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If you're approaching the end of your law degree and don’t yet have a training contract or your next move lined up – don’t panic, you're not alone. Many law graduates find themselves in this exact position. The truth is training contracts are hard to secure and that’s why stepping into a paralegal role has traditionally been such a popular move.

Working as a paralegal doesn’t just build experience for your CV – it’s a valuable legal role, even without the promise of eventually becoming a lawyer. The role offers hands-on exposure to real cases, clients and court processes among many other useful skills. However, with competition rising even for entry-level paralegal jobs, how do you stand out when you don’t have formal legal experience yet? Here are my top tips for getting your foot in the legal door.

Don’t dismiss temporary or support roles

Temporary paralegal or document review jobs are a fantastic stepping stone. These short-term roles often pop up when law firms are handling big cases or compliance-heavy work. They might last just a few weeks, but they add real experience to your CV and can sometimes lead to permanent offers.

Also, don’t overlook legal admin or support positions. They might not be the end goal, but many law firms promote internally – and legal administrators often transition into paralegal roles once they've proven their capabilities.

Get involved outside the classroom

Never worked in a law firm? That’s not a problem. You can still strengthen your CV through extracurriculars. Pro bono work, mooting competitions, volunteering with legal clinics, or even student society roles all demonstrate your commitment to a legal career.

These experiences highlight useful skills like public speaking, teamwork, research and client communication. It also shows initiative, something firms really value.

Utilise recruitment agencies

Legal recruitment agencies can be a real game-changer. They often have access to roles that aren’t even advertised publicly. Some agencies specialise in graduate roles and are great at helping candidates without experience land that first position.

Agencies can also guide you through applications, prepare you for interviews and keep you in the loop on new opportunities. Don’t hesitate to register with a few reputable ones – you never know what doors it might open.

Stay open-minded about practice areas

It's totally normal to have a dream area of law, whether that's intellectual property (IP), family law or commercial litigation. But if you're just starting out, it pays to be flexible and open to various areas.

When you limit your applications to one narrow practice area, especially a niche one, you may reduce your chances of success. Instead, consider applying to broader roles that may overlap with your interest. For example, if you’re keen on IP law, don’t overlook general commercial or tech-related roles – they often include IP elements. Similarly, if property litigation is your goal, litigation roles more broadly can still help build relevant, transferable skills.

Tailor your applications and know the relevant area

When applying for a specific paralegal role, especially in a particular field of law, make sure you can speak confidently about why you’re interested in that area. If you’ve studied it during your degree, highlight that. Mention relevant coursework, strong grades, or even essays you found particularly engaging.

If it’s an area you haven’t studied formally, do your research. Read up on current cases or trends in that field and be prepared to discuss what draws you to it. This shows genuine interest and preparation – two things recruiters love.

Make the most of your transferable skills

Even if you’ve never worked in a legal role, chances are you’ve gained useful skills elsewhere – think part-time jobs, internships or volunteering. When reading a job description, look for required competencies and reflect on times you've demonstrated them in another setting.

Whether it's working under pressure, communicating clearly or staying organised – show how your past experiences connect to the legal world. Use specific examples to make your case in your CV and cover letter.

Do your homework on employers

Before applying to a firm, take the time to really get to know them. Follow them on LinkedIn, read recent articles or news and explore legal directories, like Chambers and Partners or The Legal 500. You can also get a firsthand insight into firms by reviewing their Meet the Lawyer and Meet the Recruiter profiles on LawCareers.Net. Understanding their values, practice areas and recent work can help you craft tailored applications that stand out.

Also, if you can, connect with current paralegals at the firm. Ask about their experiences – people are often more willing to chat than you might think. These insights are gold when preparing for interviews.

Truly be yourself

Finally, don’t try to be someone you’re not. Firms want to hire real people – not polished robots who say what they think recruiters want to hear. Be honest, show your personality and talk about why you would be a great addition to the team.

Yes, the legal world is competitive, and rejections will happen, nevertheless you need to remain confident, prepared and keep steadfast. That perfect paralegal role is out there – and it could be the perfect launchpad for your legal career.

Are you interested in finding out more about the paralegal career path? Have a read of the LCN Says guide.