Reward your paralegal with a NALP qualification

Some might argue that the paralegal is fundamental to the success of any law firm, and it appears to be one of the most sought-after legal careers on Google too (according to Legal Cheek on 6 February 2023, search interest in paralegal and law careers spiked after Meghan Markle appeared in ‘Suits’ as a paralegal).

A typical day for a paralegal will see them undertake legal work almost equivalent to everything that a solicitor does. So, what better way to celebrate your team of paralegals than helping them to become fully qualified and licensed, allowing them to study for a NALP (National Association of Licenced Paralegals) qualification?

Amanda Hamilton, Patron of the NALP, stated in Business Leader: “To be trained and educated to perform certain tasks is the key to the success of any employee and therefore ultimately of any company. This is why sponsoring your staff to gain further knowledge is a must.” [ https://www.businessleader.co.uk/why-paralegal-training-could-boost-your-business/]

Investing in your people reaps rewards both for them and for their employer. You create trust and loyalty in terms of contribution and future planning for any business that engages with its team and promotes qualification as a paralegal.

What is a paralegal?

Countless legal teams across the UK rely on their paralegals to provide a sound understanding of process and law to contribute to the success of a client matter. Paralegals, whilst not solicitors or chartered legal executives, are professionally qualified, enjoying the benefits of the flexibility provided through training using the NALP pathway. They provide essential and task-sensitive support to their colleagues in businesses across the legal sector.

Working alongside the lawyers and solicitors of the firm, the paralegal undertakes all aspects of the provision of legal services, aside from the ‘reserved activities’ that are carried by the authorised persons in the firm. And just like the lawyers they support; paralegals often specialise in specific areas of law.

How do NALP qualifications help paralegals?

NALP qualifications are recognised legal qualifications. NALP is the only paralegal body that is recognised as a qualification awarding organisation and regulated by Ofqual (the government body that regulates qualifications in England & Wales).

Steven Murray, NALP Qualifications Manager at Law Training Centre, says: “Paralegal training is more than an education – it is practical know-how that will be applied across every aspect of a business’s provision of legal services from first communications with new and established clients to the understanding and undertaking of roles within that paralegal’s sphere of professional competency.”

What NALP courses are available from Law Training Centre?

Law Training Centre is accredited by NALP. We offer three levels of qualification – Level 3, Level 6 and Level 7.

NALP Level 3 Qualifications in Paralegal Practice

NALP Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies

NALP Level 7 Diploma in Paralegal Practice

These can be self-funded by individuals (including with support of student loans or bursaries) and law firms can sponsor their staff too.

NALP Level 3 can be studied by anyone. You do not have to work for a law firm, or even have previously studied law. If you have an interest in working in the legal sector or becoming a paralegal this is an excellent starting point. It is another option for school leavers looking for an alternative to university and any other non-graduates. There are three tiers, Award, Certificate and Diploma, each of which includes one-year affiliate membership of NALP Tier 3, the diploma, is equivalent to NALP Level 7. If you are seeking to become a Licensed Paralegal practitioner, you will still need to take NALP Level 7.

NALP Level 4 for is for people who have a minimum of two A-levels in any subject, or one in law. If you are a graduate, you can also study this course, but it does not need to be a law degree. On this course you study the general principles of law and procedural law.

NALP Level 7 is designed for law graduates (within the last seven years) only. It is a diploma in Paralegal Practice. Once you have successfully completed this course you are qualified as a professional paralegal practitioner. It bridges the gap between the academic law degree and practical, procedural knowledge skills in Civil Litigation, Corporate & Business Structure, Criminal Practice, Matrimonial and Civil Partnership Disputes, Conveyancing, and Succession.

To find out more about the NALP courses offered by Law Training Centre, please contact our Student Services Team who can advise you on the best approach to your studies towards NALP qualification.

Tel: +44 (0)330 088 8495

Email: [email protected]