Paralegal Apprenticeship - NALP Level 3

What will I learn?

You will develop an understanding of legal matters and transactions, combining a hands-on approach with the academic knowledge required to be a successful paralegal.

Study method

Apprentices will study Mindful Education’s award-winning video lessons during allotted time at work, and also attend regular sessions with a college tutor.

Online lessons can be accessed at any time, using a mobile, tablet or desktop – meaning apprentices can fit their study around work commitments, minimising disruption in the workplace. Each lesson lasts around 45 minutes and is accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Exercises, interactive case studies and analytical tools help to enhance the learning experience further.

On campus, apprentices benefit from face-to-face classes at college with an experienced tutor. A combination of classroom-based lessons, group exercises and discussion encourage apprentices to apply theory to real-life workplace situations.  This modern, flexible approach to apprenticeship training empowers learners, minimises disruption to employers, and delivers tangible results in the workplace.

Units of study

Apprentices will study the NALP Level 3 Certificate for Paralegal Technicians. This course covers a range of areas, including: 

• Introduction to law for paralegals
• Introduction to professional conduct for paralegals
• Introduction to law of contract for paralegals 
• Introduction to litigation and dispute resolution for paralegals

Competence element

In addition to the knowledge element, this apprenticeship also includes a competence element which covers the following: 

• Ethics, professionalism and judgement
• Technical legal practice
• Managing themselves and their own work
• Working with other people

How will I be assessed?

The Introduction to law for paralegals unit is assessed by a multiple-choice exam. All other units are assessed by a multiple-choice exam worth 80% and an assignment worth 20%. 

Apprentices must also pass the end-point assessment to achieve the apprenticeship certificate. The end-point assessment for the Paralegal Apprenticeship includes a professional discussion, project, and a presentation.

Entry requirements

This programme is aimed at:

• School leavers with a minimum of three Cs at A-level who have the maturity to study law and possess good written English
• Paralegals or other current employees in administration or customer service who have the potential for development
• Those who have already completed an intermediate apprenticeship such as the Level 2 Apprenticeship in Legal Administration and have completed written exams at AS/A-level
• All candidates must have five GCSE grades 9- (A*-C) including English and maths.

Progression

Upon successful completion of the Level 3 Certificate in Paralegal Practice, students can progress to the NALP Level 4 Certificate in Paralegal Practice.

Career opportunities

This apprenticeship provides a flexible and cost-effective route to a legal career without the requirement of a law degree.

Once fully qualified (Level 4 Diploma), paralegals can become fee earners for their firm or apply for a licence to practise in their own right (subject to strict eligibility criteria), making these qualifications a popular career progression route for legal secretaries.

Additional information

This course is free to apprentices, as the cost is paid by your employer. Large companies can fund the course using their apprenticeship levy. SMEs can access government funding to subsidise the cost by 95%.

NALP is a professional Membership Body for Paralegals. NALP encourages, promotes and develops the role and practice of the paralegal and represents the best interests of its members. You can find out more here. 

How to apply

Applications can be made via our partner colleges and training providers.