Paralegal

On a paralegal apprenticeship course, you’ll help provide legal support, including administrative tasks, research, and legal documents and forms.

The paralegal apprenticeship is a fantastic method to get into the legal profession. It prepares you for a career as a solicitor by giving you the necessary skills and experience to develop quickly.

Paralegals operate in various settings, but in most instances, they will be doing legal work under the direct supervision of a licenced practitioner.

You’ll learn how to manage data and records, review documents, draught and produce legal documents and standard forms, assist with the creation, progress, and completion of client files, conduct research, handle confidential and sensitive information, understand and use basic financial information, and communicate with clients as an apprentice.

What you’ll learn

On a paralegal apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Understand the legal and regulatory responsibilities of the position.
• Maintain sufficient competence and legal knowledge – relevant law, research – to function effectively.
• Use understanding and analysis to solve problems.
• Conduct legal and factual research and present the findings clearly and accurately.
• Take advantage of precedents and write papers that are clear and concise.
• Assist with legal and business transactions.
• Prepare and compile bundles, take and file proper notes, close and review files, and maintain databases and version control.
• Maintain a working understanding of the position’s and company’s primary financial drivers, time recording, and billing processes, and operate following best business practices.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Fulfil the requirements of internal and external clients and teams, establish and maintain effective and professional relationships with others, including the ability to work with people at all levels.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment comprises two distinct assessment methods: 

• Two written and timed scenario assessments
• An interview (supported by a portfolio of evidence) 

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.