Level 4 - Diploma in Paralegal Studies

NALP's Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies is the benchmark paralegal qualification to launch your paralegal career.

This Paralegal course will give you a sound knowledge and understanding of both the English Legal System along with the Practical Skills required to work effectivitely as a paralegal.

On gaining this paralegal qualification you will be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of NALP (A.NALP). This will distinguish you as being a NALP qualified paralegal.

WHO SHOULD ENROL?

This course is developed for those who've previously studied Law. Including NALP Level 3, ILSPAs Legal Secretary Diplomas and A Level Law.

WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

Part 1: General Principles of Law

The English Legal System

The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the practical skills to be able to understand how the law is used to regulate human conduct within the State; be aware of how laws are effected, altered and repealed; be aware of the various ways in which disputes are resolve; and be aware of the different personnel involved in the enactment and interpretation of the law and the resolution of legal disputes.

The Law of Contract

The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the practical skills to be able to understand the type of legal rule which requires persons to compensate others as a result of harm inflicted by non-compliance of their promises; be aware of those promises which the law will uphold; and be aware of the remedies that are available for a breach of contract.

The Law of Tort

The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the practical skills tounderstand the rules requiring personsto have a duty of care towards other persons and to compensate others if there has been a breachof that duty of care. It will also provide awarenessof which infringements constitute a tort in lawand the remedies that are available for such infringements.

Criminal Law

The aim of this unit is to provide the learnerwith the practical skills tounderstand what constitutes a crime, the different categoriesof criminal offences, including murder and manslaughter and other lesser offences, the elements that are required to be presentin order to convict an individual and the defences that may be available.

Wills, Intestacy and Family Provision

The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the practical skills to be able to Be aware of what happens to a person’s possessions and effects on their death; be aware of those in whom such possessions and effects will vest upon such death; and understand who is entitled to such possessions and effects upon such death.

Part 2: Procedural Law

Civil Litigation

The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the practical skills to be able to understand the general jurisdiction of the County Court and the High Court and be able to explain how to progress an action for a claim for a specified amount from inception to enforcement of Judgment in the High Court, County Court and the Small Claims Court.

Criminal Practice

The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the practical skills to be able to understand the role of the courts and the prosecution in respect of an alleged breach of the criminal law; be aware of the process of a summary trial and a trial on Indictment; understand the role and the powers of the Police, Magistrates and the jury in criminal proceedings; and understand sentencing alternatives and the philosophies behind them.

Matrimonial and Civil Partnership Disputes

The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the practical skills to be able to understand what constitutes a valid marriage and a civil partnership, understand the role of the Courts in matrimonial and civil partnership disputes; be able to explain the grounds upon which a marriage and civil partnership can be dissolved; and be able to explain how to process an undefended divorce and civil partnership from inception through to Decree Absolute.

Conveyancing

The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the practical skills to enable them to understand the different ways in which the legal estate in land can be held and explain the legal procedure by which alegal estate is transferred from one person to another and the safeguards that are incorporated into such a transaction.

Succession

The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the practical skills to be able to explain the procedure for winding up the Estate of a person who leaves a Will and be able to explain the procedure for winding up the Estate of a person who dies with outleaving a will.

Find a Course - NALP Approved Centres

GRADUATE STORIES

Caroline Spencer-Boulton is a Licenced Paralegal who specialises in Criminal Defense. Caroline now runs her own paralegal firm and has gained her police station accreditation.

HOW THIS COURSE IS STUDIED

EITHER DISTANCE LEARNING, CLASS ATTENDANCE OR BLENDED LEARNING- CHECK WITH YOUR CENTRE

All course material is provided on enrolment. NALP's approach to learning includes case studies and scenarios, allowing you to apply your knowledge and preparing your practical skills to work as a paralegal.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO COMPLETE?

If you have enrolled for the full course, you will have a maximum of two years to complete it from date of enrolment, although most students graduate within 12-14 months. If you have enrolled for the first or second part separately, you will have one year to complete each part.

COURSE FEES

Please check with your Centre to find out the cost of this course. You can find a NALP Approved Centre by clicking here

ASSESSMENT

Whether you are attending a classroom, or learning remotely or your Centre offers belnded learning, there are 10 Written Assignments - one for each of the 10 units.

On gaining this qualification you will be eligible to apply for Associate Membership of NALP (A.NALP).

This will distinguish you as being a qualified paralegal.

NB. A free one-year Affiliate membership is not included for students who take a single subject of either module, but can be applied for separately.

ENROL NOW

It takes commitment and determination to get through, but it's worth it in the end. I studied as a distance learner because of my location. I would recommend the course to others, mainly because you don't have to be seated in a classroom to obtain this qualification: most people here [Cayman Islands] do not really have the time to attend classes, and most companies prefer to support a student in the area they work in.

Tia Whittaker, a litigation clerk, is the first student from the Cayman Islands to gain the Level 4 Diploma.

Entry Requirements

One of the following is required or equivalent - if unsure, please contact us 020 7112 8034

NALP Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Paralegal Practice; two A' Levels; an A' Level Law; BTEC National Diploma (NVQ/GNVQ Level 3 or above);

CILEX Level 3 Qualifications; ILSPAs Legal Secretary Diploma

Mature Students Welcome (over 25) without any of the above - please contact us to confirm eligibility.

Non UK: Equivalent Qualifications - please contact us to confirm eligibility

Please Note: The NALP Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies is only available in English.

If your first language is not English then you must be able to provide evidence that your spoken and written command of the English Language is adequate for the qualification for which you have applied. e.g. IELTS Level 6, GCSE English.