If you're reading this article, then it’s probably because you're considering going into paralegal work and you would like to understand a bit more about what the role entails. Well, you have come to the right place. Today, we are going to provide you with a brief overview of the paralegal professions. 

3. If you're reading this article, then it’s probably because you're
considering going into paralegal work and you would like to understand
a bit more about what the role entails. Well, you have come to the right
place. Today, we are going to provide you with a brief overview of the
paralegal professions.
What is a paralegal?
A paralegal is a person that works alongside other legal professionals
(e.g. lawyers and solicitors) and provides them with a supportive role.
They undertake tasks such as organising paper work, answering
correspondence, and maintaining databases.
How common are paralegals?
In the UK, there is an almost even split of solicitors and lawyers to
paralegals, with most solicitors and lawyers having their own dedicated
paralegal. This is especially true in the corporate legal world, but less
true in private practice. In private practice, there may be fewer
paralegals, although there will always be at least one per practice.

4. You will find paralegal jobs in all manner of places, from The
Houses of Parliament to your local council, from large legal firms to
your local solicitor’s office.
Do you need qualifications to become a paralegal?
There are paralegal qualifications, and most do undertake some type of
training. It is possible to secure a junior paralegal positon without
formal qualifications, but it is rare. Typically, most paralegals have at
least a diploma (2-years university) or a bachelor’s degree.
Why do people become paralegals?
While paralegal jobs are not easy, they do not require the high degree of
skill needed to become a lawyer, solicitor, or judge. For this reason, it
takes a lot less time, a lot less money, and somewhat less effort to
become a paralegal.
People choose to undertake the work because it is well remunerated,
but it provides a better life-work balance than other legal professions,
and it also takes a much shorter time to train as a paralegal.

5. Paralegal work is also hugely interesting. While the paperwork can be a
drag at times, paralegals are often privy to extremely sensitive
information and complex legal cases – for instance, they often write up
the notes following, or during, a court case. Many of them find this
highly interesting and they get to meet a broad range of people.
What qualities do you need to become a paralegal?
Paralegals require a certain amount of intelligence, but most of all, they
need to be disciplined and organise. They deal with a lot of varied
information and they need to be able to organise it efficiently and
within the desired timeframes.
What Is the Starting Salary?
Clearly, the starting salary is less than that of other legal professions.
You can expect to start on between £15,000 and £20,000 depending on
experience and location. That’s slightly above the national average, so a
decent starting salary.

6. What Are the Hours?
The hours can be long at times, with paralegal jobs often including
working hours beyond the typical 9am to 5pm norm. However, they will
often receive rewards for such dedication, significantly elevating their
pay packets, but somewhat impacting on their life-work balance.

7. ContactContact
Pro-Recruitment Group Ltd
20 - 23 Greville Street
London, EC1N 8SS
https://www.pro-recruitment.co.uk/progroup
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7269 6333
Email: Info@pro-recruitment.co.uk