Paralegal vs Legal Assistant: Key Differences and Career Progression

Being offered a new job is definitely something to celebrate. It’s a positive reflection of your sought-after abilities and talents and is a great boost for your confidence, but before taking that big leap and accepting the offer make sure you have answers to the following questions:

Chadwick Nott sat down with an Associate at Dentons to talk about her career move during the pandemic. Kelly Pledger worked with Kate Sinclair, Senior Associate at Chadwick Nott, to find her dream job. We asked for her insight into the recruitment process, interviewing during the pandemic, and joining the firm when pregnant.

What’s the Difference Between a Legal Assistant and a Paralegal?

Many law graduates and professionals ask this question when starting their legal careers. The honest answer? There’s often no difference. The terms are used interchangeably by law firms, and job descriptions for both roles are usually identical.

Paralegal and Legal Assistant Responsibilities

Both roles involve more complex, fee-earning tasks than legal secretaries or administrators. Typical duties include:

Preparing legal documents
Conducting legal research
Providing quotes to clients
Interviewing clients and witnesses
Giving legal information
Attending court
Managing caseloads
Administrative support

Qualifications Required

To secure a paralegal or legal assistant position, you’ll usually need a legal qualification such as:

GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law)
LLB (Law Degree)
LPC (Legal Practice Course)
CILEx qualifications

These roles often mirror the work of trainee solicitors, making them a stepping stone toward qualification.

Salary Expectations

Paralegal and legal assistant salaries are typically lower than those of qualified solicitors.

Entry-level salaries: £14,000–£22,000 p/a outside London
Often lower than legal secretaries in some cases

This is largely due to supply and demand, many law graduates compete for these roles to gain essential experience.

Career Progression

Starting as a paralegal or legal assistant is considered the first step on the legal career ladder. With experience, you can command higher salaries and progress toward qualification as a solicitor.

Practice Area Challenges

Volume roles are common in areas like personal injury (PI) and conveyancing, but switching practice areas later can be difficult. If you’re passionate about a specific area, aim for your first role in that field.

Routes to Qualify as a Solicitor

Thanks to the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Exam), there are now multiple routes:

SQE: Degree or equivalent, SQE 1 & 2 assessments, 2 years’ qualifying work experience
Training Contract: 2 years of training after LPC
CILEx: A slower route allowing you to work while studying

For detailed guidance, visit the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and CILEx websites.