Paralegal Apprenticeship
The most common way into the profession. Support fee earners on real client matters while you train — a Level 3 qualification that recognises you as a working paralegal in 18 to 24 months.
What is the paralegal apprenticeship?
The Level 3 paralegal apprenticeship is a work-based qualification for people entering the legal profession. You're hired by a firm as a paid apprentice and spend 20% of your time in structured learning and 80% doing real paralegal work under supervision.
It's the most common apprenticeship route and typically leads to progressing to Level 4 (advanced paralegal) or Level 6 (CILEx / Chartered Legal Executive) once you qualify.
What you'll do
Prepare bundles and case files for hearings, client meetings and matter progression.
Handle client communication — phone, email and in-person — under supervision.
Draft standard letters, forms and simple documents such as witness statements.
Assist with legal research, disclosure and document review across a variety of matter types.
How the 18–24 months breaks down
Get to grips with the firm's systems, ethics, and client care. Start on-programme learning modules.
Take ownership of routine tasks under supervision. Deep dive into your firm's primary practice area(s).
Consolidate learning, build a portfolio of work, and prepare for the end-point assessment.
Sit the end-point assessment (portfolio review, professional discussion). Qualify as a paralegal.
Entry requirements
Requirements are set by each firm, but most look for: