Paralegal Apprenticeship (non graduate/school leaver) - September 2025 - Gowling WLG

Applications will close on Friday 4 April 2025 at 23:59pm.

Our Programme

As an apprentice within our firm, you can earn while you learn. In addition to being paid, you gain practical skills, work experience and a recognised legal qualification. You will join us on a two-year Paralegal programme, as part of the programme you become a trained legal professional who works independently and as part of a team for household names. After successfully completing the Paralegal Apprenticeship, you'll have the opportunity to advance to the Solicitor Apprenticeship. Here, you'll continue your law degree and work towards the Solicitor's Qualifying Exam over four and a half years. Upon completion, you'll be able to qualify as an Associate.

We want to make sure you reach your full potential. That's why our programme ensures that you'll gain all the skills, knowledge and commerciality to succeed in the industry, all without student debt. Completed within the same timeframe as the traditional university route, our programme offers abundant support from your immediate colleagues and fellow apprentices. As pioneers in the world of legal apprenticeships, trust that you're in good hands as we guide you to your full potential.

We put our trust in you, give you responsibility and value your contribution to the team. This means you absorb the knowledge and hone skills by undertaking real work that's important to the success of our firm and our clients.

Meanwhile, you get all the support you need. For this we surround you with a framework of colleagues – people you can rely on for answers, helps, tips and advice.

You also take part in law and legal practice training, supplied by the University of Law, and aimed at gaining nationally recognised qualifications.

We’re optimistic and excited about the future, so we invest in our business to achieve our ambitions. That applies to our apprentices too. We need people with a bright mind and proactive nature when it comes to solving problems.

We also believe in the power of teamwork. Nobody is the same, and none of us an island. We support, respect and embrace people’s differences. Simply because, in our experience, different people working together and making different contributions achieve success.

Qualifications

What is required?

We don't recruit candidates based on the subjects they have studied, as long as they meet our criteria of 96 UCAS points or above, and English and Maths at grade 4 or above.

You'll learn from the best what it takes to be a commercial lawyer – developing your skills and opening doors for your future.

We need people with a sharp mind and a can do attitude, who generate fresh ideas and get stuck in.

If you’re keen to learn and develop, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note, this apprenticeship is ideally suitable for candidates that do not have a qualification above Level 3 in Law/linked to law.

Career Progression

During your 2 year apprenticeship you will be based in one of our practice groups. Once you've completed the apprenticeship, you have the option to further enhance your career, because now you can continue to work as a paralegal and, if you choose:

Start an additional five-year apprenticeship and become a qualified solicitor.

About Us

Gowling WLG is an international law firm with more than 1,400 legal professionals and a presence in Canada, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America. We provide our clients with in-depth expertise in key global sectors and a suite of legal services at home and abroad. We see the world from the perspective of our clients, and collaborate across countries, offices, service areas and sectors to help them succeed – no matter how challenging the circumstances.

"Our people and distinct culture are what makes us different. We know this through client and employee feedback and this drives everything we do'' Chris Oglethorpe, HR Director.

There are great opportunities for all our people to flourish. Through training and personal development they can grow in their role. Our people are the cornerstone of our success, across legal, business support and early talent. We care about their happiness and believe in the power of teamwork. We want them to feel empowered and recognise that by supporting, respecting and embracing everyone's different contributions we achieve more.

To find out more, click Apply.