Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship

Duration: 14-24 months

Study Mode: Online

Qualification Level: Higher National Diploma

Eligibility: Learn More

Smiling student doing work on a desk with a laptop, writing notes, for the Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship.
Professional woman in an office speaking on the phone at her desk, with dual monitors displaying a legal training website, representing the Advanced paralegal apprenticeship in a modern workplace environment.

Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship Overview

Key Features

  • Designed for law graduates or Level 3 Paralegals ready to progress towards Trainee Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive status.
  • Government funded legal apprenticeship
  • Live group workshops and personalised 1-to-1 sessions delivered via Zoom.
  • Structured 80% on-the-job learning and 20% dedicated off-the-job training and education.
  • One of the fastest funded progression routes into advanced legal roles.
  • Integrates core SQE1 competencies alongside the legal knowledge needed to progress onto the Chartered Legal Executive apprenticeship.
  • Dedicated personal tutor providing tailored guidance and support throughout the programme.
  • Develops practical competence in legal research, drafting, client interviewing and advocacy.
Testimonial graphic featuring a graduate apprentice discussing how workshop learning supports her everyday role, promoting the Advanced paralegal apprenticeship with Datalaw and Renshaw Derrick & Co branding.
Testimonial from a graduate apprentices for the Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship Curriculum

  • Foundations, Ethics & Professional Conduct

  • Legal Research & Dispute Resolution

  • Negotiation, ADR & Settlement

  • Drafting & Contract Law

  • Wills, Probate & Trusts

  • Client Care, Advising & Tort

  • Case Management & Public Law

  • Property Practice & Land Law

  • Collaboration with Counsel & Regulators

  • AML, Cybersecurity & Criminal Law

  • Business Law, Commercial Awareness & Accounts

  • Project Awareness & Preparation

Law Apprenticeship Entrance Requirements

  • You must be employed by a UK company
  • You must not be currently enrolled on another government funded apprenticeship
  • You must have a qualification that shows you understand law such as Level 3 Paralegal; 2:2 Law, 2:1 Law, or Non-Law Degree: or PGDL/GDL

Note: You must be eligible to live and work in the UK permanently because apprentices are considered employees

Law Apprenticeship Funding

The Department for Education has allocated funding to support thousands of working professionals in gaining further occupational qualifications. Through this initiative, the government covers 95% of the total cost, with your firm contributing just 5%. For co-funded qualifications, your firm’s 5% contribution amounts to £900 plus VAT, based on the full qualification cost of £18,000. As an approved government-registered training provider, Datalaw can access this funding on your behalf to deliver high-quality legal qualifications for your staff.

Meet Our Law Apprentices

I found this pathway great for me as I'm learning on the job while earning. I wouldn’t have been able to gain this legal experience and network with as many solicitors as I have, and I also wouldn’t have such a strong passion for law without this experience.
A picture of Grace Roberts a Paralegal Apprentice with Datalaw
Grace Roberts
Level 3 Paralegal Apprentice
I think one thing that particularly stood out with Datalaw was the support and the mentorship. I really appreciated that when I was doing my research that you have your own designated progress coach and you meet with them once a month.
Rio Kellman
Graduate Solicitor Apprentice
The unwavered support and genuine enthusiasm towards teaching students makes the whole experience all the more exciting, and I can’t wait to see how this Chartered Legal Executive apprenticeship takes my career to the next level.
Photo of Datalaw's chartered legal executive apprentice.
Erin Gree
Chartered Legal Executive Apprentice

Discover more about our apprentices' experiences on our socials.

Frequently Asked Questions

While completing the Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship, you’ll remain in full-time employment. A minimum of 20% of your contracted working hours will be allocated to structured training and development activities. This means you won’t be expected to complete all learning in your own time, although some apprentices choose to undertake additional study outside working hours to reinforce their progress.

Not easier, simply a different route into the legal profession. The Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship blends paid employment with structured training, allowing you to develop practical legal skills while gaining a recognised qualification. It’s an ideal option if you prefer learning in a real working environment and want to earn a salary as you progress, rather than studying full-time at university.

The Advanced Paralegal Apprenticeship combines structured legal training with practical workplace experience. The programme includes live online group workshops, personalised 1-to-1 sessions via Zoom, and ongoing guidance from a dedicated personal tutor.

You will study core legal modules alongside SQE1-aligned competencies, ensuring you develop both the foundational legal knowledge and practical skills required for progression within the profession. The curriculum is designed to strengthen legal research, drafting, client communication and professional practice skills, while you apply your learning directly in the workplace.

Throughout the programme, you’ll receive ongoing guidance from an assigned Progress Tutor, alongside complete access to our digital learning materials and apprenticeship systems to support your development.

During the programme, some learners may hold the job title of Trainee Solicitor where this reflects their employer’s designated role and responsibilities. The apprenticeship supports the development of skills aligned to that level of practice, but the formal outcome of the programme is the Advanced Paralegal qualification.

After completion, you have clear progression options. You may progress onto the Chartered Legal Executive Apprenticeship to work towards gaining practice rights in your chosen area of law, or you can pursue qualification through the SQE route to become a Solicitor. The programme is designed to provide a strong foundation for either pathway, giving you flexibility in how you advance your legal career.

Law Apprenticeship Helpline: 0151 236 2024