Any solicitors/paralegals about?

[jamesfailedmarshmallows]

I have a BSc in a social science and LLM and currently work in a support role, that I want out of. I did the LLM 'just because', I had no real reason other than the course seemed interesting It hasn't added to my earning potential so far.

I'm thinking of going into paralegal work, but want more info. I could get experience at a friend's practice, but is it worth going for a PgDip in paralegal practice, or is it more money down the drain?

Any advice from those in the field very welcome.

Honestly? I think it would be money down the drain and agree with PPs - you should look into CILEX if you can’t convert to a law degree. It’s a bit of extra work, but more likely to get you through the door!

I’ve worked in city law firms for 15 years and I can’t recall ever having a paralegal anywhere in the firm without a law degree or CILEX. It’s an important support role and legal knowledge is required. Training is given but only when you have a base legal knowledge. These days many law graduates take on paralegal roles solely to be assessed for training contracts so even paralegal work is competitive and usually taken by law graduates.

If it’s something you really want to do then I would suggest CILEX as a starting point!

I am a lawyer of over 20 years PQE. Never encouraged paralegals to actually take any qualifications unless they want to be lawyers (so they do a legal degree). I have employed plenty of paralegals - never one with actual paralegal type qualification. I think it is much more of a “thing” in the USA.

@NoWordForFluffy haha mine is also unpopular to the public, possibly the same area!

Good job I don't take it personally!

Paralegals often earn very little. Obviously there will be the opportunity to earn a little more in a very large firm in London but I think you also need to bear in mind that a very large number of firms are not anticipating a full return to the office - ever. This means that the chances of gaining this type of role are diminished since its very difficult to supervise and the "go and do some filing/photocopying/scanning" type tasks are non existent since everything is online and remote. It's not like Meghan Markle in Suits.

Most paralegal roles are taken by those who have done their law degree and lpc and can't get a training contract and many are minimum wage roles.

Thank you all for the replies, they are very helpful. I have a lot to think about, you have given ideas that I wasn't even aware existed so thank you. I think I will chat to my friend and see if she is willing to take me on, even on a voluntary basis as I'm sure there is very little in house work going on anyway.

How do I go about CILEX? Is that something I can start now? Is there a book you buy? Apologies if that is a ridiculous question, but the website just mentions exams with little further info.

@jamesfailedmarshmallows

How do I go about CILEX? Is that something I can start now? Is there a book you buy? Apologies if that is a ridiculous question, but the website just mentions exams with little further info.

Have a look at the CILEX law school if you want to do it remotely - exams are winter and summer sessions but aside from that you study when you want!

As MrsPinkCock has said, CILEX run their own law school cilexlawschool.ac.uk. I don't know whether other law schools offer CILEX courses as well. I would echo the other posters -- that paralegal is in itself a bit of a dead end and you would be much better placed in the long term with a professional qualification whether CILEX or solicitor.

@jamesfailedmarshmallows

Season from what I've read (on here) life for a junior solicitor is hell-ish and you have to put in 60 + hours a week in order to prove yourself. I have no time/inclination/energy to pursue that lifestyle, even if it is just for a few years. I am 40 so feel age is against me too. Very interesting thought that after 2 years you can become a solicitor. Will look into the CILEX, thanks all.

Then I am afraid your reasoning is a bit skewed. A senior paralegal commanding good may would have the same pressures out upon them as a junior solicitor.

If you want less pressures then the role would be more like a legal assistant or secretary (which brings its own stresses) but for lower pay.

I started as a legal secretary and tgen did CILEX/FILEX and qualifies as a solicitor. The pressure wasn't necessarily any less but at least I got paid well.

With the SQE now available I would have gone that route had it been available to me.

pay and put

Then I am afraid your reasoning is a bit skewed. A senior paralegal commanding good may would have the same pressures out upon them as a junior solicitor.

Agreed. The reality is that as a legal exec you'll be given lower quality work than the junior solicitor with all of the same expectations about your performance and hours. As a paralegal you're basically an overworked dogsbody in some firms.

You really need to think carefully about this before investing any money and significant time. We simply don't work in the same way anymore. Time is precious, margins are tight and the reality of homeworking means training anyone is extremely difficult and so recruitment at junior levels will change. Junior lawyers, legal execs, paralegals, all learn on the job by watching and listening to experienced lawyers.