Paralegal

Paralegals play an important role in legal proceedings by assisting lawyers and other legal professionals to prepare for cases. You’ll help prepare materials needed in court like legal documents or transcripts. You might have to interview clients or witnesses or conduct research relating to a case. Paralegals have to manage a lot of paperwork so you may have to spend time collating documents or filing pieces of information.

Attention to detail is a crucial quality for Paralegals and you’ll also have to be highly organised. You’ll need a strong knowledge of the legal system and have to be flexible when needed. Your work will have you involved with several cases at once so being able to manage multiple activities at one time is essential. Paralegals need to be good at communicating with people and should be able to work as part of a team.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a paralegal?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
BSB50720

Diploma of Paralegal Services
On Campus, Online
12 months
$9,900
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Legal Administrator Legal Assistant Legal Receptionist
Legal Secretary Paralegal
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Legal Administrator Legal Assistant Legal Receptionist Legal Secretary Paralegal + 2 more
BSB40620

Certificate IV in Legal Services
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
6 - 24 months
$0 - $7,700
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Paralegal Legal Secretary Legal Receptionist
Legal Assistant Legal Administrator
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Paralegal Legal Secretary Legal Receptionist Legal Assistant Legal Administrator + 2 more
10972NAT

Diploma of Justice Studies
Blended, On Campus
12 months
$0 - $9,200
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Court Officer Legal Administrator
Paralegal Police Officer Prison Officer Public Servant
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Court Officer Legal Administrator Paralegal Police Officer Prison Officer Public Servant + 4 more
10971NAT

Certificate IV in Justice Studies
Blended, On Campus, Online
5 weeks
$0 - $4,090
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Court Officer Legal Administrator
Paralegal Police Officer Prison Officer Public Servant
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Correctional Officer Court Officer Legal Administrator Paralegal Police Officer Prison Officer Public Servant + 4 more
22565VIC

Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice
On Campus
18 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Paralegal Law Clerk Legal Assistant
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Paralegal Law Clerk Legal Assistant

Bachelor of Arts (Legal Studies)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $75,120
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Paralegal Court Administrator Legal Researcher
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Paralegal Court Administrator Legal Researcher

Undergraduate Certificate in Legal Studies
Blended
6 months
$0 - $8,160
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Paralegal Legal Secretary Compliance Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Paralegal Legal Secretary Compliance Officer
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Legal Assistant

A Legal Assistant collaborates with legal professionals, preparing documents, assisting clients, conducting research, and managing administrative tasks.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much does a Paralegal earn?

In Australia, a full time Paralegal generally earns $1,400 per week ($72,800 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for a Paralegal?

The number of people working in the legal administrative industry has decreased slightly over the last five years. There are about 9,100 people working in legal administration in Australia but only a small percentage are employed as Paralegals. Paralegal work can be found in all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Paralegal?

A Diploma of Legal Services is a good qualification to consider if you’re embarking on a Paralegal career. This 12 month course covers all aspects of the legal system and you can specialise in the area of law you are most interested in.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

How to start a career as a Paralegal

20th July 2021

What can you do with a Diploma of Paralegal Services?

11th February 2022

How to start a career as a Legal Secretary

19th April 2021

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