Paralegal Apprenticeship - NALP Level 3

What will I learn?

This programme is aimed at school leavers 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 and those who have already completed an intermediate apprenticeship.

Study method

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 encourages apprentices to apply theory to real-life workplace situations.

Units of study

This Level 3 apprenticeship 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 given scenarios. Key practical skills you will learn will include taking instructions from clients and matters relating to the client interview.

Competence element

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

• Ethics, professionalism and judgement

How will I be assessed?

All units are assessed by open book assignments which you have four weeks to complete. In addition, apprentices will be required to complete an End Point Assessment.

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 A*-C/9-5, including English and Maths.

Progression

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

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.

How to apply

If you are considering an apprenticeship, applications can be made via our partner colleges.