Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship (Employment)

at  Irwin Mitchell

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.

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).

You will be supporting the Employment Division within Irwin Mitchell. The successful candidate will be based in Birmingham and will be operating in a busy large team doing a mix of both Claimant and Respondent work, mainly on the contentious side of matters, namely Tribunal litigation.
Paralegals support solicitors in preparing cases for trial and progressing transactions. This involves creating and organising case files, as well as contacting clients and performing legal research. This programme offers a great grounding for a career in law.

Your main responsibilities within the department will include the following:

• This is a superb opportunity for you to work within our Employment team, gaining an overview as to the relevant law and the types of claims, supporting our clients and developing your skills and expertise within a supportive team
• The work will involve assisting fee earners in advising clients but mainly conducting and assisting on Tribunal cases from inception to the final hearing including opening files, interacting with clients, Counsel and other parties in writing and by telephone
• You will also be tasked with obtaining documentation to support or defend claims, conducting research, drafting pleadings, preparing disclosure, bundles, witness statements and instructing Counsel to conduct hearings
• Your role will also involve juggling competing demands on time and ensuring deadlines are met in a fast paced, high energy environment
• 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 and when required
• Completing relevant administration duties including photocopying, scanning documents, amending documentation, filing, archiving and file maintenance
• Supporting the team’s business development activities/events;
• Working to deadlines and be adept at multi-tasking.
• Whilst planning and prioritising will be the key to your success, you’ll also need to be flexible and quick to respond to requests at short notice. You’ll be experienced in following set guidelines and processes, but with the ability and confidence to use your own judgement where required and to complete written tasks to a high standard (e.g. grammatical and technical accuracy).