Self-test for legal specialist HF: Is this course suitable for me?
Are you interested in further training in the paralegal sector, more precisely to become a qualified legal specialist HF? Use our self-test to find out whether this training is right for you.
During the test, you will receive numerous tips and information on the content of the HF further training for legal specialists (formerly "Rechtsassistentin HF/ Rechtsassistent HF"), the admission requirements, the costs, the course of training, etc.
Qualified legal specialist HF: What does your day-to-day work look like?
The qualified legal specialist HF works in responsible positions in public administration and in the private sector. They have broad and practice-oriented knowledge in various areas of law (civil, criminal, commercial, economic, constitutional, administrative and procedural law). As qualified clerks, they analyze and process simple legal tasks independently: Depending on where they work, a legal specialist HF advises internally and externally on legal issues, draws up and checks contracts or deeds, processes criminal law cases and debt collection, compiles documents for court proceedings, etc.
A legal specialist HF may not appear in court as a party representative - this role is reserved for lawyers. If the legal situation in a case proves to be legally more demanding, legal specialists HF turn to academically trained lawyers.
Typical work locations and activities are
- Public administrations: Preparation of first-instance rulings, preliminary work for objection and appeal decisions, etc.
- Law firms: Handling minor legal cases, legal research, drafting deeds and register applications, etc.
- SMEs: support for management in legal matters
- Trust companies: Drafting of contracts, e.g. for property sales and company succession planning
- Police corps, investigating magistrates' offices: Handling of minor cases (e.g. road traffic offenses, drug offenses)
- Banks and insurance companies: Working in the legal department to relieve and supplement the work of the lawyers.
Until 2017, the further training and job title for legal specialists was "Rechtsassistentin HF/ Rechtsassistent HF". It is more comprehensive than the paralegal training for the professional examination introduced in 2022.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a legal specialist HF?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this HF course. We wish you every success.
So you don't like all activities. Think about which ones interest you the most and which ones don't. Take a look at relevant job advertisements. As the job titles vary, it is best to search using different terms (legal specialist, paralegal, paralegal, legal assistant, etc.), but pay close attention to the respective requirements (these vary from commercial apprenticeship with EFZ to university degree). You may find an advertisement that matches your previous education and only requires you to perform the tasks that interest you. Then you are still on the right track with this training.
If the activities of the various job providers do not appeal to you, you may prefer to look at other further training courses. An alternative training course, also with an HF diploma, would be, for example:
-Graduate in Business Administration HF
Or do you perhaps like jobs at the processing level better? For example:
For other activities in public administration, go to:/public-administration-info.aspx
If you don't like these activities at all, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Don't really know where you want to go professionally and want to find your calling? Then take a look at ourGuide "Finding your own calling".
Target group, personal characteristics and skills: Who is this HF course suitable for?
The courses to become a qualified legal specialist HF are aimed at professionals (mainly commercial, but also police officers and other professions) who
- want to deal with legal issues in depth and train to become a specialist with versatile know-how that can be used in business or public administration.
- who want to learn a legal way of working and acquire a broad knowledge of civil and civil procedural law, criminal and criminal procedural law, commercial and business law as well as constitutional and administrative law.
- are seeking a federally recognized qualification in higher vocational education and training.
This job in the paralegal sector requires the following personal qualities and skills:
- High sense of responsibility
- Precise working method
- Enjoy administrative tasks
- Very good communication skills (oral and written)
Question 2:
Do you belong to the target group for this training and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! Find out in the next step whether you meet the admission requirements for the HF course for legal specialists.
If you belong to the target group but do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, it will be difficult. You are unlikely to meet the requirements of the job, which will sooner rather than later affect your motivation, enjoyment of the job and performance. It is better to look around for other further training opportunities.
If you are unsure whether you are suited to such a job, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to further training as a qualified legal specialist HF
Further training to become a qualified legal specialist HF is part-time. Based on the framework curriculum, the schools require admission:
- 50% work experience during your studies, in which legal issues are dealt with and what you have learned can be applied in practice.
