Looking to start a career in law and eager to get hands-on experience but don't want to go to university?
The Wilkin Chapman Paralegal Apprenticeship Scheme could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Our scheme is specifically designed for those who have completed their A Levels (or equivalent) and want to gain skills and experience in an office-based environment that offers a practical route into a future career and profession without the need to go to university.
As an apprentice, you'll have the chance to earn while you learn, gaining valuable experience and skills as you work alongside our experienced professionals in a real-life legal environment with the leading law firm in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.
After successfully completing the programme, you'll gain a recognised qualification and be ready to move into a paralegal role within the business, with the potential to continue your studies to become a qualified chartered legal executive or solicitor.
For further information, please email recruitment@wilkinchapman.co.uk
A paralegal is a legal assistant who works along-side and supports the work of our solicitors. This is a highly valued role and may be the first major step toward becoming a solicitor or barrister.
As part of our paralegal apprenticeship programme, you will have the opportunity to take on a range of duties and responsibilities. These will start with learning basic office skills and will move on to include learning how to prepare legal documents, filing documents with the court, conducting legal research and providing administrative support to our legal teams. Apprentices may also have the chance to attend client meetings, engage with clients directly by telephone and in person, providing clients with quotes and other documentation and information.
Paralegal duties can be varied, and the specific tasks required of our apprentices will be tailored to fit the abilities of the individual apprentice, their development and the needs of our firm. This flexibility ensures that you gain exposure to a range of legal tasks and areas of practice, while also developing the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a paralegal role. With hands-on experience and support from experienced teams, our apprentices are well-equipped to take on new challenges and thrive in their careers.
The paralegal apprenticeship is a 24-month programme for those who have completed their A Levels (or equivalent).
You’ll earn a salary while also learning the fundamentals of legal practice as we invest in your talents. The scheme provides you with a wealth of learning and development opportunities which provide a fantastic opportunity for you to explore and develop a career in law.
You’ll work within one of our legal departments, alongside colleagues and partners supporting their work and learning on the job, whilst also receiving their support and designated time out each week to study key foundational principles of law and practice skills, such as legal research and drafting.
To apply, candidates should possess 3 A Levels at grade C or above (or equivalent) and 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English, all at grade 4 / grade C or above.
Our apprenticeship programme offers a blend of practical, on-the-job training, and designated time to study so that with our support and help, you obtain the skills and knowledge you need to become the best paralegal you can be.
The programme is designed to give you a more practical route to learning and development, with a focus on hands-on experience and a friendly support network around you.
Under the guidance of a supervisor and dedicated buddy, you will receive practical day-to-day training and appropriate opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge. Regular supervisor reviews will be conducted to ensure that you have the help and support you need to achieve your personal objectives and goals.
Additionally, one day each week is dedicated to study time, which will be spent in the office, allowing for easy access to support if needed. The academic element of the training will be delivered by an authorised training provider, who will monitor progress throughout the scheme. All course and training fees will be met, meaning there are no costs for you to pay and the training you receive is free.
At Wilkin Chapman, we are committed to developing and investing in our people and take enormous pride in watching them develop and thrive. We believe that investing in the next generation of legal professionals is crucial for the future success of our firm.
Our current trainee solicitor programme has a proven and impressive track record. We're thrilled to build on that and introduce our new apprenticeship scheme. Designed to give people a more practical route to building a career with us, we hope to attract talented and ambitious individuals who are eager to learn and grow with us.
We're excited to see what the future holds for our apprentices and look forward to supporting them on their journey towards a rewarding career in law.
Lisa Boileau, Partner
We’re a thriving modern law firm with a friendly and supportive culture. We provide specialist trusted legal advice to private and commercial clients who are based locally, nationally and internationally. The world really is your oyster if you come to work with us!
We know that a happy, motivated team is good for business, and a strong, forward-looking culture benefits everyone.
We will help and guide you on your career path, providing a great package of benefits and a superb sociable working environment, where we like to work hard, but we also like to have fun too. We do lots in our local community and hold regular social events. We invest in our people, providing you the with the tools and support you need to succeed.
We’re a diverse community of talented, dedicated people ready to welcome your contribution to our happy and friendly team.
Some firms see apprentices as less important than their colleagues: Not here. As an apprentice, you’ll enjoy all the same benefits as permanent members of staff.
Explore our careers page to find out more.
Upon successfully completing the paralegal apprenticeship programme, apprentices will become qualified as CILEx Level 3 paralegals, equipped with the practical skills and knowledge to take on paralegal roles within our business.
Some may wish to continue their professional development through further study and consider applying for the Chartered Legal Executive Scheme and qualifying as a chartered legal executive or solicitor.
Whether you're seeking a career as a paralegal or looking to progress towards becoming a qualified solicitor, we offer a range of training and development opportunities to help you succeed.
Applications are currently closed and will re-open in January 2025!
If you would like further information on the Wilkin Chapman Paralegal Apprenticeship Scheme please email recruitment@wilkinchapman.co.uk.