About this Course
The Occupational Certificate: Paralegal (NQF Level 5) is a comprehensive professional qualification designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies to operate effectively within the paralegal context. This industry-recognised certification prepares learners for diverse employment opportunities in legal services, community legal centres, law firms, government departments and non-profit organisations.
This qualification is structured around three integrated components that work together to develop well-rounded paralegal professionals:
- Knowledge Component: Provides theoretical understanding of law, legal procedures, dispute resolution and the paralegal context.
- Practical Component: Develops hands-on skills through application of legal knowledge in simulated paralegal work environments.
- Workplace Component: Experience through structured workplace learning in a legal or paralegal environment, ensuring graduates are law practice ready.
This integration of theory, practice and workplace experience equips learners with the versatile skills to consult, advise, refer and communicate with clients within the paralegal context and to perform administrative services to communities within the legal framework.
The qualification empowers learners to execute administrative functions, conduct basic legal research, facilitate client consultations and mediation, and process documents within the paralegal scope. Beyond technical legal skills, the programme develops crucial professional competencies, preparing graduates to communicate effectively with clients, stakeholders and the legal community.
Recognised by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), this qualification provides a solid foundation for a career in the legal sector, with potential pathways to higher legal qualifications and professional designations.
Learning Objectives
This qualification provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the paralegal profession and its legal framework. Upon completion, learners will be able to:
· Execute administrative functions within the paralegal context, including client file management and document processing.
· Conduct basic legal research on precedents, cases, Acts and related matters, and document findings accurately.
· Consult with clients, advise within the legal framework and facilitate understanding between parties.
· Conduct basic mediation and facilitate identification of possible solutions in a dispute resolution context.
· Engage with stakeholders and conduct consultations on behalf of clients within the legal framework.
· Analyse, produce and process legal documents within the paralegal scope in compliance with applicable legislation.
Job Opportunities
By studying this qualification, you will be equipped with skills that open doors to various roles in the legal sector, including:
Paralegal Practice Roles:
- Paralegal Practitioner: Consult, advise and assist clients within the paralegal context, performing administrative services within the legal framework.
- Community Legal Worker: Provide accessible legal information and assistance to communities and individuals who cannot afford legal representation.
- Legal Administrative Officer: Manage legal documentation, correspondence and administrative functions in a law firm or legal department.
- Mediation Officer: Facilitate dispute resolution processes and conduct basic mediation between parties in a neutral capacity.
- Legal Aid Advisor: Assist individuals with legal matters, prepare documentation and provide referrals to appropriate legal resources.
- Court Preparation Officer: Assist clients in preparing for court proceedings, including documentation, procedure and understanding their rights.
- Compliance Officer: Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements in an organisational context.
Other Potential Roles:
- Labour Relations Officer: Handle workplace disputes, advise on labour law matters and assist with disciplinary and grievance processes.
- Family Law Advisor: Assist clients with family law matters including divorce, maintenance, domestic violence and children's matters.
- Wills and Estates Assistant: Assist with drafting wills, intestate succession matters and administration of deceased estates.
- Criminal Law Support Officer: Assist clients in criminal matters, including pre-trial procedures, admission of guilt processes and client consultation.
Management and Supervisory Functions:
- Supervising Paralegal Practitioners: Oversee the work of junior paralegal practitioners and ensure quality legal assistance to clients.
- Managing Legal Documentation: Oversee the preparation, filing and management of legal documents and case files.
- Coordinating Mediation Processes: Coordinate and manage mediation sessions, ensuring proper procedure and documentation.
- Conducting Legal Research: Lead research projects on case law, legislation and legal precedents to support legal proceedings.
- Training and Mentoring: Train and mentor junior paralegal practitioners and administrative staff in legal procedures.
Educational Functions:
- Lecturer/Trainer: Educate others in paralegal principles, legal procedures and community legal services.
- Assessor: Evaluate and assess learners' understanding and application of paralegal knowledge and skills.
- Moderator: Oversee the quality and consistency of paralegal educational programmes and assessments.
This qualification prepares you for a wide range of roles within the legal and justice sectors, ensuring you are well-equipped to meet the demands of various paralegal positions.
Delivery
The Occupational Certificate: Paralegal (NQF Level 5) follows a comprehensive three-part learning structure:
Part 1: Theory Modules
- The Knowledge component is delivered through our online learning platform, where learners complete theory modules on law, legal procedures and the paralegal context, featuring quizzes, activities and formative assessments, culminating in a Theory Exam.
