You could study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in law, legal studies or paralegal practice.

It's competitive to get a place on a law degree, so you'll need to have good grades when you apply.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do a college course before you look for paralegal work.

Courses include:

• legal studies
• law and practice
• paralegal practice

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could take a Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This usually takes 2 years to complete as a mix of workplace learning and study.

You could also do a Legal Technician (conveyancing or probate) Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship if you wanted to specialise in either of these two areas.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You might be able to find work with a legal practice as an admin assistant and do training on the job to qualify. 

You can do training through the Institute of Paralegals or the National Association of Licensed Paralegals.

You'll be expected to have GCSEs or A levels and a good standard of English.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to read English
• excellent verbal communication skills
• excellent written communication skills
• administration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As a paralegal you could:

• research and draft legal documents
• handle a caseload of clients and give them legal information
• manage data and confidential client information
• interview clients and witnesses
• go to court

You could work in an office, in a court or at a police station.