HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES at Southern Business School Namibia

What is CERTIFICATE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES?

This Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies aims to present students with basic knowledge of South African law and its procedures. The flexible structure of this qualification enables candidates to select outcomes that meet the diverse roles and contexts required by a wide range of legal firms, the corporate environment, as well as the public sector.

Entry Requirement

• a Senior Certificate (SC); or
• a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi; or
• a National Senior Certificate – Vocational Level 4 (NC(V)); or
• an NQF 4 National Certificate

with

• a minimum of 40% in English Home Language or First Additional Language, where relevant.

 

NAMIBIAN STUDENTS: 

• Grade 12 with no less than 20 points* over 6 modules (No G’s)

*Conditional admission limited as per academic quota

STADIO is committed to achieving inclusion and to overcome barriers to access and success in higher education. Applicants who do not meet the stated admission criteria, but who have relevant work experience and/or prior learning may apply for admission under the policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). STADIO admits a maximum of 10% per cohort via RPL. The implementation of RPL is context-specific, in terms of discipline, programme and level.  Further information may be obtained from your Student Recruitment Advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with a higher certificate in Paralegal Studies?

This programme is designed to allow students to be employed by Lawyers, Law and Auditing Firms, Banks and other Financial Organisations, as well as in the private sector as Legal assistants or paralegals. Many opportunities also exist in the private (government) sector.

Where can I study paralegal in Namibia?

The National Diploma in Law/Paralegal Studies offered by the faculty of law of the University of Namibia seeks to fill this critical void.

Can I become a paralegal with a Higher Certificate in law?

The Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies is an entry-level qualification aimed at paralegal professionals who assist lawyers in their legal work. This Higher Certificate in Paralegal Studies aims to present students with basic knowledge of South African law and its procedures.

Can I study paralegal without matric?

Last Updated : January 19, 2022. No, you cannot study Legal Secretary without a Matric Certificate. You MUST have a Matric Certificate to become a Legal Secretary.

Where can I work with Higher Certificate in law?

Graduates of the Higher Certificate programme have many diverse career options available including legal roles such as legal executive, law clerk or legal secretary.

What is a paralegal vs lawyer?

Unlike lawyers, who must complete years of formal education and pass the bar exam to practice law, you can become a paralegal in as little as a few months of study. Consider vocational legal training such as a Certificate in Paralegal Practice, or volunteer your time to legal cases and projects to gain experience.

What is paralegal qualification?

The National Paralegal Institute identifies a Paralegal as a person who is qualified by education, training or work experience to perform legal, social welfare or related work, which requires a basic knowledge of the law.

What are the duties of a paralegal?

• Conduct client interviews and maintain general contact with the client.
• Locate and interview witnesses.
• Conduct investigations, statistical and documentary research.
• Conduct legal research.
• Draft legal documents, correspondence and pleadings.
• Summarize depositions, interrogatories and testimony.

Can paralegals appear in court?

A paralegal can also do research for their attorney and appear in court.

How many years does it take to study paralegal?

The minimum period of study for the Diploma is three years. The maximum period of study for the Diploma is five years. This course comprises 10 modules and is presented over 3 years through limited contact.

How many years does it take to become a paralegal?

It can take anywhere between two and seven years to become a paralegal, depending on where you are in your journey and what degree you want to pursue. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete, a bachelor’s takes four years and a master’s generally takes two years.

Where do paralegals work?

They can work in private law firms, legal advice clinics, government agencies and departments and private corporations. Many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) also need the services of paralegals.

Is a paralegal a legal professional?

A paralegal works in a legal office, and is generally responsible for performing certain legal work on behalf of a lawyer or attorney. Paralegals, essentially, are legal assistants.

What is higher than a paralegal?

Legal secretaries perform more administrative tasks than paralegals. They can be found preparing legal documents such as subpoenas, answering phones, using scheduling software to keep track of appointments and other secretarial duties.

Do paralegals need a law degree?

You do not need a Law Degree to become a paralegal. However, many employers look for legal or paralegal training. There are specialist qualifications for paralegals, developed to give you the skills and knowledge to work effectively as a paralegal.