Diploma in Paralegal Practice

Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Have you passed 12th standard? Do you want to pursue a good paralegal course? If yes, this article will be of help to you. Here, we will have an in-depth analysis of Diploma in Paralegal Practice course.

  How’s this article of help to me, you may ask. Here, you will find everything you need to know about Diploma in Paralegal Practice course. This guide covers important topics such as – duration, eligibility, colleges, admission process, syllabus, fees, career prospects, scope and salary details.   It is a job oriented Diploma program. The academic program deals with subjects related to paralegal practice in India.   Here’s an overview of the course –

• Name of the course: Diploma in Paralegal Practice
• Type of course: Diploma
• Duration: 1 year
• Eligibility: 12th Pass (Arts, Commerce or Science)
• Learning modes: Distance and Regular

It is an ideal academic program for candidates who want to enter paralegal sector. It is an undergraduate level program.   What is Paralegal Practice? What’s the scope and potential associated with this sector? What is it like to become a paralegal professional in India? You will find answers to these questions in the next section. Also check – Law courses in India.

Paralegal Practice: Introduction, Scope & Details

In simple terms, a paralegal is a person who is trained in subsidiary legal matters but not fully qualified as a lawyer.   Thus, a paralegal is knowledgeable about law and functioning of judiciary system. But he/she is not as qualified to practice Law in India.   Paralegals usually work under lawyers and law firms. Their main task is to assist qualified lawyers in various activities such as –

• Legal research
• Drafting
• Client management
• Office management

Diploma in Paralegal Practice trains students in the above mentioned areas. The program trains students and turn them into skilled paralegals. They may work under qualified lawyers and at law firms. Also check – LLB Course.   A skilled paralegal is knowledgeable about aspects such as – legal drafting, laws, judiciary system and constitutional rights. But he/she is not eligible to become a lawyer/practice law in a Court of Law. He/she may work directly under lawyers.   Come, let us take a closer look at the course details. Here they are –

Course Details

Type of Course

It is an undergraduate level Diploma program.

Duration

The academic program is 1 year long.

Eligibility

12th pass in any stream from a recognized board.

Learning modes

This program is available in multiple learning modes such as – regular classroom course and distance learning course. Also check – LLM Course.

Colleges

IGNOU is the most popular University offering this course in India. Apart from that, many Law colleges are also known to offer this course.

Fees

Tuition fees may vary from one institute to another. It may also vary from one learning mode to another! On an average, it could be anywhere around 7-10K INR. Also check – Integrated Law programs.

Syllabus

Here are some of the important subjects present in Diploma in Paralegal Practice curriculum –

• Legal research
• Drafting
• Client management
• Office management

Career Prospects

After completing this course, paralegals are recruited by –

• Lawyers
• Law firms
• Law consultancies

In the above mentioned firms, paralegals may work directly under lawyers.

You may also check – Diploma courses in India

Salary

Starting salary depends upon numerous factors such as –

• Profile of the employer
• Job location
• Skills and aptitude of the employee

On an average, it could be anywhere between 10-15K INR. Experienced paralegals earn much better salary.