legal assistants do need to know about law, how it is made, where to find it and how to research cases. Sometimes they know more than the solicitors. paralegals do not need a recognised qualification as such, but it would be wise to study towards one. It is also advisable to join the Paralegal Association, be it Scotland or England or Wales or Ireland (e.g.The Scottish Paralegal Association) which is linked to The Law Society of Scotland. Common sense is a good grounding but you really do need to have a clear understanding of the law first and foremost.