Paralegal Practice

What is a paralegal?

The National Paralegal Institute identifies a Paralegal as a person who is qualified by education, training or work experience to perform legal, social welfare or related work, which requires a basic knowledge of the law.

This course offers a strong foundation for entering the legal field, preparing you for further studies like the NQF 6 Diploma in Paralegal Studies or eventually an LLB degree, helping you build essential skills for a successful legal career. It's the first step to a rewarding career in law, offering invaluable insight into the legal industry.

THE PARALEGAL MAY BE FOUND:

• In community based advice offices run by community organisations or NGO’s

• Employed by a government department or a non-government organisation

• Working in Labour Law consultancies or for trade unions

• Employed by a Legal Practitioner or Legal Firm

• Self-employed as a Paralegal Practitioner or Legal consultant

• Employed in a banking, insurance or other corporate environment

• The Minister of Police has recently indicated the South African Police Services will be looking to employ Paralegals to assist in police stations throughout the country.

Core Competencies of a Paralegal include:

• Helping people comply with administrative functions such as the completion of official documentation.

• Understanding fundamental legal concepts.

• Providing basic legal advice.

• Understanding when to refer matters to a Legal Practitioner.

• Advising and educating communities of their Human Rights.

COURSE OVERVIEW: Occupational Certificate: Paralegal - NQF Level 5 (SAQA: 117325)

• Fundamentals of Law | Core Module| NQF5 | 20 Credits

• Basic Theory on Wills and Estates | Core Module| NQF5 | 10 Credits

• Introduction to Labour Law | Core Module| NQF5 | 15 Credits

• Basic Theory on Dispute Resolutions | Core Module| NQF5 | 10 Credits

• Legal Writing | Core Module| NQF5 | 10 Credits

• Basic Criminal Law and Procedure | Core Module| NQF6 | 25 Credits

• Basic Civil Law and Procedure | Core Module| NQF6 | 20 Credits

• Fundamentals of Customer Law, Common Law, and Family Law | Core Module| NQF6 | 20 Credits

• Law of Evidence | Core Module| NQF6 | 10 Credits Core 6 10

• Introduction to Property Law and Conveyancing | Core Module| NQF6 | 15 Credits

• Execute Administrative Functions within the Paralegal Context | Practical Skill | NQF5 | 10 Credits

• Conduct Basic Research on Precedents, Cases, Acts and Related Matters | Practical Skill | NQF5 | 10 Credits

• Consult with the Client | Practical Skill | NQF5 | 20 Credits

• Conduct Basic Mediation | Practical Skill | NQF5 | 25 Credits

• Consultation with Stakeholders | Practical Skill | NQF5 | 10 Credits

• Process Documents in a Paralegal Context | Practical Skill | NQF5 | 5 Credits

SASSETA Accreditation

The course is registered on the National Qualification’s Framework at Level 5 (NQF5). The School is FULLY accredited by SASSETA to provide training and learner assessment. The School offers a unique programme which includes additional legal content modules in order to ensure that our graduates receive a fully integrated qualification. As far as we are aware we are the only Training Provider which has carefully formulated a comprehensive training programme that combines the qualification’s unit standards with our own additional modules. And all of our lecturers are experienced and qualified legal practitioners. 

STUDY OPTIONS

• Full-time (18 months): 12 months theory and 6 months practical. Monday – Wednesday mornings. Includes theory, practical tasks, workplace experience, revision classes, and ongoing assessments.

• Part-time: Saturday Morning Classes. Includes ongoing assessments, practical tasks and workplace experience. Students have 18 months to complete the course.

The school reserves the right to change the training schedule during the course of the year and in the event of a nationwide crisis that may prevent contact classes, virtual classes will be in place in order to complete the course

THE PROGRAM CONSISTS OF:

• 12 months of in-person theory covering various legal topics.

• 6 months of workplace-based practical modules for hands-on experience.

• External examination at an accredited assessment center, plus a required work experience statement.

PROCEDURE TOWARDS COMPETENCY

In order to qualify for the external summative assessment learners must have:

• Completion of both theoretical and practical skill modules.

• Submission of a signed Statement of Work Experience.

GRADUATION

Graduation is an important and exciting affair. These are the requirements for successful completion of the course:

• To be found “Competent” in each of the Qualification Unit Standards.

• Achieve at least 50% of the total result for each module.

• 75% attendance record.

• Completion of all assignments as per training schedule, and workplace experience.

• Upon endorsement by SASSETA through the verification process.

• Provided all fees are paid up

admission Requirements

Since a certain amount of mature language comprehension is required it is recommended that prospective students have a completed matric National Senior Certificate (NQF 4). Please feel free to discuss any concerns you may have in this regard. Foreign qualifications must include a SAQA Evaluation letter.

Course Material

Learners do not need to buy any textbooks for the course. All course materials are provided in electronic format on an Android tablet, which is included in the tuition fees. 

Registration closing dates

We operate on a rolling admissions system; this means you may enter the training at any point during the year when a new module commences.

CONTACT US

For more information and assistance with fees & application forms please contact the Student Enrolment Officer at the campus you wish to study at. The course is offered at the following campuses: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria. Click here for contact details.