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Paralegal roles - just LLB or also LPC?

The answer to your question to a large extent depends on the type/location of law firm that you are applying to. Large 'city' law firms will rarely employ paralegals without an LPC or equivalent qualification, whereas smaller firms tend to be more flexible. The competition for any paralegal role is fierce, and with many people looking for employment in this market, firms are able to choose the candidates that best suit their needs. In previous years, having the LPC would be enough to secure, or at least have a strong chance in securing most paralegal roles. However, as there are many candidates in the market who have paralegalled for a number of years, some law firms now will require you to have paralegal experience to apply for jobs that in the past would not have required such experience. As such, by simply having the LPC to your name you are by no means guaranteeing yourself a paralegal job at the end, as in today's market it arguably does not hold as much weight without having experience to go with it. Doing a 3 year LLB shows a certain level of commitment to the legal profession, I'd advise you to compile a list of law firms that you would like to work for and approach them directly. You will have to be persistent and resilient, and may even need to do some work unpaid at the firm. However, this is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door, if you perform well the firm will be more inclined to offer you a paid role. It may be that if you perform really well and get on with the senior decision makers, that you could be a offered a training contract in the future with them (some firms will fund this and give you a maintenance grant). Even if you were not offered a training contract, you would have some paralegal experience on your CV which would certainly add value when applying to other firms.

12-Sep-2012

10:18 pm