Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship (Court of Protection)

We're a full-service law firm, which means whatever advice is needed we can help. Giving the best possible advice is about more than knowledge and expertise. We seek to understand the people and business we work with as deeply as possible and take time to listen to what matters most to them.

Whichever team you join, working here you'll feel a part of our friendly and inclusive environment. We'll value you for who you are and what you bring. We support each other and push boundaries to achieve incredible things and make a real difference to our clients and communities.

Your Role

An exciting opportunity to join one of the largest national law firms in the UK. You will be supporting the Cambridge Court of Protection Team, managing large medical negligence or personal injury damages awards to meet our clients' needs.

The Court of Protection is responsible for making decisions regarding the management of finances and other affairs for individuals who lack the mental capacity to do so themselves.

As a Paralegal Apprentice, you will be a key point of contact for our clients, many of whom have life-changing disabilities such as brain injuries, dementia and mental health illnesses. You will work closely with our solicitors, associates and partners to help these individuals manage their financial affairs. This role offers a great grounding for a career in law.

Your main responsibilities within the department will include the following:

• Being a point of contact for clients, demonstrating excellent communication skills
• Handle tasks such as setting up utilities, arranging insurance, purchasing equipment, paying invoices, managing employee payroll, checking bank statement accuracy, and general budget management.
• You will need to become familiar with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and work with clients who may have suffered a brain injury as a result of medical negligence or accidents.
• Communicating with clients, other firms of solicitors and third parties by telephone or in writing including taking client instructions and providing case updates.
• Achieve time recording and fee income targets to ensure profitable working.
• Ensuring compliance with the firm's policies and procedures.
• Attending appropriate training events as required.
• Conducting legal research as requested by members of the team.

You may sometimes be required to complete relevant administration duties including photocopying, scanning documents, amending documentation, filing, archiving and file

Our Apprenticeship

Who is it for?

This is a 24-month apprenticeship perfect for anyone who wants to gain hands-on legal experience at the UK's largest full-service law firm.

This apprenticeship is a great alternative to university, as it gives you the chance to earn while you learn. It also helps you to work towards the CILEX CPQ paralegal foundation qualification, helping to develop your career from day one.

What will I study?

The academic part of the apprenticeship is delivered by our apprenticeship training provider BPP via distance learning. The modules you study will link to the client service area in which you undertake your apprenticeship.

View more information on what you'll study and the work you'll do as part of your apprenticeship on the BPP website here Paralegal Apprenticeship | Courses | BPP.

What are the entry requirements?

You'll need 5 GCSEs at grade A* to C or 9 to 4 (or equivalent), including Maths and English. You'll also need at least 3 A Levels (or equivalent) at Grade C or above (excluding General Studies) in order to meet the minimum academic requirements needed to complete this apprenticeship.

If you have a law degree, you are unable to apply for this apprenticeship however you could apply for a Training Contract with us. Visit our Early Careers Recruitment website for more information.

What qualification will I gain?

When you finish this apprenticeship, you will be a qualified paralegal in your area of practice and you will also gain a Certificate of Higher Education (Law and Legal Practice).

What We Can Offer You

Our apprentices receive a full benefits package including:

• 25 days holiday with the opportunity to buy additional leave
• Two volunteering days a year to give back to the community (fully paid!)
• Westfield Health membership, offering discounted leisure and travel and refunds on medical services
• Contributory pension scheme
• We pay our apprentices a starting salary of £21,840 and £23,933 in London
• Access to a variety of training and development resources

We also offer a huge number of well-being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace as well as flexible working options to ensure that you are fully supported to work the way that best suits you. We're committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where our colleagues can flourish. We have a range of groups to celebrate our people across sexuality, disability, age, gender and culture.

Additional Information

As part of the Irwin Mitchell Group's on-boarding process all successful applicants are required to complete the group's employment screening process. This process helps to ensure that all new employees meet our standards in relation to honesty and integrity therefore protecting the interests of the Group, existing employees, clients, partners and other stakeholders.

The background checks made will establish your eligibility to work in the UK, and criminal record check and financial checks with a credit reference agency will also be undertaken.

The employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws.

Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.