Part 2: Practical Training
- Running concurrently with Part 1, the Practical component involves workbook exercises, simulated client consultations, mediation role-plays and skills-based assessments that apply theoretical legal knowledge to simulated paralegal practice scenarios.
Part 3: Workplace Modules
- Learners gain hands-on occupational experience at an external legal workplace (law firm, community legal centre, government department or similar), documented through structured observation and a detailed logbook of completed paralegal tasks and competencies.
External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)
- The learning journey concludes with the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), a comprehensive evaluation that integrates all components and validates the qualification which is written at a QCTO Assessment Quality Partner.
All components besides the EISA are delivered through the SA Accounting Academy's online learning platform, providing flexibility while ensuring rigorous professional standards are maintained throughout the programme.
Is this for you?
This qualification aims to provide successful learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies to operate effectively as paralegal practitioners within the legal framework. Students who successfully complete this qualification will be able to:
- Pursue roles such as Paralegal Practitioner, Community Legal Worker, Legal Administrative Officer, Mediation Officer, Legal Aid Advisor, or Court Preparation Officer.
- Conduct client consultations, provide legal information and advice, and facilitate dispute resolution processes.
- Conduct basic legal research on case law, legislation and precedents to support legal proceedings.
- Start or join a paralegal practice, confidently handling client matters, legal documentation and mediation processes.
Lecturer
Adv Lisa Thomas
A former criminal defence advocate and in-house counsel in Durban, Adv Lisa Thomas has seen the law practice from both sides. She graduated with her LLB, completed her pupillage and was admitted as an advocate in 2008. Her current area of interest is in alternative dispute resolution, specifically mediation. She is a maverick for humanity and ethics within the legal profession in South Africa with a focus on candidate attorneys.
Prerequisites / Admission Requirements
Entrance into this qualification requires candidates to have successfully completed one of the following:
- Matric / National Senior Certificate (Grade 12), or
- Any NQF Level 4 qualification, or three (3) years of verifiable experience within the legal sector.
Accreditation
SA Legal Academy is accredited by the QCTO (ID: SDP180226113832) as a Skills Development Provider (SDP) for the Occupational Certificate: Paralegal (Curriculum Code: 341103-000-00-00), developed in partnership with SASSETA as the Development Quality Partner.
Assessments
This programme includes formative assessments to test your knowledge throughout the Knowledge and Practical component modules. Learners will need to complete a Workplace Logbook to fulfil the Workplace competencies. The learner must achieve all competencies of the programme. A final assessment called the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) will round off the training.
Assessment and Certification
Assessment Framework
The assessment system for this qualification consists of multiple components designed to evaluate comprehensive competency:
- Formative Assessments: Ongoing evaluations throughout each module to gauge progress and understanding.
- Workplace Logbook: Documentation of workplace experiences and competencies acquired during the practical component.
- External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): A final comprehensive assessment conducted by the QCTO Assessment Quality Partner.
Certification Requirements
To qualify for the Occupational Certificate: Paralegal (NQF Level 5), learners must:
- Successfully complete all compulsory knowledge modules with passing grades.
- Demonstrate competence in all required practical skills modules.
- Submit a completed and verified workplace experience logbook.
- Provide statements of results for all required components.
- Pass the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA).
The EISA is a crucial final evaluation that integrates all learning components and focuses on Exit Level Outcomes and associated assessment criteria. This external assessment ensures that certification standards are consistently maintained across all graduates.
Upon successful completion of all requirements, learners will be awarded the officially recognised Occupational Certificate: Paralegal (SAQA ID: 117325), opening doors to various professional opportunities in the legal and justice sector.
Curriculum
- Module 1: Fundamentals of Law
- Module 2: Basic Theory on Wills and Estates
- Module 3: Introduction to Labour Law
- Module 4: Basic Theory on Dispute Resolutions
- Module 5: Legal Writing
- Module 6: Basic Criminal Law and Procedure
- Module 7: Basic Civil Law and Procedure
- Module 8: Fundamentals of Customary Law, Common Law and Family Law
- Module 9: Law of Evidence
- Module 10: Introduction to Property Law and Conveyancing
For more information on what will be covered in the curriculum please download the prospectus.
About SA Legal Academy
Welcome to SA Legal Academy (SALA), a provider of courses to help you succeed in your chosen career. We are committed to providing our students with the highest quality training and support, to ensure that your skills and knowledge are up to date and ready to face the challenges of the modern workplace. Our courses are designed to ensure that you reach your professional goals and enhance your career prospects. With our experienced training staff and comprehensive resources, you can be confident that you will receive the highest quality of training from SA Legal Academy.
