Paralegals are a highly-valued part of the legal sector and there is increasing demand for paralegal professionals who can think outside the box.

This course will get you working in law quickly and lays the foundation for career progression. As you explore the Australian legal system, you will gather skills in legal research and writing, and absorb foundational principles in key areas of the law. You can choose to undertake voluntary legal experience or a para-professional placement to become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals. An optional major in Conveyancing provides the academic pre-requisite for qualification as a conveyancer in NSW. 

Paralegals work with solicitors and barristers, in government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions and in the community and corporate sectors in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.

Graduates may also consider roles as a para-professional within a range of industries. This degree is also a pathway to further studies to become a lawyer.

In legal offices in most areas of paralegal practice, with solicitors and barristers, government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions, and in the corporate sector in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.

Paralegals perform substantive legal work in legal practices, banks, insurance companies, or other public and private organisations with in-house legal departments. A paralegal’s tasks may include legal research, drafting wills, preparing legal arguments, preparing agreements, compiling court documentation, legal record keeping, legal communication and client services.

Students who achieve the required grade point average during or on completion of this degree may apply for admission into the undergraduate entry Bachelor of Laws.

Graduates may also choose to transfer into the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies and graduate with a Bachelor degree after just one additional year of study. 

The Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) when studied with the Conveyancing major is a recognised educational qualification for a licensed conveyancer in NSW. 

Professional Placement

You may undertake voluntary legal experience and para-professional placement with legal firms or offices to complement their practical legal skills and become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals.

Professional Recognition

When taken with the conveyancing major, the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies), fulfils the academic requirements necessary to obtain a conveyancer’s licence in NSW, and is accredited by NSW Fair Trading. For licensing requirements, and details of mandatory additional work experience required to enable registration, enquiries should be made to NSW Fair Trading.

Note that each Australian state or territory has its own legislation regulating conveyancing practice.