NALP Level 3 Certificate in Paralegal Practice

NALP’s Level 3 Course is the entry level qualification for paralegals. This course is perfect for those looking to become a paralegal and those with some paralegal experience who are seeking to progress their career in the legal sector and within a variety of other sectors.

In this paralegal course, you will develop a key understanding of legal systems in England and Wales and build your knowledge of specialist legal subject areas.

  • What will I learn?

    The Level 3 Certificate consists of four units of study and can be completed within an academic year.

    This qualification is suitable for those starting their career in law or for those currently working for a law firm who wish to progress further and gain recognition for their skills.

  • Units of study

    This Level 3 course covers the following units:

    • Unit 30 – Introduction to Law for Paralegals
      In this unit, you will gain a detailed knowledge of the legal system in England and Wales and the general legal principles of Contract and Tort Law. You will study the law making process, court structure, roles of key legal personnel and methods of dispute.
    • Unit 31 – Legal Ethics and Responsibilities for Paralegals
      The aim of this unit is to understand the paralegal responsibilities in relation to client care. Develop a deep understanding of methods of appropriate professional conduct and be ready to apply client care to any given situation.
    • Unit 33 – Civil Litigation for Paralegals
      You will study how the process of civil litigation is conducted using the areas of debt recovery, personal injury, consumer law and family law as illustrations. In understanding how civil actions are commenced, funded and defunded, you will be able to effectively assist in civil litigation cases in practice or provide services to legal departments involved in litigation.
    • Unit 36 – Conveyancing for Paralegals
      In this unit you will learn the conveyancing process in England and Wales and be able to apply the knowledge to give scenarios. Key practical skills you will learn will include taking instructions from clients and matters relating to the client interview.
  • How will I be assessed?

    All units are assessed by open book assignments which you have four weeks to complete.

  • Entry requirements

    Open to anyone over the age of 16 and career changers with a reasonable standard of written English.

  • Progression

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

  • Career opportunities

    The qualification 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.

  • How to apply

    Applications can be made via our partner colleges. Search for your nearest provider here >

What will I learn?

The Level 3 Certificate consists of four units of study and can be completed within an academic year.

This qualification is suitable for those starting their career in law or for those currently working for a law firm who wish to progress further and gain recognition for their skills.

Units of study

This Level 3 course covers the following units:

  • Unit 30 – Introduction to Law for Paralegals
    In this unit, you will gain a detailed knowledge of the legal system in England and Wales and the general legal principles of Contract and Tort Law. You will study the law making process, court structure, roles of key legal personnel and methods of dispute.
  • Unit 31 – Legal Ethics and Responsibilities for Paralegals
    The aim of this unit is to understand the paralegal responsibilities in relation to client care. Develop a deep understanding of methods of appropriate professional conduct and be ready to apply client care to any given situation.
  • Unit 33 – Civil Litigation for Paralegals
    You will study how the process of civil litigation is conducted using the areas of debt recovery, personal injury, consumer law and family law as illustrations. In understanding how civil actions are commenced, funded and defunded, you will be able to effectively assist in civil litigation cases in practice or provide services to legal departments involved in litigation.
  • Unit 36 – Conveyancing for Paralegals
    In this unit you will learn the conveyancing process in England and Wales and be able to apply the knowledge to give scenarios. Key practical skills you will learn will include taking instructions from clients and matters relating to the client interview.

How will I be assessed?

All units are assessed by open book assignments which you have four weeks to complete.

Entry requirements

Open to anyone over the age of 16 and career changers with a reasonable standard of written English.

Progression

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

Career opportunities

The qualification 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.

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Whether you’re upskilled, retraining or juggling family commitments, finding the time to study can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve built our courses and apprenticeships to fit around our students’ busy lives.

Watch this short video to find out how our Online and On Campus approach gives you the flexibility to decide how, when and where you want to study.

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