What is a paralegal?

Paralegals do legal work but are not qualified solicitors or barristers. Graduates can find paralegal jobs with solicitors' firms or organisations that do legal work, including banks and the public sector.

Paralegals carry out the more basic aspects of legal work at solicitors’ firms and in other legal environments. Entry requirements vary from one to another but most will expect you to have at least completed a law degree or conversion course.

Apply directly to firms advertising roles or contact specialist recruitment agencies for advice. Some firms also accept speculative applications – ask your university careers service if you need advice on writing speculative letters, and explore our advice on speculative applications.