How do I become a paralegal
Get qualified to work as a paralegal with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Paralegal.
Common questions
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.
Courses.com.au Team
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
Courses.com.au Team
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.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
What can you do with a Diploma of Paralegal Services?
11th February 2022
How to start a career as a Legal Secretary
19th April 2021All paralegal courses
- 10283NAT Certificate IV in Crime and Justice Studies
- 10284NAT Diploma of Crime and Justice Studies
- 10408NAT Diploma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Advocacy
- 11281NAT Course in Community Justice Services (Commissioner for Declarations)
- 22565VIC Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice
- Bachelor of Arts (Legal Studies)
- Bachelor of Arts (Socio-Legal Studies)
- Bachelor of Legal Services
- BSB30320 Certificate III in Legal Services
- BSB40620 Certificate IV in Legal Services
- BSB42215 Certificate IV in Legal Services
- BSB50720 Diploma of Paralegal Services
- BSB52215 Diploma of Legal Services
- BSBAUD412 Work within Compliance Frameworks
- FNS30420 Certificate III in Mercantile Agents
- Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice
- Graduate Diploma in Law
- Undergraduate Certificate in Legal Studies
Paralegal careers
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.