- an upper secondary level qualification (or equivalent qualification). Depending on the type of upper secondary level qualification, the continuing education program comprises a total of 3600 or 5400 learning hours:
Admission with relevant previous education for shortened training (3600 learning hours) with:
- Graduation as an EFZ commercial clerk
- any other EFZ plus vocational baccalaureate
- high school diploma
- Specialized baccalaureate
- Completion of upper secondary level (basic vocational training or general education) and completion of further formal tertiary education in the legal, commercial or business management field (e.g. paralegal with federal certificate, technical business administrator with federal certificate, business economist with federal diploma, business economist NDS HF) or further training as a police officer with federal certificate.
Admission without relevant previous training for longer training (5400 learning hours) with:
- Non-commercial EFZ (without vocational baccalaureate)
- Technical college certificate
The schools or course directors decide on admission with other qualifications and backgrounds (sur dossier).
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! Then you can tackle the HF further training course to become a qualified legal specialist HF.
You can download the framework curriculum here:https://www.becc.admin.ch/becc/public/bvz/beruf/show/202
If you haveno upper secondary level qualificationIf you do not have a degree in law, you cannot pursue further training as a qualified legal specialist HF directly. Look for a suitable training opportunity. It is also possible to catch up on the EFZ or an equivalent qualification as an adult. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in our guide, for example"The Swiss education system at a glance".
Do you have aUniversity degreeand now want to further your legal education? Then perhaps aFurther training as a paralegalinteresting.
If you have aforeign degreecontact the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). SERI is responsible for the recognition and equivalence assessment of foreign qualifications. You can find out more via this link:https://www.anerkennung.swiss/
If you do not participate in anyrelevant placeyou are looking for a suitable job.Hereto find out how best to proceed with your job search.
If someone in your private or professional environment works in the legal field, ask them for tips and whether they would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
Learning material, content and skills imparted in further training
The basic principles of further training to become a qualified legal specialist HF are set out in a framework curriculum. The universities of applied sciences have a certain amount of leeway in designing the courses, which is why the curricula differ in detail. However, all courses impart the knowledge and skills required for the following areas of activity:
- Procurement and preparation of information
- Analysis and assessment of legal situations
- Planning, conducting and monitoring legal proceedings and transactions
- Advice for internal and external clients
- Preparation and examination of documents
- Processing various tasks in appeal proceedings
The subjects in which the skills required to work as a qualified legal specialist (HF) are taught include, for example, depending on the HF:
- Introduction to jurisprudence
- Various areas of law (civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, administrative law, company law, etc.) in the foundation course, later specializations (e.g. construction, planning and environmental law, tax law, social security law, criminal procedure law)
- Communication and conflict management
- Legal approach
- Appeal procedure and presentation technique
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great - look forward to instructive lessons and exciting case studies!
Would you like to take a look at the framework curriculum (RLP) for further training to become a qualified legal specialist HF? You can find it athttps://www.becc.admin.ch/becc/public/bvz/beruf/show/59. You can read all about the sponsors of the RLP, the objectives of further training, the role of HF legal specialists in the world of work, the course content, etc.
Note: At some schools you can "get a taste" of the lessons. Taster lessons/trial lessons give you an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere - both important aspects on the way to a successful degree. Take the opportunity if possible!
Is it just individual areas of law that don't suit you? That's not a problem, especially as you can focus on one or more areas of law that suit you well when you choose your future job.
Attend an information event or even a trial lesson at the school of your choice. You will find out more details and can get a better idea of whether the topics and the way they are taught suit you.
If you are interested in legal issues, but would like to broaden your education and prepare yourself for management tasks, perhaps aHF course in business administrationrather something for you.
Would you like to take a look at the framework curriculum (RLP) for further training to become a qualified legal specialist HF? You can find it athttps://www.becc.admin.ch/becc/public/bvz/beruf/show/59. You can read all about the sponsors of the RLP, the objectives of further training, the role of HF legal specialists in the world of work, the course content, etc.
If you struggle with a lot of these subjects, this is not the right course for you. Perhaps aMore general further education course, e.g. in business administration HFsomething for you.
Costs of further training
The costs for further training to qualify as a qualified legal specialist HF are determined by the universities of applied sciences and invoiced semi-annually or quarterly.
