The National Association of Licensed Paralegals has revealed that the Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship Standard is being completely overhauled. 

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.

People in need of legal services are now able to find regulated paralegals on the Professional Paralegal Register, which was launched on 6 July.

Graduates, like myself, often start their careers as a paralegal to gain insight and deeper understanding into the life of a solicitor. Often, paralegals who are aspiring solicitors will apply for a training contract at the firm they are already employed with. In this post, I set out my four top tips for paralegals wanting to take the next step into qualification.

Working as a paralegal before securing a training contract is increasingly the norm for thousands of candidates. It’s even possible to qualify as a solicitor by gaining relevant experience as a paralegal, instead of a formal training contract – a route that could become even more popular with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and qualifying work experience.

Working as a paralegal before securing a training contract is increasingly the norm for thousands of candidates. It is even possible to qualify as a solicitor by gaining relevant experience as a paralegal, instead of a formal training contract – a route which could become even more popular with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). However, this stepping stone also has potential downsides to watch out for…

Working as a paralegal before securing a training contract is increasingly the norm for thousands of candidates. It’s even possible to qualify as a solicitor by gaining relevant experience as a paralegal, instead of a formal training contract – a route that could become even more popular with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and qualifying work experience.

Working as a paralegal before securing a training contract is increasingly the norm for thousands of candidates. It’s even possible to qualify as a solicitor by gaining relevant experience as a paralegal, instead of a formal training contract – a route that could become even more popular with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and qualifying work experience.

Working as a paralegal before securing a training contract is increasingly the norm for thousands of candidates. It’s even possible to qualify as a solicitor by gaining relevant experience as a paralegal, instead of a formal training contract – a route that could become even more popular with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and qualifying work experience.

Working as a paralegal before securing a training contract is increasingly the norm for thousands of candidates. It is even possible to qualify as a solicitor by gaining relevant experience as a paralegal, instead of a formal training contract – a route which could become even more popular with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). However, this stepping stone also has potential downsides to watch out for…

Find out more on our dedicated 'Paralegal' page.

For law graduates who don’t want to qualify as a solicitor or barrister, a career as a professional paralegal is a great alternative.

Paralegals will regulated for the first time through a voluntary scheme which it is hoped will prove their credentials to wary employers and members of the public.

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Apprentices are being let down by their quality of training, says a report published yesterday by Parliament’s education committee which also claims that too many people, particularly the disadvantaged, are not being supported to pursue an apprenticeship.

Political parties have announced their policies on legal aid and the justice system as the general election ramps up ahead of polling day on Thursday 12 December.

Partner profits at City law firms rose by 12.12% in 2025, while regional firms faced tougher conditions, with profits declining by 10.82%, according to a new report from audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm Crowe.

Ingrid Yun is a Korean-American lawyer who sits in the mergers and acquisitions department of an elite New York law firm, where she has been working for six years.

Social mobility charity The Aspiring Solicitors Foundation has announced the addition of partners and associates from leading law firms to its board of trustees and new advisory board.