Paralegal Apprentice

Company Description

Who we are

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm’s global standards with in-depth local expertise.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

Our one firm global strategy is focused on targeted growth led by the needs of our core clients, those who we can best support with the breadth and depth of Clifford Chance expertise, across the sectors and geographies, which matter most to them.

You’ll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they’ve reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that’s possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you’ll find across all of our teams.

Whichever area of the business you join, you’ll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

The Newcastle Legal Delivery Centre

The Newcastle Legal Delivery Centre, located in Clifford Chance's Newcastle office, is one of two such centres, with the other in Delhi. These centres work together to support global lawyer teams by effectively utilising knowledge, resources, processes, and legal technology to serve clients. The Newcastle Delivery Centre is made up of a range of practice areas, including Global Financial Markets, Corporate, Real Estate, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, and Tax, Pensions & Employment.

Clifford Chance is looking to recruit a number of Paralegal Apprentices to join the team in Newcastle in September 2025.

A paralegal is a person trained in subsidiary legal matters but not fully qualified as a lawyer. At Clifford Chance, our paralegals provide essential support to lawyers across the areas of law we work in, making it a fantastic opportunity for those passionate about law. The role involves working in a team of paralegals at differing levels who work on various transactions. You will assist them with all aspects of delivery on a range of projects from referring practice areas across a number of Clifford Chance offices, whilst working towards attaining your legal apprenticeship qualification.

Recruitment and selection will be on a rolling basis until 16 February 2025 with various assessment and interview points during this time.

For details on the recruitment process and to hear from our current and former apprentices, visit our paralegal apprenticeships page.

Job Description

The Paralegal Apprentice will work under the Apprentice Manager along with daily supervision provided by the department's Management team, and the instructing lawyer (where applicable). You will complete a range of tasks for Clifford Chance Lawyers and work across different teams.

Key responsibilities

You will be responsible for creating high quality work which requires good attention to detail. Continuous feedback will be provided on the tasks you complete.

Along with the above, you will be required to maintain good housekeeping (administrative activities). This will include updating internal trackers, updating on work progress, communicating effectively, and attending meetings/webinars on time.

You will be responsible for playing a role in developing and representing the culture of the Newcastle Office and ensuring that we offer a diverse and inclusive workplace that is welcoming and supportive to all.

Finally, you will be required to maintain acceptable progress towards attaining your paralegal apprenticeship qualification.

How we will support you

From your first day with us, you will have varied opportunities to continuously grow and development your skills and knowledge. From formal training, informal coaching and mentoring through to skills-based and technical training and on the job learning.

Qualifications

Your career experience so far

The candidate will possess the following skills:

• have excellent attention to detail
• organised and efficient
• effective and flexible communication skills
• strong interpersonal skills
• enthusiastic and hardworking
• ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• have a strong commitment to undertaking training alongside the day-to- day role of a Paralegal Apprentice

Eligibility

• 5 GCSEs grade (A-C or 9-4) including math's and English or equivalent qualifications; and
• 3 A-levels (or equivalent) grade A-D

* If you already have a level 3 or above legal qualification which is similar to the level 3 paralegal apprenticeship, you will not be eligible.

Additional Information

Work pattern

Monday – Friday 35 hours per week. 

Hybrid working

Due to the nature of this role, office attendance is required for more than our 'balanced' hybrid working policy. The expectation for this role is to be working in the office for a minimum of 80% of your time. Please see our careers site for further information on our working environment.

Equal opportunities statement

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age. This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

 Find out more about our inclusive culture here.

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