Paralegal Apprenticeship (Manchester)

Pinsent Masons Vario provides a range of professional services to our clients. These include managed legal services, flexible legal provision, legal project management, legal technology consultancy and company secretarial. 

We have developed the Paralegal Centre of Excellence, which brings together a range of paralegal skills and capabilities and provides a variety of services to both our lawyers and our clients.

A paralegal is a highly valued member of a legal team that has extensive knowledge of the law and legal matters, but is not a qualified lawyer. Paralegals undertake a wide variety of administrative and legal work. The work our paralegals do is a key part of how we deliver legal services and they can choose to specialise in a specific area of the law.

Throughout your apprenticeship you will be based in one or two teams (this may include Construction & Projects, Property, Finance & Banking, Disputes, Intellectual Property, Cyber Data & Privacy, Employment, Corporate), enabling you to develop a good understanding of the specific areas of law. You may also have an opportunity to assist other teams depending on business needs.

The type of tasks an Apprentice Paralegal can expect to assist with on a day-to-day basis can vary but may include:

Helping to manage the documentation required in legal matters, including creating bundles of documents that will be used in court. Helping to create and maintain template documents (precedents) that will be used in legal transactions. Taking minutes and writing up notes for meetings or legal proceedings. Conducting legal research and writing up advice notes. Drafting legal documents such as settlement agreements, contracts, and legal pleadings. Other ad-hoc duties and tasks as dictated by the business and client needs.

As you progress in your role, you will be introduced to more advanced tasks to help you build a portfolio and work towards the paralegal qualification.

You will be supervised by an experienced MLS (managed legal services) delivery manager and supported by your team, your buddy, and a dedicated early talent team. You will receive full training which will combine on-the-job learning and formal structured sessions to ensure you are fully equipped to succeed in the role. 

Some travel within the UK and Ireland might be required during your apprenticeship. We will reimburse any travel-related business expenses in line with our policy to enable you to meet the business needs and access relevant training opportunities.

Training:

Apprentice paralegals have a dedicated weekly study day during which they study legal foundation subjects and skills modules delivered by the University of Law as well as prepare for a range of assessments. Paralegal apprentices spend the remaining four days per week working with colleagues in the office.

Throughout your studies you will complete regular tasks and receive feedback from your subject tutor, as well as meet with the Skills Coach to support your progress.

Training Outcome:

Upon successful completion of your paralegal apprenticeship, you could have the opportunity to apply for paralegal roles at Pinsent Masons and explore a range of future progression opportunities available within our Paralegal Centre of Excellence. Alternatively, depending on role availability and individual preference, you could also apply for our solicitor apprenticeship programme.

Employer Description:
Pinsent Masons is a global 100 law firm, with over 3,800 employees operating from 27 offices across Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. We have a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality legal advice rooted in a deep understanding of the sectors and geographies in which our clients operate. Our expertise is recognised globally. In recent years we have achieved more tier 1 rankings in The Legal 500 UK guide than any other firm, and been counted among the most innovative law firms in Europe and Asia Pacific by the Financial Times. The firm has significant international credentials in the global energy, infrastructure, financial services, real estate and technology, science and industry sectors. We are a Disability Confident and top Stonewall employer, a Valuable 500 member, a founding member of the Mindful Business Charter, signatory of the Race at Work Charter and a proud partner of Neurodiversity in Law. We encourage and value different ideas and styles of thinking. It’s with different perspectives that we’ll find solutions to our clients’ most complex challenges. It’s how we’ll deliver outstanding results today, and tomorrow. We’re proud to have been placed amongst RateMyApprenticeship Best 100 Employers 2024-2025.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday between 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Problem solving skills,Administrative skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Interest in business,Personal responsibility