Law firm Weightmans launches paralegal apprenticeship

National law firm Weightmans has launched a new paralegal apprenticeship, the latest offering in its pioneering Apprenticeship Academy.

The 24-month programme will equip participants with the skills, experience and knowledge they need to thrive in the rapidly evolving legal sector.

Apprentices will gain an understanding of legal matters, transactions, client requests and colleague demands, and will develop competencies in handling complex and sensitive matters. They will also gain hands-on experience preparing documents and carrying out research.

One day a week will be dedicated to off-the-job study, with the remaining four days focusing on work-based experience within the Weightmans team.

Developed in partnership with global education leader BPP University Law School, the Academy offers school leavers the opportunity to combine legal expertise with developing commercial, digital and innovation skills. It is open to anyone who hasn’t studied law past A Level.   

The announcement follows the launch of the firm’s Solicitor Apprenticeship, which welcomed its first cohort of 13 apprentices in September 2021.

Helen Taylor, HR Director at Weightmans, said:

“We know how integral people are to the success of our firm, and we’re committed to ensuring that everyone with a passion for law can find a career pathway that suits them. Our flagship apprenticeship programme has already been a gamechanger for the industry, and we are thrilled to introduce another alternative route that allows budding paralegals to gain employment experience straight from school.”

Weightmans became the first law firm in the country to offer level four higher legal apprenticeships when they became available in 2013, and graduates and school leavers can now pursue one of three different pathways towards becoming a solicitor. As well as the full solicitor degree apprenticeship, new graduates who are yet to complete their LPC can progress straight to Weightmans’ graduate solicitor apprenticeship, or can continue along the traditional LPC and training contract route. 

The firm already has a strong track record of supporting apprentices – England’s first higher legal apprentice, Jordan Coulton, completed his training with the firm and was recognised as the Higher Apprentice of the Year at the 2018 National Apprenticeship Awards.