Paralegal

Career path and progression

With further study, you could qualify as a legal executive or solicitor.

You could become self-employed or set up your own paralegal practice.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to read English
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• administration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Law - Paralegals work directly within the legal system, researching case law, drafting legal documents, and advising clients on their legal rights. They need a solid understanding of court procedures, government regulations, and how different areas of law – such as family, criminal, or property law – work in practice.
• English Language - Paralegals spend much of their time reading complex legal texts, drafting precise documents, and communicating clearly with clients, solicitors, and courts. The ability to write accurately and express ideas without ambiguity is essential, as even small errors in legal documents can have serious consequences.

Also relevant

• English Literature - Paralegals need to analyse and interpret dense, complex texts carefully – a skill that studying literature develops well. Close reading, constructing well-reasoned arguments, and understanding how language can be used persuasively are all directly useful when working with legal materials.
• Politics - Paralegals work within a system shaped by legislation, government policy, and constitutional principles. Understanding how laws are made, how Parliament works, and how political decisions affect the legal framework helps them put their day-to-day casework into a broader context.
• History - Paralegals benefit from the research and analytical skills that studying history develops, such as evaluating sources, constructing arguments from evidence, and understanding how past events shape current laws. Much of UK law is rooted in historical precedent, so this background can be genuinely useful.
• Business - Paralegals often work on cases involving contracts, company law, or commercial disputes, so understanding how businesses operate is helpful. Those who go on to set up their own paralegal practice also need to manage finances, market their services, and handle client relationships.
• Sociology - Paralegals deal with people from all walks of life and often handle cases involving social issues such as housing, welfare, or family breakdown. Understanding how society is structured and how inequality affects people's access to justice helps them support clients more effectively.
• Psychology - Paralegals interview clients and witnesses who may be stressed, vulnerable, or in difficult situations. Understanding human behaviour and how people respond under pressure helps them communicate sensitively and gather accurate information during these conversations.