What are the different methods of study to become a qualified paralegal
For many, a career in law is a dream job, but you don’t have to be a solicitor or a barrister. Becoming a paralegal is affordable and your route to this career is flexible. You could work within a solicitor’s practice, in-house law teams in a huge variety of industries, or you could set up your own paralegal practice. There are also many exciting sectors outside of law where paralegals are valued: local government, fashion, football, property, charities, defence, and many other areas.
So, studying to become a paralegal can open doors to many types of career, but what about the time and money involved in gaining relevant qualifications? The good news is, there are flexible ways to study and pay. Let’s take a look at the options.
Study at your own pace
A great way to keep your life and work in balance is to choose a course that allows you to study at your own pace. You can easily do this by enrolling for an online distance learning course. For example, NPC (National Paralegal College) is an online college offering bespoke NALP Paralegal qualifications at affordable prices. You can choose which level of qualification and could be given up to two years to complete it (depending on which qualification you choose).
Qualifications range from single subject awards (one year to complete) to a full diploma at Level 3. This is the entry levelso you can dip your toes in to see if the law is for you. There is also progression to the Level 4 Diploma if you wish to continue studying.
On all these courses there is full tutorial support to help you all the way.
Flexible payments
Many courses offer flexible payment terms for UK residents – just pay the deposit and then follow with interest free instalments. Overseas colleges offer different terms, so check first.
Where to start
Level 3 is a good place to start because if you have never studied law before, or haven’t studied since school, it’s an excellent way to find out if it’s for you. It’s then possible tobuild up your qualifications slowly, completing one single subject award and then another as it suits you. Depending on how you get on, you can escalate your studies, slowly at your own pace, to the next level as you want.
Duration
With there being no overall period to complete the course, it is totally up to you how long it takes you. For example, a Single Subject Level 3 Award can quite easily be completed within a few months (if you have the time to study), although there is an overall timeframe of one year.
All other NALP Paralegal qualifications, which are recognised by Ofqual, have an overall timeframe of two years which means that there is plenty of time to drop in and out whether it be to start a family, or to get used to a new job, and still have time to come back to your studies when you are ready.
Completed your law degree?
If you have successfully completed a Law Degree but cannot afford to continue with your career path (perhaps because your circumstances have changed) or if you have got married or decided to start a family, or have caring responsibilities, but you remain interested in working in the legal sector, there are options for you too. Consider enrolling for the NALP Level 7 Diploma in Paralegal Practice. An affordable way to qualify as a paralegal, after completing your degree, without taking too much extra time. Completion can be within six to eight months although the maximum timeframe is, once again, two years. The flexibility of distance learning means that you can fit your studies round your home commitments. Once you are qualified, you can work within a legal practice as a paralegal or build towards setting up your own paralegal business.
Ability to change mid-way through
Even once you have started your paralegal qualification, you can change things around. For example, if you start studying by distance learning but find it’s not your thing, you can switch to another training provider that offers classroom attendance, and you can gain prior learning exemptions for the NALP Paralegal module(s) you have already successfully completed.
Check out your nearest college or provider here: https://www.nationalparalegals.co.uk/training-centres/
And if later you decide you’d like to qualify as a solicitor and you have a Level 6 Qualification (does not have to be in Law), you can easily convert your qualifications and experience by initially enrolling for the BARBRI SQE(Solicitor’s Qualifying Exams) Prep Course which is an excellent way to prepare you for the SQE 1 and 2. By choosing the paralegal route you really do have many options available to you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Amanda Hamilton is the Patron of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP), a non-profit membership body and the only paralegal body that is recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual (the regulator of qualifications in England). Through its Centres around the country, accredited and recognised professional paralegal qualifications are offered for those looking for a career as a paralegal professional.