What’s the difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal?

Jul 13, 2022

Written By Helena Kudiabor

If you’re not interested in becoming a solicitor or a barrister, there are many other careers in the legal field to choose from. Paralegals and legal assistants are just two of these. In this article, you’ll find out about the responsibilities and necessary qualifications for these two positions.

What is a legal assistant?

A legal assistant is someone who provides administrative support for lawyers and others working in the legal field. Typical daily responsibilities include: producing legal documents like contracts, accompanying solicitors to court and delivering documents.

The majority of legal assistants work in a law office, but you could find yourself working in a court or a police station. The position is typically offered as a junior position. As you progress, you could become a legal secretary, a position that comes with greater responsibility, as well as an increased salary.

What is a paralegal?

Paralegals work to enforce the law, by carrying out research, preparing legal documents, and giving legal advice to their clients. The day-to-day life of a paralegal typically involves: researching and drafting legal documents, interviewing clients and witnesses and managing confidential client information.

Just like legal assistants, they can work in a law office, a court or a police station.

What is the difference between a legal assistant and a paralegal?

It can be difficult working out the difference between these two careers, as the terms can be used interchangeably. Paralegals work more closely with the law than legal assistants, as they are qualified to give legal advice to clients.

Legal assistants take on a more administrative role, similar to a secretary, and are not qualified to give legal advice.

How can I qualify as a paralegal?

In order to give legal advice, paralegal have more qualifications than legal assistants. There are many different routes to a paralegal career, but most employers look for a recognised qualification, such as a law degree, a paralegal diploma or a legal secretary certificate. Most of these courses require you to have some A-Levels.

There’s also the option to complete a paralegal apprenticeship. These take two years to complete and allow you to earn money, while avoiding student debt.

How can I qualify as a legal assistant?

Qualifying as a legal assistant is slightly simpler than qualifying as a paralegal. You could complete a training course, an apprenticeship, or just work your way up.

Many legal assistants start off working as administrative assistants in a legal organisation, and then gradually progress.Many employers will require you to have some GCSE’s, particularly in Maths and English.

No matter whether you choose to qualify as a legal assistant or a paralegal, you’ll enjoy experiencing the law first hand. All the best on your career journey!

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