in large commercial firms and London. |
| Career progression | Senior Paralegal, Specialist Paralegal, Legal Executive, Solicitor or self-employed Paralegal. | Senior Associate, Managing Associate, Legal Director, Partner, General Counsel or Judge. |
| Regulation | There is no single statutory regulator for all paralegals, although many choose to join recognised professional bodies. | Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in England and Wales. |
What type of solicitor could you be?
If you are thinking about becoming a solicitor in the UK why not take our legal career quiz? It’s designed to help students, graduates, career changers and aspiring legal professionals discover which legal specialism may fit their strengths, interests and working style.
What does a paralegal do?
A lot will depend on the specific nature of the legal work tackled by the paralegal. However, the following list should give you an idea of what’s involved in the day-to-day routine of a legal assistant.
- Researching legal documents
- Providing clients with information pertaining to the law
- Drafting a range of legal documents
- Attending court
- Aiding solicitors and lawyers
- Taking part in legal negotiations
- Providing administrative support
There is likely to be a mix of tasks tackled each day, depending on what is required from a client and what stage any negotiations or contracts are at. Furthermore, more experienced paralegals would be likely to take on additional and different tasks depending on the area they work in, and the level of experience required.
Where do paralegals work?
Paralegals can work in a variety of settings. For example, while many work in an office setting within a law firm, there may be scenarios whereby they work in a courtroom or police station. Similarly, paralegals are required both in the public sector and private sector, so the place of work may differ according to which sector you go into.
Mostly, though, legal assistants work in an office, with occasional requirements to go out and meet with clients. A lot will depend on which area of law the paralegal is involved with. For instance, those involved with criminal law will need to visit police stations and go to court, whereas this would be unlikely for those working in commercial law.
How many hours do paralegals work?
Paralegals mostly work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. When things are busy, overtime is more likely and is likely to be expected from those working in this role.
There is scope for part-time work within this sector of the legal industry, although many roles are full time.
How much does a paralegal earn in the UK?
The average salary is hard to pin down as there are so many variables involved in this work. A lot depends on where you are, with London coming out with higher salaries, especially at entry level. At the time of writing, the range in London is around £30,000 to £55,000+, with the North East and Northern Ireland coming in with the lowest entry level salaries of around £22,000 to £34,000. City-based work will pay more than paralegal roles in rural areas, for example. Obviously, part-time work would be calculated pro rata.
Paralegal salaries by experience
| Experience | Typical UK Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level Paralegal (0-2 years) | £22,000 to £28,000 |
| Paralegal (2-5 years) | £28,000 to £38,000 |
| Senior or Specialist Paralegal | £38,000 to £50,000+ |
| London Commercial Paralegal | £35,000 to £55,000+ |
However, there are other considerations to think about too. Salary will usually be higher for graduates than for those without a degree, although there is some overlap between the two ranges. The area of law you work within also has a bearing on salary. Work in the financial sector is often at the top of the tree regarding salary, while other legal sectors may pay less. Furthermore, experience leads to higher salaries too.
Paralegal salaries by region
| Region | Typical Salary |
|---|---|
| London | £30,000 to £55,000+ |
| South East | £28,000 to £42,000 |
| South West | £25,000 to £38,000 |
| Midlands | £24,000 to £36,000 |
| North West | £25,000 to £38,000 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £24,000 to £36,000 |
| North East | £22,000 to £34,000 |
| Wales | £22,000 to £35,000 |
| Scotland | £24,000 to £38,000 |
| Northern Ireland | £22,000 to £34,000 |
(Salaries – indicative market averages as at 2026)
Career progression for paralegals
Some people work as paralegals for many years, with no desire to progress beyond this role. That said, there is a lot of scope to gain experience and to become specialist paralegals within a certain area of knowledge. It’s also possible to be self-employed. Since a paralegal can offer advice on many areas of law, it’s possible to create your own practice. There is no requirement to qualify as a solicitor to do this.
That said, some paralegals view the role as a natural step into the legal profession. If they like the experience, they may end up studying to qualify for another role, perhaps as a solicitor. As a paralegal, you would gain plenty of experience in the legal field and have a better idea of whether this might be something you’d like to do.
How can I qualify to become a paralegal?
You don’t need to get a degree to take on this role, although it may help if you have one, particularly if you take a law degree. Employers will look at your experience and qualifications, so you ought to at least have excellent GCSEs and A-levels. You can study for Level 3 Qualifications via the National Association of Licensed Paralegals, known as the NALP Level 3 qualification. Some people opt for this course instead of heading to university. It covers the legal sector and systems throughout England and Wales, while also highlighting specialist areas of law. You should also consider the CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) route which offers a work-based programme to becoming a qualified paralegal.
How long does it take to become a paralegal?
It typically takes between 6 months and 3 years to become a paralegal depending on your qualifications and experience. Solicitors on the other hand can take between 5 to 6 years to qualify through the traditional route, although this will vary depending on your previous qualifications and the SQE pathway.
What about paralegal apprenticeships?
It’s also possible to look for a paralegal apprenticeship position. The government website provides information on the paralegal (level 3) course, which is equivalent to an A-level. It typically lasts for two years, and you can search for a position near you.
What are your next steps to becoming a paralegal?
The most important point to remember is that there are many routes into this role. While some leave school and head to university to lay the foundations of their career as a legal assistant, many others take different routes, including apprenticeships. An interest in the law, work experience, and qualifications can all help you enter the world of the paralegal. Over time, you can then determine which specialist area or field you would rather enter. If the role of a solicitor doesn’t appeal, becoming a legal secretary could be a more fascinating alternative to consider.
