Providing legal and administrative support, carrying out research and drafting legal documents and forms.
· 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
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Professional discussion
You will have a professional professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 5 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The EPAO will give you suggested project titles. The report should be a maximum of 3000 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 4 weeks to complete the project and submit the business case to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 25 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 2 questions about the project and presentation. The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with CILEX for CILEx Paralegal
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with National Association of Licensed Paralegals for Paralegal Technician
Please contact the professional body for more details.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3 | Standard, End-point assessment plan and funding revised. | 30/06/2023 | Not set |
| 1.2 | The funding band for this standard has been reviewed as part of the apprenticeship funding band review. The new funding band is £8000 | 04/03/2019 | 29/06/2023 |
| 1.1 | End-point assessment plan revised | 01/06/2018 | 03/03/2019 |
| 1.0 | Retired | 01/06/2018 | 31/05/2018 |
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