Training as a paralegal - where to start

[icebearforpresident]

I currently work in an admin role for an Estate Agent and while I enjoy my job I’m struggling at the idea of doing it for the rest of my life. As much as I like the company I work for it’s a small, independent firm and there’s no real prospect of progressing beyond my current role. Moving to a new firm would mean a lengthy commute which isn’t ideal with kids just now.

I’ve been thinking over my options for the future and the thing I keep coming back to is training as a paralegal. I’ve been looking for courses (ideally distance learning/OU style) with some nearby universities but not found anything. Google is giving me lots of options but it’s hard to tell what’s legit.

I don’t have a law degree but from my current work have an idea of what’s involved and have good relationships with all the local solicitors, which would hopefully give me options moving forward if I was to qualify. In my head I would work in conveyancing although I know you can specialise and other areas might appeal more as I go.

Does anyone in the profession have any suggestions on courses that might be a good option? I’m in Scotland.

You could try Cilex (I assume there is a Scottish equivalent?) which allows for distance learning in modules, with some places offering in person classes or revision weekends. It’s very doable and after you’ve got your Level 3 certificates, you could probably apply for paralegal jobs and keep studying while working. If you’re an EA now, speak to some of the conveyancers handling the properties you’re selling. I bet you’ll get some advice and maybe even offers of a foot in the door.
I think in Scotland estate agents and conveyancers are often in the same firm, so even better!

Have you seen the online LLB that RGU offers - www.rgu.ac.uk/study/courses/579-diphe-llb-law-online-learning

Perhaps worth a look at as it may open your options even further beyond Paralegal work. It's studied entirely online (lectures / seminars etc), offers a variety of course duration and contact times to suit and exams can be taken in Aberdeen or (I think) in Glasgow.

Good luck!

Hi, I know its been a while since you posted but I'm just about to start training as a paralegal after I convinced a local firm to take me on.
I am looking at CLT and Pitman courses specific to Scotland.
Did you take the plunge, and how are you finding it.