What is a Paralegal?

The Centre for Paralegal Studies states that paralegals play an integral role in the legal profession, and they can offer significant assistance in the delivery of legal services.

They work in various types of organisations including law firms, government agencies and corporate legal departments.  The use of paralegals in the profession can allow legal services to be delivered more efficiently and more cost effectively.

Although paralegals are not solicitors or barristers, they often perform tasks that are of a legal nature.  However, this does not mean that only people who are undertaking a law degree or are currently working in a legal environment can obtain a role as a paralegal.   With the right training, skills and knowledge, opportunities for paralegal roles are available to people from a wide range of disciplines including business and management.

In Victoria, a number of universities offer studies in Legal Disputes, Criminology, Criminal Justice, etc. and all lead to careers in the paralegal services.