The new Level 4 Certificate for Associate Paralegals is the benchmark paralegal qualification to launch your legal career.
Replacing the Level 4 Diploma, this updated paralegal qualification will strengthen your knowledge of key areas of English Common Law. It will enhance and expand your understanding of the English Legal Systems and how it impacts on the professional environment you work in.Â
You will develop more practical skills that are required for you 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 qualification is ideal for those who’ve previously studied Law, including NALP Level 3, ILSPAs Legal Secretary Diplomas and A Level or T Level Law, or have completed the Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship.
What you'll study
Part 1: The English Legal System
Aim of This Unit
This unit will provide you 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- Be aware of how laws are made, altered and repealed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.
Learning Outcomes
Completing this unit will give you:
- A thorough understanding of the structure of law
- An understanding of the types of legal personnel
- A detailed knowledge of how law is made, andÂ
- An understanding of the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)Â
Part 2: Law of Tort
Aim of This Unit
This unit will help you 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.
- Have an awareness of which infringements constitute a tort in law and the remedies that are available for such infringements.
Learning Outcomes
Completing this unit will give you an understanding of:
- The nature of liability in Tort
- The concept of negligence
- The concept of Vicarious liability
- Occupiers’ liability
- The general defences which may be available in Tort
- The remedies available in Tort
Part 3: Criminal Law
Aim of This Unit
This unit will provide you with the 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
Learning Outcomes
You will learn to:
- Understand the nature of Criminal Law
- Analyse the elements of a crime
- Discuss the general defences
- Understand the types of Homicide and the special defences available
- Understand other types of crime including theft, robbery, burglary, fraud and criminal damage
- Understand how an offence may be attempted
Part 4: Employment Law & Practice
Aim of This Unit
This unit will:
- Provide you with a sound understanding of employment law and practice.
- Enable you to engage with substantive employment rights and duties
- Enable you to effectively take part in the practice of employment law by contributing to the drafting of advice.
- Allow you to enhance your employability skills, and
- Develop a contextual understanding of ethics and professional conduct.
Learning Outcomes
You will learn:
- To understand the distinctions between different types of workers
- To identify the terms within Employment Contracts, their scope and impact
- To understand how the employment relationship can be lawfully terminated
- The principles and practice of ‘unfair dismissal’; ‘wrongful dismissal’ and redundancy
- Apply the law on employees’ rights under both statute and common law
Entry Requirements
Our entry level requirements are set to ensure that when embarking on this Level 4 qualification, you have the best chance to achieve your goals. You must have at least one of these:
- NALP Level 3 Certificate for Paralegal Technicians;Â
- NALP Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Paralegal Practice;Â
- Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship;
- Two ‘A’ Levels;Â
- ‘A’ or ‘T’ Level Law;Â
- International Baccalaureate Diploma;Â
- BTEC National Diploma (NVQ/GNVQ Level 3 or above);Â
- ILSPAs Legal Secretary Diploma;Â
- Access to HE Diploma;Â
- Foundation Year Degree;Â
- Non-UK Equivalent Qualifications. Please contact us to confirm eligibility.Â
Evidence of the above must be provided on request.Â
Mature Students Welcome (over 25) without any of the above, however, please contact your chosen Training Centre to discuss whether this is the correct level for you.Â
You will need a reasonable standard of written English (equivalent to a Level 2/3 in English such as a GCSE grade 4/5 (old grade C), A-Level etc.) as the NALP Level 4 Certificate for Paralegal Associates is only available in English.
You must also hold at least an Affiliate membership of NALP throughout your time studying for this qualification. You will be given one year’s free Affiliate membership when you enrol, but you will need to renew this membership, at your expense, if your studies continue past the first renewal date.
Graduate Stories
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.Â
How long will it take me to complete?
You will have a maximum of two years to complete the course from the date of enrolment although most Learners graduate within 12-14 months.
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
This qualification is assessed in two parts. Multiple Choice Question Papers (accounting for 60% of the final mark) and written assignments (40%).
There are 4 MCQ Papers – 1 for each unit. You will be informed by your Training Centre of the next available assessment slot
There are 4 assignments – 1 for each unit. Assignments are undertaken on demand as you complete each unit. They need to be returned to the Training Centre within 3 weeks.Â
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.