HF continuing education courses that have been recognized by the Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI are subsidized by the cantons. The subsidies are regulated inter-cantonally and apply to students who have been resident in Switzerland or Liechtenstein for at least 2 years. The schools will inform you directly about the course costs for students with a different place of residence. (Information on SERI recognition can be found in the answer texts).
If you have lived in Switzerland or Liechtenstein for at least 2 years, you can expect the following costs:
- Course costs: approx. CHF 2570-3600 per semester, i.e. for 6 semesters a total of approx. CHF 15,400-21,600
- Exam fee: up to approx. CHF 2200-3500
- Additional costs: Some schools charge separately for teaching materials (up to approx. CHF 3000), enrollment (approx. CHF 250), etc.
Ask the school of your choice about the actual costs you can expect.
Question 5:
Are you able to finance around CHF 17,600-25,100 for your studies in addition to your living costs?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount for the HF Legal Specialist course in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount if you pay in full in advance. Some schools also offer a special price if you book very early.
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
This link will take you to the EDK list of SERI-recognized, cantonally subsidized HF courses:https://www.edk.ch/de/themen/bildungsfinanzierung/hoehere-fachschulen
With some providers, members of the Kaufmännischer Verband receive a discount on the course fees. Please enquire about this directly with the school of your choice.
Further training to become a qualified legal specialist HF is subsidized by the canton. The following link will take you to the EDK list of all publicly subsidized HF courses:https://www.edk.ch/de/themen/bildungsfinanzierung/hoehere-fachschulen
Ask the schools first about the actual costs (including extra costs) and the possibility of paying in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
With some providers, members of the Kaufmännischer Verband receive a discount on the course fees. Please enquire about this directly with the school of your choice.
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available athere.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of your paralegal training at a university of applied sciences (HF).
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
Further training to become a qualified legal specialist HF is subsidized by the canton. The following link will take you to the EDK list of all publicly subsidized HF courses:https://www.edk.ch/de/themen/bildungsfinanzierung/hoehere-fachschulen
Ask the schools first about the actual costs (including extra costs) and the possibility of paying in installments. The schools usually charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
With some providers, members of the Kaufmännischer Verband receive a discount on the course fees. Please enquire about this directly with the school of your choice.
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support for temporary workers through "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, is available here:https://www.tempservice.ch/de/temptraining/anspruch-pruefen/index.php
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs of your paralegal training at a university of applied sciences (HF).
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also be able to support you with an educational loan.
Duration, scope and procedure
The further training to become a legal specialist HF lasts 6 semesters and takes place alongside work; in addition to the further training, learners must work at least 50% in a position where they can apply the course material.
The training is organized intwo variantsoffered:
- onemore compactVariant for apprentices with relevant prior education (with a commercial apprenticeship certificate, with another apprenticeship certificate and a vocational baccalaureate, with a baccalaureate or specialized baccalaureate or with an upper secondary level qualification plus formal tertiary education in law or business administration/commercial studies) totaling 3600 learning hours
- onemore comprehensiveVariant for learners without relevant prior education (with a non-CVET EFZ without a vocational baccalaureate or with a technical secondary school certificate) totaling 5400 learning hours.
The learning hours of this HF paralegal training course are divided as followsForms of learning:
- without relevant previous education: approx. 1540 hours of contact lessons, 2400 hours of self-study, 1080 hours of practical training, 380 hours of qualification procedure
- with relevant previous education: approx. 1000 hours of contact lessons, 1500 hours of self-study, 720 hours of practical training, 380 hours of qualification procedure
Structure:The first 4 semesters form the basic studies; semesters 5 and 6 serve to deepen and specialize (as a rule, fields of activity can be selected here, e.g. social insurance, environmental law, tasks in municipal or cantonal administration, etc.).
Form of instruction:Depending on the school and the training offered, further training to become a qualified legal specialist HF takes place as face-to-face teaching, online or mixed (hybrid or blended). The teaching times are determined by the schools and vary greatly; as a rule, they are spread over 3-4 half days per week (e.g. one evening plus a full Saturday per week or one afternoon and evening plus Saturday morning per week).
Individual learning effort: You should allow sufficient time to prepare for and follow up on the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style, learning speed and chosen training model. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time to devote to further training as a legal specialist HF, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the training over more than six semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training.
