We recently welcomed ten paralegals to our debt recovery team, with more soon to join the department in the upcoming month.
Out of these new starters, four have joined as the first cohort in our new paralegal apprenticeship scheme, setting the training programme off on a great start.
Our paralegal apprenticeship 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.
It offers a practical route into the legal profession without the need to go to university, which is exactly why Tia Laland was keen to participate in the scheme:
“I wanted to pursue a career in law without going to university. It is a very interesting sector to work in with lots of different areas to learn about. It is also a career that will be lifelong, and I would eventually like to work my way up to a solicitor role.”
Jack Corke seconds this opinion on the apprenticeship, eager to gain practical experience while studying at the same time:
“I was attracted to the Wilkin Chapman paralegal apprenticeship scheme because it means I can learn on the job whilst also studying at the same time. University did not appeal to me, so it’s great that I can learn whilst I earn with some of the best legal experts in the industry.”
As part of the scheme, the apprentices work within one of our legal departments alongside colleagues and partners who will support their role.
Layla Brown always wanted to go into law. After attending a talk by Jenna Emsley-Fairbrass and Ebony Vandecasteele at Franklin College, she became aware of our scheme. She said:
“My first impression of Wilkin Chapman is that everyone here is so nice. I originally took work experience in the recoveries department to explore my options and loved it. I could approach anyone with any questions I had, and they would help me. I thought [the scheme] was perfect. It was just what I wanted: a ‘learning on the job’ experience.”
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, going on to become chartered legal executives or solicitors with our support.
The continued opportunities within our firm is something that attracted Oliver Johnson to the scheme. He said:
“I’ve always been intrigued by law. The idea of thinking on my feet and every case being different will always keep me on my toes. I would like to contribute a lot to the future success of the firm. I would like to finish my apprenticeship and see what opportunities there are internally to progress.”
Chris Grocock, partner and head of our recoveries department, said:
“I’m pleased to welcome our new paralegals into the recoveries department. The team and I are eager to support local talent entering the legal industry, and to share our knowledge with the next generation of legal professionals.
“Here at Wilkin Chapman, we are committed to developing and investing in our people and take enormous pride in watching them develop and thrive.
“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.”
