Paralegal
Level 3 · AdvancedLegal, finance and accounting 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Paralegals support solicitors and legal teams by carrying out legal research, drafting documents, managing case files, and communicating with clients. Apprentices at Level 3 develop skills across a legal practice area such as conveyancing, family, employment, or commercial law. The role is a popular route into the legal profession and can lead to a solicitor qualification through further study.
On the job
What you’ll learn
English legal system, court structures, and sources of law
Legal research skills using online databases and legislation
Drafting legal documents, correspondence, and court forms
Case and file management procedures
Professional ethics, client confidentiality, and SRA principles
Legal practice area knowledge in a chosen specialism
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Research legislation, case law, and legal guidance
Draft letters, contracts, court documents, and legal forms
Manage case files, update case management systems, and meet deadlines
Liaise with clients, courts, and third parties
Prepare bundles and materials for hearings and completions
Follow compliance procedures including anti-money laundering checks
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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