Begin a rewarding legal career as a Paralegal and Empower Communities with Legal Knowledge and Support!
If you are intrigued by justice and want to empower your community with legal knowledge, the Occupational Certificate in Paralegal Studies is your gateway to a rewarding career.
This qualification equips you with the skills to support clients, conduct legal research, and perform essential administrative tasks within the legal field. You'll gain practical experience in consulting with clients, mediating disputes, and drafting legal documents.
Perfect for individuals who want to work in legal environments and are committed to upholding human rights and ensuring access to justice.
Who should attend?
This qualification is ideal for:
- School leavers interested in law and justice
- Legal secretaries or assistants seeking formal recognition
- Community workers aiming to provide legal support
- Individuals working in NGOs or government offices
- Anyone passionate about human rights and legal empowerment
Career Opportunities
With this qualification, you can kickstart your career as:
- A Paralegal in legal firms, NGOs, or government departments
- A Legal Assistant supporting attorneys and legal professionals
- A Community Legal Advisor in advice offices or outreach programmes
- A Legal Administrator managing legal documentation and client files
- A Mediation Facilitator assisting in dispute resolution processes
Course Outline
Download our comprehensive fact sheet for full details.
Knowledge Modules - Theory
- Fundamentals of Law
- Basic theory on Wills and Estates
- Introduction to Labour Law
- Basic theory on dispute resolutions
- Legal writing
- Basic Criminal Law and procedure
- Basic Civil Law and procedure
- Fundamentals of Customary Law, Common Law and Family Law
- Law of Evidence
- Introduction to Property Law and Conveyancing
Practical Modules - Hands-on Learning
- Execute administrative functions within the paralegal context
- Conduct basic research on precedents, cases, Acts and related matters
- Consult with the client
- Conduct basic mediation
- Conduct consultation with stakeholders
- Process documents in a paralegal context
Workplace Experience Modules - Real World Practice
- Administrative functions
- Identifying, analysing and completing legal documents
- Application of basic research techniques within the paralegal context
- Client consultations
- Mediation within the paralegal context
- Consultations with clients and stakeholders
Accreditation and Certification
This Occupational Certificate is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO).
Successful students will achieve a nationally recognised Occupational Certificate: Paralegal (SAQA ID 117325 at NQF Level 5)
Entrance Requirements
- NQF Level 4 qualification
OR - Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the legal sector
- All classes and assessments are conducted in English