Paralegal Apprenticeship

The successful candidate will join the Litigation Team and gain a broad range of legal experience in relation to child and adult safeguarding work. There may also be scope for some experience in relation to other litigation undertaken by a local authority. They will also work towards a recognised qualification and receive a salary whilst doing so. The apprenticeship will meet the general apprenticeship standard, further details can be found here: Paralegal / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

During the apprenticeship you will gain first-hand experience working with and supporting legal practitioners and solicitors with a range of safeguarding work including pre-proceeding discussions with clients, drafting documents, compiling court bundles, liaising with courts, experts and other professionals, observing court hearings and learning how to be a local government lawyer.

The programme is for 27 months which includes a 24 month apprenticeship programme plus 3 months within which to do the end point assessment. You will work in an approachable, friendly and supportive team of approximately 20 staff. You will also have both an in-house workplace apprenticeship mentor and an educational mentor provided by BPP University Law School.

The apprenticeship will involve one study day a week with BPP University Law School, which is attended virtually, further details about the apprenticeship course are here: Paralegal Apprenticeship | Courses | BPP . During your apprenticeship you will collate a portfolio of experience that will be used as evidence for your final assessment together with formal assessments during the programme.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship we have a full time Legal Practitioner vacancy available in the Litigation Team. This vacancy has a salary of NJE Grade 5 £27,803 - £31,364 per annum (subject to 2024/25 pay award), job descriptions are included in the application pack.

We are looking for applicants who are passionate about a legal career in local government, who are keen to learn on the job and be paid whilst gaining experience and formal qualification. You will need to have excellent written and communication skills and be proficient in the standard Microsoft Office applications.

You will be required to have obtained (or provide indicative grades if not yet obtained) a minimum of 3 A Levels at grade C (or the equivalent of 96 UCAS points) and 5 GCSEs at grade C/ or above (or equivalent), this must include English & Maths. As this is a level 3 apprenticeship if you have a degree (or equivalent) you would not be eligible for this apprenticeship.