Paralegal Courses Online

Paralegals support solicitors and other lawyers with the day-to-day work of a case: managing files, preparing documents, gathering evidence and keeping clients updated. In England and Wales paralegal work is not a regulated occupation and no qualification is required by law, so employers set their own entry requirements. Practical training in a specific area of law is one of the clearest ways to show an employer you understand the work before you apply.

RegulationUnregulated roleEmployers set their own entry requirements
Qualification neededNone by lawTraining shows practical knowledge of an area of law
How you studyOnline, self-pacedFit learning around work or other study
FocusEngland and WalesMost courses follow the law and procedure of England and Wales

Choose a paralegal course by area of law

Paralegal work varies a great deal between practice areas, so most courses focus on one area and the documents, procedures and deadlines that go with it. Pick the area you want to work in, or the one your firm or department covers.

  • Family law and divorce
  • Employment law and tribunals
  • Civil litigation
  • Personal injury and clinical negligence
  • Conveyancing and property
  • Wills, probate and private client
  • Court of Protection
  • Criminal law
  • Immigration and housing law
  • Corporate, commercial and banking law
  • Construction law and arbitration
  • Compliance, data protection, sanctions and AML

Starting out or building on experience?

New to legal work

  • Beginner courses introduce the paralegal role in one area of law
  • They cover the key terms, documents and procedures used in real cases
  • Several include career guidance, such as CVs and interview preparation

Already in a legal support role

  • Job-ready courses work through realistic case files from start to finish
  • Practical skills and case-based courses build professional judgement
  • Advanced programmes suit people with a foundation in the area already

Thinking of qualifying as a solicitor?

Many people start as paralegals before qualifying. The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route requires a degree or equivalent, two years' qualifying work experience and passes in SQE1 and SQE2, and paralegal work can count as qualifying work experience where it meets the regulator's requirements. See law courses for SQE preparation.

How you can take it

Self-paced e-learning

Study online at a time that suits you, on a computer, tablet or phone.

Case-based practice

Many courses use realistic case files, drafting tasks and exercises rather than theory alone.

Team training

Training several staff? Ask about group bookings for your firm or department.

Common questions

Do I need a qualification to become a paralegal?

No qualification is required by law to work as a paralegal in England and Wales, because it is not a regulated occupation. Employers set their own entry requirements, and practical training in the area of law you want to work in helps show you understand the work.

What does a paralegal do?

Paralegals support solicitors and other lawyers with legal work, such as opening and managing files, drafting documents, gathering evidence, preparing court bundles and keeping clients informed. The exact tasks depend on the area of law and the firm.

Are these paralegal courses accredited qualifications?

Not necessarily. Many paralegal courses are independent training rather than regulated or accredited qualifications. Each course page explains what the course leads to, so check it before you book.

Which paralegal course should I choose?

Start with the area of law you want to work in. If you are new to legal work, choose a beginner course in that area. If you already work in legal support, a job-ready or case-based course will build more practical skills.

Can paralegal work count towards qualifying as a solicitor?

It can. The SQE route needs two years' full-time qualifying work experience or equivalent, and paralegal roles can count where they meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority's requirements. See law courses for SQE1 and SQE2 preparation.

Compare paralegal courses below

Envico lists online paralegal training from UK providers, so you can compare areas of law, levels and prices in one place. Looking for wider legal training? Browse law courses and business, management and legal courses.

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