Paralegal apprentice
The details
Level: 3
Qualification: equivalent to an A-Level
Duration: 2 years
Off the job: one day per week
What support will I get?
You will have a dedicated supervisor who will support you with any technical learning and access to our legal online learning platform.
Your buddy will help you with the day to day routine, emotional and social support. We also have dedicated Mental Health First Aiders and Champions across all three offices.
Applications
Applications are now closed.
If you want to be notified when applications are open in 2025 – Click here
Career progression
Upon completion of the paralegal apprenticeship, we offer you options to continue to become a solicitor.
What will I study?
You will study with our chosen provider, Damar, one day per week. You will also have an in-house training programme which will help you develop your soft skills and other abilities such as presentation and research skills.
The course will cover 14 modules that include:
- Support provision
- Providing legal ethical services
- Producing and drafting legal documents
- Engaging with stakeholders
FAQ’s
Are apprentices offered a permanent role upon completion?
Yes, all apprentices will qualify and continue in their chosen seat upon completion of the apprenticeship.
Are there opportunities for career progression e.g., Paralegal to Solicitor apprentice?
Everyone at the firm is offered the opportunity to progress with the support of our Career Progression Framework.
Why should I choose Schofield Sweeney?
We understand that the transition from school or college may be a daunting one, which is why we offer a supportive and inclusive culture. Our in-house training programme provides additional learning support in addition to the apprenticeship to focus on you as an individual.
Is there a dress code?
Our dress code is ‘dress for your day’. We want you to feel comfortable at work and understand that professional office attire can be expensive. Most of our colleagues wear jeans and t-shirts, most of the time. However, there will be times (some client meetings and going to Court, for example), when you will need to wear office attire.
What will my first week look like?
Your first week with us will focus on a thorough induction programme, followed by departmental introductions, and then training on how we work, our systems and processes, etc.
What will the interview involve?
You’ll meet with our HR Director and one of our Legal Director’s or a Partner. It will be around an hour and we’ll use this opportunity to talk through your CV but, just as importantly, to find out more about you, your skills and your personal values. It’s also your opportunity to get as much information as you want about us. After all, you’ve got to decide if we are the right fit for you too. We want you to be at your best in the interview, so we’ll make it as informal as possible. There are no trick questions; we want you to relax as much as you can so we get to meet the best version of you.
Do you provide neurodiverse support?
Yes, we work with Damar to ensure a Learning Plan is in place and provide the necessary support apprentices need with their learning.
What do our apprentices say?
“The paralegal apprenticeship has been an amazing opportunity to begin my legal training and upskill as a legal professional.
“Damar Training have guided me through the programme, with a mix of online learning, live workshops, independent reading and one-to-one support from a coach. I am enjoying learning some foundations of the law and the apprenticeship provides the perfect opportunity to put this into practice whilst working “on-the-job”.
“My supervisor at Schofield Sweeney has been very supportive throughout the course, always looking for different activities that will support my learning, asking pertinent questions about my progress and releasing me to try new things.”
Emma Rowley, Paralegal apprentice