Legal Apprenticeships
What is a paralegal apprenticeship?
Emma Finamore, Editor, AllAboutSchoolLeavers.co.uk
Last updated 10th February 2018
A paralegal apprenticeship is a work and training programme, usually lasting around two years. It is an Advanced Apprenticeship – a Level 3 qualification – which means it is the equivalent to A-levels. Apprentices on these programmes provide legal support whilst working under supervision, and will be paid a full-time salary while they do it.
What will I do on a paralegal apprenticeship?
A trainee on a paralegal executive apprenticeship will carry out a range of jobs and take on many responsibilities that they would not be required to do on an academic course. These activities might include:
- Reviewing documents
- Managing data/records
- Drafting and producing legal documents and standard forms
- Assisting with the inception, progress and completion of client files
- Carrying out research
- Handling confidential and sensitive information
- Understanding and utilising basic financial information
- Communicating (written and oral) with internal and external clients
Who can do a paralegal apprenticeship?
The entry requirements for a paralegal executive apprenticeship will vary from employer to employer, and individual employers will identify any relevant entry requirements in terms of previous qualifications or other criteria.
However, the usual entry requirements for a paralegal executive apprenticeship are GCSE maths and English at grade C or above (or equivalent) and two A-levels (or equivalent) at a minimum of grade C.
What qualifications will I get on a paralegal apprenticeship?
Apprentices on these programmes will gain qualifications that meet all the industry requirements for becoming a paralegal, they may also gain others depending on the specific programme. All those completing a paralegal executive apprenticeship will, however, gain the CILEx Level 3 Diploma in Providing Legal Services.
Completing a paralegal executive apprenticeship should also provide a gateway to other legal apprenticeships: they are included in the entry requirements for the solicitor apprentice standard and the legal executive standard, so can also lead to many other great qualifications and great jobs.
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