T Levels focus on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships. Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace; employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry.
· Paralegals work alongside law professionals such as solicitors and chartered legal executives. A paralegal mainly gives legal advice on routine and straightforward matters. They support other legal professionals including on regulated aspects of law. A paralegal can be found in many contexts, from small legal firms on the high street to large multi-nationals. They can work in the private or public sector. They can work within in-house legal departments, legal services firms, not-for-profit sector and charities.
· Paralegal is a profession providing legal support whilst working under supervision. It can also be a typical entry point into the legal sector. A paralegal receives work and requests from many people at once, as well as having their own duties.
· The ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines is essential because people will be relying upon the paralegal to complete their tasks. A paralegal may sometimes be asked to make judgements within specific limits on legal or working matters. Paralegals at all levels interact with clients, lawyers and other stakeholders such as the police, courts, government or regulatory bodies.
· They need to convey complex data clearly, sometimes in emotionally charged or difficult circumstances. They will be involved in supporting the team and use problem-solving skills to help get the best outcomes for the client and their organisation. Some paralegals may be doing this work on behalf of their own clients. They will be working in a regulated context and so high professional and ethical standards are vital. Paralegals research and analyse lots of complex data, keeping a high level of precision and attention to detail.
· Paralegal work can include things such as drafting legal documents, contacting clients and assisting with meetings and governance.
· A paralegal is usually office based, although they may assist at court or attend meetings with clients at off-site locations.
· The role can vary widely depending on the practice area. For example, if working in conveyancing then a paralegal is less likely to have much face-to-face contact with clients. However, if assisting on criminal work, then a paralegal may need to assist lawyers attending court and police stations and talk to suspects. Paralegals qualified to work in criminal law may also be Police Station Representatives.
· A paralegal will administer data and records. They will review documents and produce legal documents and standard forms using digital tools. A paralegal will handle confidential and sensitive data daily and so recognising data protection requirements is critical to the role. This extends to recognising the risks to data from cybercrime and the need to be vigilant. A paralegal will interpret and use basic financial data when assisting clients and other stakeholders. They will ensure that any tasks involving monies are carried out in compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
· Paralegals can go on to be partners in law firms, heads of legal departments in the private or public sector. They may decide to form their own legal services company providing legal services direct to litigants in person. In some instances in the lower courts, for example, some tribunals and small claims courts, paralegals may be granted the rights of audience. This means that they can advocate for their own clients directly.
Paralegals have become the fastest growing role within the legal services sector. They are often found in organisations offering legal services direct to clients
| Duty | KSBs |
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Duty 1 support provision of legal advice by other legal professionals |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K7 K10 K11 K12 K14 K15 |
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Duty 2 provide ethical legal services ensuring high standards of client care ensuring they are acting in the best interests of the client |
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Duty 3 complete routine legal research and present information in response to requests from others under supervision |
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Duty 4 assist with the initial review of legal documents for example witness statements, meeting notes, contract reviews, lease agreements, bundles and produce varied correspondence |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K6 K7 K8 K11 K13 K14 |
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Duty 5 produce first drafts of legal documents and proof read documents under supervision using digital tools |
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Duty 6 use and support the use of digital technology and tools within the organisation |
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Duty 7 engage with stakeholders appropriately and adapt communication styles and tools appropriately including escalating problems when appropriate in line with organisational policies and procedures |
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Duty 8 manage own workload using digital management systems and undertakes review of casework to ensure progression is maintained and problems identified and escalated |
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Duty 9 deliver paralegal activities in support of the organisation's commercial strategy or budgetary constraints such as value for money, compliance with time billing and fee structure policies |
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Duty 10 assist in work with clients to provide an excellent customer service on routine casework |
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Duty 11 assist in carrying out "Know Your Client" activities to ensure that the appropriate type of scale of legal service is being provided |
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Duty 12 administer digital systems to create, maintain and use client and organisation data securely in line with legislation |
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Duty 13 ensure that all transactions and activities are carried out safely and securely to protect the organisation from threats such as money laundering, fraud and cybercrime |
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Duty 14 identify the limits of their personal professional experience and competence and escalate instructions that are beyond their scope of expertise |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K12 K13 K14 K16 K17 |
K1: fundamentals of legal and regulatory liabilities with regards to the client and organisation to ensure compliance with all professional obligations.