Qualification procedure, diploma and title
During the further training to become a qualified legal specialist HF, learning progress is continuously assessed in the form of semester and intermediate examinations as well as graded semester or project work. Those who have successfully completed all the qualification requirements are admitted to thefinal qualification procedureauthorized.
The responsibility for the final qualification procedure lies with the universities of applied sciences, which lay down the provisions and details in a set of study regulations.
In the qualification procedure, the professional competences (listed in step 4) are tested. It consists of (the preparation of) a practice-oriented diploma thesis and its presentation and discussion in the specialist committee as well as a written examination. In detail, the examination parts look like this:
Diploma thesis:Candidates write a practice-oriented diploma thesis in which they deal with a topic from their specific area of law. The thesis should be of practical use and demonstrate an in-depth examination of the field of work. The time required to write the thesis is at least 100 hours.
Oral examinationCandidates present the topic of their diploma thesis (20 minutes) and then conduct a technical discussion with the experts present (at least 20 minutes).
Written examination in the form of case studiesCandidates must complete case studies on specific practical cases. The tasks are set in such a way that they cover all areas of competence in the professional profile (at least 25 hours).
Diploma and title
Those who successfully complete the course receive a federally recognized diploma and may use the following protected title:
- German: Dipl. Rechtsfachfrau HF / Dipl. Rechtsfachmann HF
- French: Spécialiste en droit diplômée ES / Spécialiste en droit diplômé ES
- Italian: Specialista legale dipl. SSS
Recommended title in English (not protected): Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Law
Until 2017, the professional title for legal specialists HF was "Rechtsassistentin HF/ Rechtsassistent HF". Anyone with the professional title "qualified legal assistant HF" or "qualified legal assistant HF" may adopt the new title (a new diploma will not be issued). This further training is more comprehensive than the training for the professional examination for "Paralegal with federal certificate" introduced in 2022.
Question 7:
Are you confident that you can pass the HF course leading to the federally recognized HF diploma as a legal specialist HF?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on further training to become a qualified legal specialist HF.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice. Explain your interest in this further training in the paralegal field and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Don't be afraid to seek support for learning, for example from learning therapists or coaches or in autogenic or mental training.
You can find suitable offers here:
Coach:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/coaching-info.html
Learning therapist:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/lerntherapeut-info.html
Autogenic training:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/autogenes-training-info.html
Mental training:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/mentales-training-info.html
Do you suffer from exam anxiety and is this possibly the reason for your insecurity? Here, too, you can get appropriate support to learn suitable techniques and also experience the positive sides of exam anxiety. You can find suitable providershere.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new qualification as a legal specialist HF:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident that you can pass the final examination, but would like to complete the training as a legal specialist HF, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school. Explain your interest in this further training in the paralegal field and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
You should also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training or by learning appropriate mindfulness and relaxation techniques, which can be helpful if you have exam anxiety, for example. You can find suitable offers here:
Coach:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/coaching-info.html
Learning therapist:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/lerntherapeut-info.html
Autogenic training:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/autogenes-training-info.html
Mental training:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/mentales-training-info.html
Overcome exam nerves:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/pruefungsangst-info.html
Relaxation techniques:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/entspannungstechniken-info.aspx
No, training as a legal specialist HF does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. You will find a large selection of offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Rechtsfachfrau HF / Rechtsfachmann HF is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see what other further training courses interest you. You will find a wide range of offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a legal specialist HF does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. You will find a wide range of offers on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Training to become a legal specialist HF is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:"Schools with training courses for legal specialists HF"
If you would like support in choosing the right school for you, try ourGuide "How to choose the right training provider"or with our evaluation tool with numerous evaluations from former participants of various courses:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/Bildungshilfe/Lehrgangsrating
This training as a legal specialist HF seems to be a good fit for you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:"Schools with training courses for legal specialists HF"
If you would like support in choosing the right school for you, try ourGuide "How to choose the right training provider"or with our evaluation tool with numerous evaluations from former participants of various courses:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/Bildungshilfe/Lehrgangsrating
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:"Schools with training courses for legal specialists HF"
If you would like support in choosing the right school for you, try ourGuide "How to choose the right training provider"or with our evaluation tool with numerous evaluations from former participants of various courses:https://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/Bildungshilfe/Lehrgangsrating