Legal Assistant / Paralegal
Legal assistants’ or paralegals’ work developed from the need of ordinary people to have affordable access to justice, as well as the need for people to be trained in law, but not at the Bachelor of Law degree level. Paralegals play an important role in ensuring that all people have access to justice.
Legal assistants or paralegals must have extensive knowledge of the law and the administration of justice. Their duties may include: liaising with clients of their employers to assist in solving legal problems; legal research; preparing cases for court; and liaison with the public.
Satisfying Aspects
- being able to work in the field of law without having advanced degrees
- good working conditions and relatively good remuneration
- the challenge and variety of the work
- working with people
Demanding aspects
- working long hours, evenings, and weekends
- preparing cases and talking to clients
- not being able to have your own legal practice
Requirements
A legal assistant / paralegal should:
- be friendly, helpful and patient;
- honour and take account of the values of the community he serves;
- be responsible;
- be able to communicate with all people at all levels of society.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: English, Accounting
Training
The South African School of Paralegal Studies offers a full-time 5-month Paralegal Diploma Course and also evening courses which run throughout the year.
A Diploma in Paralegal Studies is offered at Damelin and Intec.
Employer
- Legal firms
- Legal departments of banking institutions, insurance companies and the corporate sector
- Legal departments of government institutions e.g. court administration, deeds office, receiver of revenue
- Estate agents
Contact
South African School of Paralegal Studies
P O Box 1715
Carletonville, 2500
37 South Street
Carletonville
Tel:?(018) 786-1872 Fax:?(018) 787-3155
www.paralegal.za.org
Law Society of SA
P O Box 36626
Menlo Park, 1729
Tel: (012) 366-8800 Fax: (012) 362-0969
The Law Societies in Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Pietermaritzburg
www.lssa.org.za