Apprenticeships
Paralegals
Paralegals work in law firms but aren’t qualified as solicitors or CILEX Lawyers. Although paralegals used to be seen as support staff, the role of a paralegal has moved beyond just assisting solicitors. Paralegals are a distinct group of legal professionals, although this kind of role is often used as a steppingstone to becoming a solicitor or CILEX Lawyer. Some paralegal roles are similar to those of solicitors. As such, a paralegal can build up two years’ qualifying work experience (QWE) and qualify via the SQE using their paralegal experience. For the paralegal work to count as QWE, it needs to help you to build the skills and understanding that solicitors require in real legal practice; or some or all of the competencies set out by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in its statement of solicitor competence. Find out more about the SQE and the different routes to becoming a lawyer on page 8.
Another common reason many graduates work as paralegals is because it’s a great way to gain the crucial legal work experience needed to secure a training contract. Some paralegals get the experience and then apply for a training contract at the same firm, while others move on from firms where this isn’t an option and apply successfully elsewhere. However, a note of caution: paralegals perform many of the same tasks as solicitors but are generally not paid as much and there isn’t the same clear career progression that solicitors can pursue. Stay mindful of your prospects if this is something that’s important to you. Further reading The ‘Paralegal’ section on www.lawcareers.net – find it in the hover menu under the ‘Solicitors’ tab .
You don’t have to go to university for a career in the legal profession. A legal apprenticeship enables you to gain qualifications while in paid work, through on-the-job training at a law firm or other employer. Legal apprentices can become solicitors, CILEX Lawyers or paralegals (there are other specialist roles available too) without the tuition fees and accommodation costs associated with university. Some apprenticeships take 18 months to complete, but the more advanced levels provide training across five or six years – around the same time it’d take to qualify via the university route. You’ll start paying a student loan back when you’re earning at least £25,000 (depending on when you started university). So, although high fees are a factor to consider, they shouldn’t necessarily put you off university. That said, university isn’t for everyone and a legal apprenticeship is a genuine, and free, alternative. This section is a basic introduction to legal apprenticeships. To learn more, read The Law Apprenticeships Guide for everything you need to know about the different legal apprenticeships on offer. Pick up a free copy from your school or read it online at LawCareers.Net. Am I eligible? In most cases, to become a legal apprentice, you must be 16 or over, not in full-time education and a UK citizen/someone who has right of residency in the UK. Most legal apprenticeships require five GCSEs (or equivalent) graded 9 to 4, including maths and English. The paralegal apprenticeship requires at least two A levels, while the solicitor apprenticeship requires three A levels, with grade requirements varying between employers from CCC to AAB. The graduate solicitor apprenticeship is aimed at candidates with a qualifying law degree (or equivalent) and non-law graduates who’ve completed a law conversion course. Earn and learn The minimum wage for apprentices under the age of 19 is £8 an hour (as of April 2026), as well as for people aged over 19 in their first year of an
apprenticeship. All apprentices who’ve completed the first year of their apprenticeship and are over the age of 19 are paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group. For those considering alternatives to university, there are four levels of legal apprenticeship available.
Legal administration or business administration apprenticeship
These apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers who don’t have A levels. Apprentices develop the skills to manage legal cases on an administrative level. CILEX Law School offers a business administration apprenticeship – a well-suited pathway for school leavers seeking a career in law. Paralegal apprenticeship The paralegal apprenticeship trains apprentices in the skills needed to work in a certain area of law (eg, personal injury). Paralegals support solicitors on legal matters and do many of the same tasks.
The Law Apprenticeships Guide
Find out more about paralegals on the next page.
Chartered legal executive apprenticeship You’ll complete the CPQ as part of this apprenticeship, achieving CILEX Lawyer status. As a CILEX Lawyer, you’ll have full practice rights in your chosen specialism and complete equivalent work to that of a solicitor. Candidates usually complete previous qualifications, such as the paralegal apprenticeship, before starting the chartered legal executive apprenticeship. Solicitor apprenticeship This apprenticeship is a six-year programme that integrates studying for a law degree with on-the- job training at a law firm or other organisation (eg, in-house), ending in qualification as a solicitor via the SQE. Graduate solicitor apprenticeship Other ways of qualifying as a lawyer via apprenticeships include the graduate solicitor apprenticeship (open to university graduates). Those qualifying this way will also complete the SQE as part of their apprenticeship. It works in much the same way as a traditional training contract.
Other types of legal professional
Roles such as licensed conveyancer (focusing on property transactions) or probate practitioner (dealing with wills and estates) offer opportunities to develop expertise in a defined area, often through experience and additional training. Similarly, legal assistants support lawyers with tasks such as document preparation, scheduling client meetings and case management, providing an entry point into the legal profession while building practical knowledge across different areas of law. Sometimes firms will use the terms ‘paralegal’ and ‘legal assistant’ interchangeably; however, there are often clear differences in responsibilities.
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