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.

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.

SASSETA Accreditation

The course is registered on the National Qualification’s Framework at Level 5 (NQF5). The School is FULLYaccredited 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.

Practical Coursework

  • Visits to Civil & Criminal Magistrates’ Courts
  • Visits to Divorce Courts
  • Job Shadowing/Advice Office
  • Moot Court Preparations
  • Drafting of Legal Documents
  • Workplace Exposure

Study options

  • Full-time (1 year): 6 months theory and 6 months practical tasks and workplace experience/revision classes. Includes ongoing assessments.
  • Part-time: every Saturday morning. Includes ongoing assessments and practical tasks & workplace experience.
  • Online (E-Learning): 6 months theory and 6 months practical tasks and workplace experience/revision classes. Includes ongoing assessments.

Procedure towards competency

Classes are lecture based with a certain amount of practical sessions and work place training. Students are to compile a portfolio of evidence containing all of their assessments, practical tasks, workplace experience and student feedback for the duration of the course. Students will only be found competent upon successfully completion of the course and will receive their National Certificate once portfolios are inspected and endorsed by SASSETA.

GRADUATION

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

  • Assessment as “Competent” in each of the Qualification’s Unit Standards.
  • At least 50% total result for each of the additional modules.
  • 75% attendance record.
  • Completion of 21 Assignments 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 completed grade 12 schooling (matric) OR be at least 23 years of age with at least 3 years working experience (without a grade 12/matric qualification). Please feel free to discuss any concerns you may have in this regard.

Course Material

Learners are not required to purchase any textbooks in order to complete the course. However the School does recommend, after completion of the course, the purchase of the Black Sash Paralegal Manual as a valuable tool. Course material is provided and the cost is included in tuition fees.

Course Modules

MOD 1: LEGAL PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE 1
South African Law and the legal system
procedure in courts.
Unit Standards
119508 / 244288 / 230022

Credits = 35
Study Hours = 350 		MOD 1: LEGAL PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE 2
Legal concepts, principles, theories and values
Interpersonal relations.
Unit Standards
119505 / 15093

Credits = 25
Study Hours = 250 		MOD 2: BUSINESS PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE
Principles of ethics and professionalism
Improve service to customers.
Unit Standards
14505 / 7865 / 8647 / 119509 / 13948 / 11994

Credits = 40
Study Hours = 400
MOD 3: OFFICE SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATION
Create, maintain and update record systems, plan,
organise and control the day-to-day administration
Unit Standards
115855 / 110531

Credits = 9
Study Hours = 90 		MOD 4: SERVICE DELIVERY& COMPLIANCE
Gather and manage information
Plan and conduct a research project
Unit Standards
115823 / 8663

Credits = 11
Study Hours = 110 		MOD 5: ASPECTS OF FINANCE AND IT
Perform financial planning and control functions
Use technology effectively in the practice of law
Unit Standards
114738 / 116104

Credits = 12
Study Hours = 120

Fees Structure

REGISTRATION FEE
(PART OF FEES) 		ADMIN FEE
(PART OF FEES) 		MONTHLY
FEES 		EXAM / POE
FEES 		DURATION OF THE
COURSE 		TOTAL COURSE
FEES
R1000.00R3800.00R1000 x 9R1100 x 212 MonthsR16000.00