Level 4 Diploma

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 effectively 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how the law is used to regulate human conduct within the State; be aware of how laws are effected, altered and repealed; be aware of the various ways in which disputes are resolved; and be aware of the different personnel involved in the enactment and interpretation of the law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 to understand the rules requiring persons to have a duty of care towards other persons and to compensate others if there has been a breach of that duty of care. It will also provide awareness of which infringements constitute a tort in law and the remedies that are available for such infringements.

Criminal Law

The aim of this unit is to provide the learner with the practical skills to understand what constitutes a crime, the different categories of criminal offences, including murder and manslaughter and other lesser offences, the elements that are required to be present in order to convict an individual and the defences that may be available.

Wills, Intestacy & 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 & 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 a legal 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 without leaving a will.

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 2 years to complete it from date of enrolment, although most Learners graduate within 12-14 months. If you have enrolled for the first or second part separately, you will have 1 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

There are 10 assignments – 1 for each unit. Assignments are requested when the learner/centre is ready, and once sent, the Learner will have a strict 4 week period in which to complete the assignment and return by the due date. 

Assignments are marked and graded either with a pass (45 – 64%), merit (65 – 79%) and distinction (80-100%).

Your Centre should be able to provide help on any queries that you may have and give tutorial support and guidance if there is anything that you may not fully understand with regard to the material.

"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.

Please ensure you've read through all the documentation for this course

Guide for Learners
Level 4 Qualification Specification
Level 4 Sample Questions

Entry requirements

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