SALA is a Level 2 B-BBEE contributor, with 125% procurement recognition. Training spend on certain solutions can be allocated against the Skills Development element of the B-BBEE Scorecard through accredited and nonaccredited training or claimed through SETA grants. In addition, 25% of your Skills Expenditure can be claimed on non-accredited training or courses.
Course Fees
Invest in your future with our comprehensive qualification. Our fee is an all-inclusive investment in your future.
The course fee is R 44 800.00 and includes the following for you:
Educational Resources
- Textbooks: Receive top-tier, up-to-date textbooks to support your learning.
- Online Materials: Access a wealth of online resources, from e-books to webinars, enhancing your learning experience.
- Live Sessions: Interact in real-time with experts, gaining insights and clarifications on complex topics. Missed a live session? No worries. Access recorded webinars anytime, anywhere.
Learning Support
- Facilitation: Benefit from expert-led facilitation sessions that offer personalized guidance, addressing individual queries and ensuring a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
- Formative Assessments: Reinforce your understanding with assessments on different topics.
- Learner Forum: Engage in meaningful peer-to-peer interactions through our dedicated learner forum. Share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on projects to enhance your learning experience.
- Continuous Support: Our dedicated team is always on standby to assist with any academic or administrative queries, ensuring a smooth learning process.
Onboarding and Enrolment
- Onboarding Video: Kickstart your learning journey with an informative video that outlines the qualification structure and what to expect.
Flexibility and Convenience
- Study Online: Complete your course and take your exams online, giving you the freedom to learn from anywhere.
Investing in this qualification means you receive a holistic educational package, eliminating any hidden costs or additional expenses. Secure your future in the legal services sector with a one-time investment that caters to every aspect of your learning journey.
Payment Methods
Debit / Credit Card or Instant EFT
You can pay directly on our website for an easy, secure, and instant transaction. During promotional periods, customers can take advantage of additional savings. This is the fastest and most efficient option, saving both time and money.
Debit Order
You can choose to pay a deposit and the rest over a certain number of months via debit order. Your study materials are included within the deposit.
EFT / Bank Deposit
You can make a payment directly into our bank account using your Online Banking App, Online Banking services, or by visiting your local bank branch.
Your Company / Employer
It may be beneficial for your company to invest in training for its staff members. As there are financial and tax advantages for doing so, please speak with your employer or Training / HR manager about the possibility of paying for this training.
Third Party
If you have someone who is willing to pay for your studies, such as a parent or relative, they can either log in and pay on our website or they can pay via any of the payment options above on your behalf.
Payment Options
Option 1: Study Loan*
- From R 449.00 per month
Option 2: Discounted Full Payment
- R 44 800.00
Option 3: Enrol Per Subject**
- R 5 200.00 (Price per subject)
Option 4: Monthly Debit Order***
- R 7 500.00 (Application fee)
- R 3 573.00 (Monthly debit order for 11 months)
* The R449 monthly student loan repayment is subject to change depending on credit approval and the specific terms and conditions determined by the authorised financial service provider.
** The total cost for all subjects will be R 46 800.00. An application fee of R 2 000 is included in this payment option.
*** The total cost for option 4 will be R 46 803.00.
Payment Terms
Payments
- Minimum payments must be made via direct EFT or credit card before a qualification starts.
- Full payment is required before the start date.
- For debit order plans, the first payment is due on the start date.
- Access to content will be denied if payment terms are not followed.
Cancellations
- Written notice is required for cancellations.
- Cancellation fees vary based on the timing of the cancellation relative to the start date:
- No fee if cancelled more than two weeks prior.
- 25% fee if cancelled less than two weeks prior.
- 50% fee if cancelled within six weeks after the start.
- Full fee if cancelled after six weeks of the start.
- Non-refundable items include course application fees, textbooks, accessed modules, and certain annual fees.
General Terms
- The application fee, if any, is non-refundable.
- Continuous access to the content is dependent upon adherence to the payment terms and conditions.
- Absence from exams without valid reasons results in full liability for exam fees.
- Postponement of exams after registration incurs a fee.
At the Legal Academy, we recognize the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in legal and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritize hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios.
Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at [email protected] or call 012 941 0448. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organizational goals.
Contact Us For More Information
Have any questions or need any assistance? Contact us today!
- Online chat through our website www.legalacademy.co.za
- Call: +27 (0)12 941 0448
- Email: [email protected]