Legal apprenticeships
Interested in a career in law but years at university don’t appeal to you? Our paralegal apprenticeship programme may be just what you are looking for.
The recruitment window is now closed.
Our recruitment window is now closed. Application for our 2025 programme are currently being considered.
For those who are successful in the application process, you will be contacted. The assessment day for candidates shortlisted will take place on 18 February 2025.
What is a paralegal apprenticeship?
A paralegal apprenticeship is a paid apprenticeship and is the early stage of a legal qualifications. It offers ambitious young people an alternative route into the legal profession instead of attending full-time university.
What is covered in the programme?
Our training provider for the two-year programme is BPP University Law School. You will spend four days a week working at the firm under the supervision of qualified lawyers and one day studying towards formal legal qualifications. Whilst undertaking the apprenticeship you will also complete a Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education (Law and Legal Practice) awarded by BPP University. Upon successfully completing the paralegal apprenticeship programme, there is the opportunity to progress to the four-year solicitor apprenticeship (subject to performance) to obtain a law degree.
What does our programme offer you?
- A competitive salary and benefits package
- Support from an emerging talent manager and a dedicated apprentice “buddy” for the duration of your apprenticeship.
- Paid study leave to support you with your revision for exams.
- Support through the apprenticeship including if there is a need to re-sit exams.
- You will experience a broad variety of legal work across our three core markets of real estate, corporate and private clients, helping you to explore your potential.
The Route to Solicitor Qualification
There are two distinct pathways to becoming a solicitor in the UK. The traditional graduate route involves completing a law degree, passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in two stages, and gaining two years of practical experience. Alternatively, the apprenticeship route offers a more hands-on approach, with options for a shorter paralegal apprenticeship or a longer solicitor apprenticeship that combines on-the-job training with academic study. Both routes require A-levels or equivalent qualifications and provide a clear framework for individuals aspiring to a legal career.
Apply now for our paralegal apprenticeship.
The recruitment process
We are looking for people who are:
- well-rounded individuals with good personal and communication skills,
- participative team players, keen to develop and learn from colleagues,
- methodical, accurate, well organised and have the ability to work to deadlines.
Our business values people and performance. We strive to create a positive work environment where our people can thrive and contribute to the success of our clients and communities. We prioritise attracting and retaining top talent and maintaining a disciplined, ambitious, and outcome-focused culture.
To meet our academic criteria, you will need:
- Five 4-9 grades (A-C) at GCSE (or equivalent) which must include English and Mathematics.
- Three A Levels (or equivalent) predicted or actual 96 UCAS points.
Apply now for our paralegal apprenticeship.
The deadline for applications is midnight on 23 December 2024, applications after this time will not be considered. Please let us know if you need us to make any special arrangements to enable you to participate in the recruitment process because of a disability.
We also use the Rare Vantage Recruitment System, a contextual recruitment tool that allows us to recognise brilliant people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We invite around 12 applicants to attend our assessment day at our Tunbridge Wells office which will involve:
- meeting our selection committee
- competency-based interview
- BPP online assessment
- team challenges.
| Date | |
|---|---|
| 16 September 2024 | Applications open for 2025 apprenticeship |
| 23 December 2024 | Application deadline |
| 18 February 2025 | Assessment Day |
| February 2025 | Offers made to successful candidates |
| August 2025 | Onboarding with BPP University |
| September 2025 | Start apprenticeship |
Talk to us about
Frequently asked questions
We take on between 4-6 legal apprentices each year depending on business needs.
We require all apprentices to complete the paralegal apprenticeship programme before progressing to the solicitor programme. This two-year experience will help you determine if a legal career is the right fit. Even if you decide to pursue a different path, completing the paralegal programme will still provide you with valuable legal qualifications.
We can only accept applications from individuals who have already secured the necessary permissions to work in the UK.
You will be earning* from day one and your salary will increase each year as you become more experienced.
- Year 1 (Paralegal): £21,000
- Year 2 (Paralegal): £23,500
- Year 3 (Solicitor): £27,000
- Year 4 (Solicitor): £28,500
- Year 5 (Solicitor): £32,000
- Year 6: (Solicitor): £35,000
*As of September 2024
Contact us
If you have a question or need advice, please contact [email protected]
