The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Law Graduate / Trainee Solicitor
0-1 year post-degreeSkills to master
- Legal research, document review, foundational contract drafting, understanding of legal ethics, internal process adherence.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently accurate research memos.
- Ability to draft routine documents with minimal supervision.
- Proactive in asking clarifying questions and seeking feedback.
- Strong organisational skills for managing multiple tasks.
- 2
Paralegal / Legal Assistant
1-2 years in a paralegal roleSkills to master
- Practical experience with legal administration, eDiscovery support, contract management system usage, client file management, basic legal support tasks.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record of supporting legal teams efficiently.
- Familiarity with legal tech tools (DMS, CLM).
- Strong attention to detail in administrative and document-heavy tasks.
- Ability to work effectively under instruction and manage deadlines.