Wilsons launches paralegal apprenticeship scheme

As part of our commitment to developing the next generation of lawyers in Tottenham we have launched an exciting new paralegal apprenticeship scheme.

Are you an aspiring solicitor, passionate about social justice and making a difference in the world but unsure about the costs of studying law at university? Would you like to gain valuable hands-on experience in a law firm and learn more about what it’s like to be a lawyer, before taking onward steps to qualification?  Are you a resident of, or attending/attended state school in Tottenham or one of its surrounding postcodes: N17, N15, N18, N22, N9, N8, EN1, EN3?

Join our new post A level (or equivalent) paralegal apprenticeship programme and train with us to become a paralegal, with the potential to progress to a full solicitor apprenticeship over the following five years, on successful completion!

We’re recruiting two paralegal apprentices to embark on an 18 month apprenticeship with us, each based in one of our Family or Public Law and Human Rights departments and starting in October 2023. No legal experience or legal qualifications are necessary – we are looking for a good academic record and a strong commitment to our areas of work and to completing the 18 month programme. A strong commitment to progressing to the full solicitor apprenticeship and to qualifying as a solicitor in one of our areas of practice would be an advantage. Read more about the vacancies and download an application pack here – the deadline is 5pm on Friday 23 June 2023. The starting salary is £20,750. 

Our paralegal apprentices will spend four days each week on administration, casework and related tasks, gaining valuable experience in a legal aid firm and developing your professional skills while supporting our dedicated and enthusiastic solicitors and caseworkers. Alongside that, they will spend one day a week on ‘off-the-job’ paralegal training, with the University of Law, funded by the government’s apprenticeship scheme with an employer contribution from us. You will have the support of a dedicated supervisor, friendly colleagues and a Wilsons mentor, to ensure you feel at home from day one. 

Those who successfully complete the paralegal apprenticeship will then be considered for progression to our solicitor apprenticeship, also in partnership with the University of Law. We were delighted to be awarded Employer of the Year in the Management, Legal and Professional Services category of the Multicultural Apprenticeships Awards in 2022, so you will be joining a truly excellent scheme with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and social mobility at its heart.  

We are deeply and happily embedded in our community in Tottenham and are focusing this opportunity locally in reflection of our commitment to the area. This initiative also reflects Wilsons’ ongoing commitment to playing our part in breaking down barriers which prevent talented and passionate potential lawyers from accessing the profession. 

This post A level (or equivalent) paralegal apprenticeship scheme follows the introduction in February 2021 of our shorter graduate solicitor apprenticeship scheme – more about that here – and in September 2021 of our 6 year post A level solicitor apprenticeship scheme – more about that here.

For any questions about apprenticeships at Wilsons please contact our Public Law and Human Rights partner Katy Robinson.