Paralegal

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

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

Download our comprehensive fact sheet for full details.

• Legal Foundations introduces students to the heartbeat of South African law - laying down the essential building blocks for a successful paralegal career. From understanding how laws are made and applied, to exploring wills, labour rights, dispute resolution, and legal writing, this subject empowers students with the confidence to interpret legal issues and communicate professionally in real-world legal environments.
• Criminal and Civil Law equips students with practical insight into how South African law handles crime and civil disputes - from arrest to courtroom procedures and legal remedies. Whether you're passionate about justice or curious about how legal cases unfold, this subject gives you the confidence to support clients in both criminal and civil matters with professionalism and purpose.
• Customary, Family and Property Law opens the door to understanding how South African law protects families, traditions, and property rights. Students will explore everything from marriage and inheritance in customary contexts to the rules of evidence and property transactions - gaining the skills to assist in real-life legal matters with cultural sensitivity and legal precision.
• Professional Practice is your gateway to becoming a trusted and ethical paralegal professional. This subject empowers students to understand the importance of integrity, confidentiality, and legal responsibility - ensuring they deliver legal support with confidence, professionalism, and respect for the law and the communities they serve.
• Paralegal Administration is where legal knowledge meets real-world office skills. Students will learn how to manage legal files, prepare documents, handle logistics, and perform essential admin tasks that keep a legal office running smoothly. This subject builds confidence in delivering professional support behind the scenes - making you the backbone of any legal team.
• Legal Research and Documentation teaches students how to dig deep into legal sources and turn complex information into clear, professional documents. From researching cases and legislation to analysing and preparing legal files, this subject builds the confidence and skills needed to support legal teams with precision and insight.
• Client and Stakeholder Engagement prepares students to confidently consult with clients and collaborate with legal stakeholders like attorneys, courts, and community groups. Through practical experience and communication strategies, students learn how to assess legal needs, document interactions, and build trusted relationships that drive meaningful legal support.
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution empowers students to become skilled facilitators of peace and problem-solving within legal settings. Through hands-on practice and real-world exposure, students learn how to guide mediation sessions, manage disputes, and help parties reach fair and lasting agreements - all while upholding neutrality, confidentiality, and legal compliance.

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)

• NQF Level 4 qualification
  OR
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the legal sector
• All classes and assessments are conducted in English

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