How Much Do Paralegals Make?

Discover what paralegals earn in the UK, what qualifications are required, job levels, pros and cons, and top firms to work for in legal services.

How Much Do Paralegals Make? Salary, Training & Career Overview (UK)

Paralegals are legal professionals who support solicitors, barristers, and legal departments by handling case preparation, research, and client communications. While not fully qualified lawyers, paralegals are increasingly performing legal tasks independently—and in some cases, becoming specialists in their own right.

This guide explains how much paralegals earn in the UK, what skills and qualifications are needed, career paths, and where to find the best roles in this growing legal sector.

Job Description: What Do Paralegals Do?

Paralegals assist in legal cases by preparing documents, managing files, conducting legal research, and liaising with clients. They work in law firms, government departments, corporate legal teams, or charities.

Responsibilities include:

  • Drafting contracts, statements, and correspondence

  • Preparing case bundles for court or tribunal

  • Conducting legal research and referencing case law

  • Interviewing clients and witnesses

  • Managing case files and databases

  • Supporting solicitors in hearings or negotiations

  • In some cases, offering legal services independently (if permitted)

How Hard Is It to Become a Paralegal?

It’s relatively accessible compared to becoming a solicitor or barrister. There is no single legal requirement or regulatory route, but most employers expect legal training or experience. Some paralegals are law graduates; others gain qualifications through part-time or distance learning.

For many, it’s a stepping stone to qualifying as a solicitor.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Excellent organisation and time management

  • Attention to detail, especially when drafting legal documents

  • Research skills

  • Client-facing confidence and communication

  • Teamwork under pressure

  • Discretion and integrity

  • Understanding of legal language and processes

Do You Need Qualifications?

You don’t legally need a qualification, but most employers look for candidates with:

Education routes:

  • Law degree (LLB) or non-law degree + legal training

  • CILEx Level 3 or 6 Diploma in Law and Practice

  • NALA, NALP or CPD-certified paralegal courses

  • Legal Practice Course (LPC) or SQE Part 1 (some paralegals are postgrads)

  • BTEC Level 3 or 4 in Legal Studies

Training time varies:

  • Legal diplomas: 6–12 months (part-time or full-time)

  • Law degree: 3–4 years

  • On-the-job paralegal roles may provide training internally

Career Levels and Specialisations

Legal Assistant - Entry-level support, no case handling

Junior Paralegal - Works under supervision, manages admin-heavy tasks

Paralegal - Manages files, supports fee earners

Senior Paralegal - Handles files more independently

Legal Executive - Qualified through CILEx, not a solicitor

Specialist Paralegal - Focus on conveyancing, immigration, personal injury etc.

Legal Operations / Manager - Team lead roles in in-house teams

Specialisations:

  • Conveyancing

  • Family Law

  • Criminal Law

  • Corporate / Commercial

  • Immigration

  • Employment law

  • Personal injury and civil litigation

What Experience Do You Need?

  • Previous work as a legal admin, intern, or law student

  • Voluntary work in citizens advice, law clinics, or legal aid

  • Experience using legal software (LEAP, Clio, Case Management Systems)

  • Shadowing or part-time experience in solicitors' offices

Benefits of Being a Paralegal

  • Entry-level route into law without full solicitor training

  • Structured career path, especially with experience

  • Diverse work – commercial, criminal, family, public law

  • Opportunity to specialise in high-demand legal areas

  • Valuable hands-on experience, especially for aspiring solicitors

  • Flexible routes (full-time, part-time, remote roles available)

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Lower pay than solicitors or legal execs

  • Limited regulatory recognition (paralegals aren’t “lawyers” in UK law)

  • Hard to progress without formal qualifications

  • Some roles are admin-heavy and repetitive

  • Can be high-pressure, especially in litigation or court prep

  • No fixed pay scale or licensing body unless qualified via CILEx

Paralegal Salary Levels in the UK

Legal Assistant - £18,000 – £22,000

Junior Paralegal - £23,000 – £27,000

Paralegal (mid-level) - £28,000 – £35,000

Senior Paralegal -£36,000 – £45,000+

Specialist Paralegal -£40,000 – £60,000+

Tax Example:

A paralegal earning £35,000/year would pay:

  • Income Tax: ~£4,432

  • National Insurance: ~£3,149

  • Take-home pay: ~£27,400/year or £527/week

Self-employed or freelance paralegals may deduct expenses like software, research materials, travel, and home office costs.

Factors That Affect Salary

  • Location – London and larger cities pay more

  • Experience and qualifications

  • Area of law – commercial and property law pay better than criminal or legal aid

  • Type of employer – top law firms and in-house legal teams often pay more

  • Whether you are a qualified legal executive (CILEx)

  • Regulatory or specialist training (immigration advisers, licensed conveyancers)

What’s the Future for Paralegals?

  • Increasing autonomy – paralegals can manage full caseloads in some firms

  • Growing in-house legal departments need more affordable legal support

  • AI tools may automate admin, but client-facing and advisory skills remain key

  • SQE route allows paralegals to qualify as solicitors over time

  • Demand for low-cost legal services continues to rise

Best Companies to Work for as a Paralegal (UK)

Slater and Gordon - National litigation and injury firm

Irwin Mitchell - Large-scale legal employer

Shoosmiths - Corporate and private client mix

Eversheds Sutherland - International law firm with training

DWF - Commercial focus, digital-friendly

Clifford Chance / Linklaters - Top City firms, very competitive

Local councils and government - Public sector legal work

In-house legal teams (banks, insurers, tech firms) - Structured and stable

Final Thought

Paralegals are the engine behind many legal teams—handling critical research, documentation, and client liaison. While it’s not the highest-paid legal role, it’s a fast, accessible entry into the profession with a clear path to progression. Whether you want to build a legal career or offer affordable legal services, it’s a valuable and growing field.

Need help finding accredited courses, comparing paralegal vs solicitor routes, or building your CV? Just ask—I can help you get started.