A paralegal is a legal assistant working in a law firm or within the legal environment more generally (for instance in banks, fiduciary services companies and the insurance sector). There is a huge employment demand for such workers on the island. The National Association of Licensed Paralegals in the UK provides our courses, all of which are fully recognized and supported by the Cyprus Paralegal Association.
There are three stages of paralegal training:
An introductory qualification giving a taste of legal studies and offering foundational legal knowledge and skills to commence your career as a paralegal.
An intermediate paralegal qualification, giving the student a broader legal training with options to specialise in either corporate law or litigation law.
An advanced qualification finalising the student's paralegal training OR commencing the student on a law degree route of training.
Each of these stages of training can be undertaken part time, through evening classes.
Stage 1 - Level 2 Award in Cyprus Paralegal Studies
The course aims to give an introduction to law and the basic key skills required to work as a paralegal. The student may complete a Basic Award or an Integrated Award
| Title of Qualification: | Level 2 Award in Cyprus Paralegal Studies |
|---|---|
| Accrediting Body: | National Association of Licensed Paralegals, UK |
| Length of Study: | Basic Award: 3 months Integrated Award: 9 months |
| Hours: | 1 evening class of 2.5 hours per week |
| Course Content: |
Basic Award:
Module 1 – The Legal Environment of Cyprus; Module 2 – Cyprus Legal Skills. Integrated Award:
Part 1 – English Language for Law; Part 2 – Legal Training (2 modules: The Legal Environment of Cyprus and Legal Skills as per Basic Award); Part 3 – Word Processing Skills for Law. |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Assessment: | By test and written coursework |
| Ongoing Career Progression: | Successful completion of the course will assist the student in finding an employed position in a law firm and will enable the student to progress on to the Level 3 Certificate in Paralegal Practice |
| Membership: | This award allows students to become Student Members of the Cyprus Paralegal Association. For more information regarding membership please visit: www.cyprusparalegalassociation.com |
| Job Opportunities: | The Private Institute of Law offers students CV writing and career advice services (see here), with an emphasis on finding Level 2 students a career placement/work experience with prominent law firms in Cyprus. |
| Start Dates: |
Basic Award: October, January and April each year
Integrated Award: October each year Applications throughout the year
Request an application form here |
Stage 2 - Level 3 Certificate in Paralegal Practice
The course gives the student an intermediate understanding of paralegal studies. Students have the option of taking a litigation route or a corporate route. This allows the student to specialize in the particular area of practice that interests them the most.
| Title of Qualification: | Level 3 Certificate in Paralegal Practice |
|---|---|
| Accrediting Body: | National Association of Licensed Paralegals, UK |
| Length of Study: | 10 months |
| Hours: | 1 evening class of 3 hours per week |
| Course Content: |
Four Core Modules:
The Legal Environment Legal Ethics and Responsibilities Commercial Law Civil Litigation Plus One Optional Module:
Corporate Route: Corporate Law for Paralegals in Cyprus Litigation Route: Civil and Criminal Litigation for Paralegals in Cyprus |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Assessment: | By coursework |
| Ongoing Career Progression: | Successful completion of the course will help the student working as a paralegal in Cyprus to understand his/her role and the work s/he is undertaking. Successful completion will enable the student to progress on to the Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies |
| Entry: | Students must have completed the Level 2 Award in Cyprus Paralegal Studies |
| Membership: | Completion of the Level 3 in Paralegal Studies along with 6 months work experience as a paralegal with allow the student to register with the Cyprus Paralegal Association as a Trainee Advocates Clerk (paralegal). For more information please visit: www.cyprusparalegalassociation.com |
| Start Dates: | September each year Applications from May Request an application form here |
Stage 3 - Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies
The course gives the student an advanced paralegal studies qualification. Students may alternatively choose to enter an LLB level study at this stage in order to commence training as a fully-fledged lawyer. Find out more information here.
| Title of Qualification: | Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies |
|---|---|
| Accrediting Body: | National Association of Licensed Paralegals, UK |
| Length of Study: | 2 years of study part time |
| Hours: | 2 evening classes of 3 hours per week |
| Course Content: |
Two Core Modules:
General Principles of Law:
Procedural Law:
|
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Assessment: | By coursework |
| Ongoing Career Progression: | Successful completion of the course will assist the student in demonstrating a developed understanding of the law. |
| Entry: | Students must have completed the Level 3 Certificate in Paralegal Practice – corporate or litigation route. |
| Membership: | Completion of the Level 4 diploma + 6 months work experience in a law firm will allow the student to register with the Cyprus Paralegal Association as a Licensed Advocates Clerk. For more information please visit www.cyprusparalegalassociation.com |
| Start Dates: | September each year Applications from May Request an application form here |