Back to Duty
K2: the Law and practice relevant to the work undertaken by the team in which the apprentice works such as advocacy and mediation; commercial, corporate and business; contracts and dispute resolution; conveyancing and property; crime; employment law; criminal and civil litigation; matrimonial and family law; will drafting, probate and administration of estates.
Back to Duty
K3: fundamentals of the wider English legal landscape, including how legislation is made; the role of common law; the courts and tribunal system; and key personnel.
Back to Duty
K4: approaches to legal research including the use of digital resources and research tools.
Back to Duty
K5: principles of ethical and professional frameworks and their relevance for service delivery.
Back to Duty
K6: approaches to data analysis and digital tools, such as spreadsheets, in arriving at loss of earnings for clients, valuations of property or estate values for probate for example.
Back to Duty
K7: approaches to drafting legal documents including clarity and precision of language.
Back to Duty
K8: principles of workload management including the preparation and collation of bundles, taking and filing accurate notes, closing and reviewing files, maintaining databases and version control.
Back to Duty
K9: awareness of the commercial or economic drivers of an organisation such as time recording, billing processes and financial efficiency.
Back to Duty
K10: awareness of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in an organisation and steps that can be taken to mitigate those risks.
Back to Duty
K11: organisational data and information security standards, policies and procedures relevant to data management activities including legal requirements relating to the use of data, risks to confidentiality of data posed by and to stakeholder's actions.
Back to Duty
K12: the impact of diversity and inclusion such as on teamwork, stakeholder relationships and organisational strategies.
Back to Duty
K13: fundamentals of the requirements for acting in the best interest of the client to protect clients and limit liability for negligence such as identifying and acting for vulnerable clients.
Back to Duty
K14: fundamentals of anti-money laundering regulations in relation to legal transactions including personal and professional liability.
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K15: fundamentals of administering client accounts including the principles of time-recording and charging fee structures.
Back to Duty
K16: the activities of their occupation which contribute to their ‘professional carbon footprint’ and steps that can be taken to reduce it.
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K17: principles of digital tools and software such as case management systems, databases and online drafting software.
Back to Duty
S1: assist in administering procedures using most effective channels to progress caseloads.
Back to Duty
S2: conduct legal research using selected sources such as legal databases.
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S3: solve legal technical problems within their remit and escalating as needed.
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S4: present findings from legal research in line with organisational expectations.
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S5: assist in applying the principles of Law to stakeholder cases.
Back to Duty
S6: assist with legal matters and transactions within the organisation.
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S7: communicate using plain English to provide clarification and explanation of the legal process and standard legal terms.
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S8: organise and administer workflow such as legal files, case management and accounting systems to progress work within service level expectations.
Back to Duty
S9: carry out file management activities such as prepare and collate bundles, take and file accurate notes, close and review files, maintain databases and version control.
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S10: use a range of digital tools and technologies, for example to draft legal documents, conduct legal research, carry out data analysis and collaborate with others.
Back to Duty
S11: apply fraud protection measures and cyber security procedures in relation to transactions, keeping up to date with approaches.
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S12: undertake activities to ensure a clear picture of a stakeholder’s needs and risks throughout legal transactions.
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S13: assess risks and benefits to the stakeholder of different options and making recommendations to senior team members to ensure that they work in the stakeholders’ best interests.
Back to Duty
B1: Ethical and Professional - adheres to professional codes of conduct in legal activities and relationships with others.
Back to Duty
B2: Problem Solving - generates solutions to legal problems, considering different options and identifying when to escalate when problems are outside their remit.
Back to Duty
B3: Customer Service Mindset - provides a bespoke, productive and positive customer experience.
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B4: Growth Mindset - committed to Continuous Professional Development.
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B5: Collaborative and inclusive – respects diversity of thought and experience to work with stakeholders and team members.
Back to Duty
Qualification type: T Level
Qualification level: 3
Awarding organisation: Pearson
Approval date: 09/02/2023
Available from: 01/09/2023
Occupational specialism: Legal Services Assistant, Crime, Criminal Justice and Social Welfare
ST0245 Paralegal
Qualification type: T Level
Qualification level: 3
Awarding organisation: Pearson
Approval date: 09/02/2023
Available from: 01/09/2023
Occupational specialism: Legal Services Assistant, Business, Finance and Employment
ST0245 Paralegal
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