To become a paralegal in the US, most people earn an associate's degree or a certificate in paralegal studies, though some employers train graduates or experienced admin staff on the job. In the UK you can get in through a law or legal studies course, a T Level in Legal Services, or a paralegal apprenticeship that usually takes around 2 years.
Paralegals do much of the research, drafting and case preparation behind a law firm's work, without being qualified lawyers. It's one of the few legal careers you can start without a law degree, which is why so many career changers look at it.
Here's how each country's routes work, what the official figures say about pay and openings, and the detail about job growth that most career guides leave out.
Routes into paralegal work
| Route | US (Bureau of Labor Statistics) | UK (National Careers Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical starting qualification | Associate's degree in paralegal studies | Foundation degree, HND or degree in law, legal studies or paralegal practice |
| Shorter course | Certificate in paralegal studies, often after a bachelor's degree | College courses such as the T Level in Legal Services |
| Earn while you train | On-the-job training for some hires with no legal background | Paralegal Level 3 or Advanced Paralegal Level 5 apprenticeship, usually around 2 years |
| Specialist option | Certification exams through professional bodies | Legal Technician Level 4 apprenticeship in conveyancing or probate |
| Is a licence required? | Certification isn't required, though some employers prefer it | Membership of a body such as the Institute of Paralegals or the National Association of Licensed Paralegals is optional |
How to become a paralegal in the US
- Pick a program. The BLS says a common path is an associate's degree in paralegal studies from a postsecondary institution.
- If you already have a bachelor's degree, consider a paralegal certificate instead. The BLS notes many candidates major in a subject such as social science or business and then add a certificate.
- Look for programs accredited by professional organisations, which the BLS says is typical for paralegal studies.
- Think about certification. It isn't required, but the BLS says some employers prefer or require it, and it usually means passing an exam.
- Get practical experience through an internship or a legal admin job. Some employers hire people with a high school diploma and experience, then train them.
How to become a paralegal in the UK
- Decide between study and an apprenticeship. The National Careers Service lists university, college, apprenticeship and working your way up as routes.
- For a degree you'll usually need 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent. For a foundation degree or HND, 1 or 2 A levels.
- For a T Level in Legal Services you'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and maths.
- For an apprenticeship, employers set their own entry requirements. The apprenticeship standard for paralegals is published by Skills England.
- Already working in a firm as an admin assistant? The National Careers Service says you may be able to train on the job, and join a professional body for paralegals.
If you're weighing an apprenticeship, my explainer on the apprenticeship levy shows why many larger firms are keen to fund them.
Paralegal pay and job prospects
The BLS put the median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants at $62,890 in May 2025, with 404,900 jobs. In the UK the National Careers Service lists an average salary of £20,000 at starter level up to £40,000 for experienced paralegals, working 37 to 40 hours a week with occasional evenings. These are official guides as of October 2026, not offers.
The detail most guides miss is the US outlook. The BLS projects 0% growth, little or no change, in paralegal jobs from 2025 to 2035. That sounds bleak, but the same page says about 40,800 openings are projected each year on average, mostly from people moving into other jobs or retiring. So jobs keep coming up even though the total isn't growing, and specialist skills help you compete for them.
What the work looks like
The National Careers Service describes paralegals as people who carry out research, prepare legal documents and give legal advice to clients. Other job titles include legal assistant, property assistant and contracts assistant. Most work in law firms, but in-house legal teams and government agencies hire paralegals too.
It also notes something many people don't expect: in the UK, experienced paralegals can become self-employed or set up their own paralegal practice. If remote work matters to you, my guide on finding remote legal jobs covers where those roles are advertised.
Skills that get you hired
- accurate writing and proofreading, because drafts go to clients and courts
- research skills, including legal databases
- organisation, since paralegals often track deadlines and case files
- confidentiality and judgement
- comfort with legal software and document management tools
A sharp CV matters in a field this detail-driven, so it's worth using one of the best CV makers to get the layout clean.
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My verdict
If you want a legal career without the cost and years of qualifying as a lawyer, paralegal work is a realistic route. In the UK, an apprenticeship lets you earn while you train, which I'd look at first. In the US, an associate's degree or a certificate on top of your existing degree is the usual way in. Either way, specialise early, in property, contracts or litigation, because that's how you stand out for the openings that do appear. For course choices, the National Careers Service and your state bar or local college are the right places to check details.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a paralegal?
In the US an associate's degree typically takes about two years, and certificates can be shorter. In the UK, paralegal apprenticeships usually take around 2 years.
Can you become a paralegal without a degree?
Yes. In the UK you can use a college course or an apprenticeship. In the US some employers hire people with a high school diploma and experience and train them on the job.
How much do paralegals earn?
The BLS put the US median at $62,890 in May 2025. The National Careers Service lists £20,000 to £40,000 a year in the UK.
Do paralegals need a licence?
Not generally. In the US certification is optional but some employers prefer it. In the UK membership of a paralegal body is optional.
Is paralegal a good career?
It can be. BLS projects little or no overall growth in the US, but about 40,800 openings a year on average as people move on or retire.
