Paralegal Salaries in London

The average salary for a Paralegal is £32,097 per year in London. Salaries estimates are based on 2755 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Paralegal employees in London.

The highest salary for a Paralegal in London is £39,358 per year.

The lowest salary for a Paralegal in London is £26,480 per year.

Paralegals earn a similar salary to legal secretaries, record clerks, and administrative assistants. While the role offers the opportunity to conduct many of the same tasks as lawyers, including legal research and interviewing witnesses, their pay is lower due to the lower barriers to entry. Paralegals can strengthen their earning potential by studying to become a legal executive or solicitor. They can also become self-employed, which could involve setting up their own paralegal practice.

In addition to a bachelor's degree, continuing professional development is likely to improve your salary as a paralegal. Organisations such as the Institute of Paralegals (IOP) offer various training courses and qualifications to enhance the skills and knowledge of paralegals, and help them progress in their careers. These include the Level 3 Certificate in Paralegal Practice, Level 4 Diploma in Paralegal Studies, and Level 7 Diploma in Paralegal Practice, among others.

Look into specialist training in areas such as senior paralegal, court presentation supervisor, paralegal supervisor, or appeals specialist. High-paying areas for paralegals include intellectual property, employment and labour law, medicine, corporate and business law, international law, and personal injury. You can pursue further studies in these areas to qualify for relevant roles at local practices. You can also work as a freelance paralegal and earn money from multiple clients.

Negotiating a higher salary as a paralegal requires an understanding of the average earnings for this role in your specific geographic area and legal practice. This should be adjusted to account for your years of experience, any special skills or qualifications you may have acquired that sets you apart from other candidates. Ask for a salary increase of at least 10% above the average to give yourself room to negotiate.

Don’t sell yourself short! When you search for paralegal jobs, ensure you showcase your career highlights and achievements. If on the other hand, you’re after a pay rise, be prepared to explain why you believe you are worth the higher salary you are requesting, providing evidence of your value to the employer, such as successful case outcomes or any particularly noteworthy contributions to your previous legal practice. With a well-researched approach and a strong case for your value, you can increase your chances of securing a higher salary.

About 58.39% of Paralegal professionals feel satisfied with their salary, according to anonymous Glassdoor ratings. An additional £1,678 in potential pay per year, among other factors, can qualify the annual pay of a Paralegal in London, UK as a good salary.

Paralegal professionals in London, UK have a wide total pay range, between £22,418 and £47,983 depending on experience, with an estimated total pay of £32,097 following the average career path of a Paralegal.