Apprentice Paralegals

Pinsent Masons Llp; Manchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Manchester is seeking a Paralegal Apprentice to support its legal teams. This role involves managing legal documentation, conducting research, and drafting legal documents. Ideal candidates will have GCSEs and A Levels, strong organisational skills, and a keen interest in law and business. The apprenticeship offers a supportive environment for skill development.

Benefits

Private healthcare policy

Pension scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan

Interest-free gym membership loan

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• GCSE in English, Maths, and three other subjects (grade C/4 or above).
• A Level in any subjects (grade CCC or above).
• Attention to detail and strong organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Help manage the documentation required in legal matters.
• Conduct legal research and write up advice notes.
• Draft legal documents such as contracts and settlement agreements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Interest in business

Social adaptability

Personal responsibility

Education

GCSE in English, Maths, and three other subjects (grade C/4 or above)

A Level in any subjects (grade CCC or above)

Job description

Role Overview

A paralegal is a highly valued member of a legal team that has extensive knowledge of the law and legal matters, but is not a qualified lawyer. Paralegals undertake a wide variety of administrative and legal work. The work our paralegals do is a key part of how we deliver legal services and they can choose to specialise in a specific area of law.

Throughout your apprenticeship you will be based in one or two teams (this may include Construction & Projects, Property, Finance & Restructuring, Disputes, Intellectual Property, Cyber Data & Privacy, Employment, Corporate), enabling you to develop a good understanding of the specific areas of law.

As you progress in your role you will be introduced to more advanced tasks to help you build a portfolio and work towards the paralegal qualification.

Day‑to‑day Responsibilities

• Help manage the documentation required in legal matters, including creating bundles of documents that will be used in court.
• Help create and maintain template documents (precedents) used in legal transactions.
• Take minutes and write up notes for meetings or legal proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and write up advice notes.
• Draft legal documents such as settlement agreements, contracts and legal pleadings.
• Perform other ad‑hoc duties and tasks as dictated by business and client needs.
• Assist in administering procedures using most effective channels to progress caseloads.
• Conduct legal research using selected sources such as legal databases.
• Solve legal technical problems within remit and escalating as needed.
• Present findings from legal research in line with organisational expectations.
• Assist in applying the principles of law to stakeholder cases.
• Assist with legal matters and transactions within the organisation.
• Communicate using plain English to clarify and explain the legal process and standard legal terms.
• Organise and administer workflow such as legal files, case management and accounting systems to progress work within service level expectations.
• Carry out file management activities such as preparing and collating bundles, taking and filing accurate notes, closing and reviewing files, maintaining databases and version control.
• Use a range of digital tools and technologies for drafting documents, conducting research, analysing data and collaborating with others.
• Apply fraud protection measures and cyber‑security procedures in relation to transactions, staying up to date with approaches.
• Undertake activities to ensure a clear picture of a stakeholder’s needs and risks throughout legal transactions.
• Assess risks and benefits of different options and make recommendations to senior team members to safeguard stakeholders’ best interests.

Paralegal Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard

• Apprentice Paralegals have a dedicated weekly study day during which they study legal foundation subjects and skills modules as well as prepare for a range of assessments. Apprentice Paralegals spend the remaining four days per week working with colleagues in the office.
• Throughout your studies you will complete regular tasks and receive feedback from your subject tutor, as well as meet with the Skills Coach to support your progress.
• Graduates or students who have completed more than one year of any degree (including law) are not eligible for this programme as their skills and knowledge exceed the level of this apprenticeship. Candidates who have already completed a legal apprenticeship are not eligible for this programme.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• GCSE in English, Maths, and three other subjects (grade C/4 or above).
• A Level in any subjects (grade CCC or above).
• Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience.
• Attention to detail.
• Organisation skills.
• Interest in business.
• Intellectual capability.
• Social adaptability.
• Drive.
• Personal responsibility.
• Positive impact.

Benefits

• Private healthcare policy.
• Pension scheme.
• Interest‑free season ticket loan.
• Interest‑free gym membership loan.
• Cycle to work scheme.