New apprenticeship in legal services launched in bid to open up profession

A new form of apprenticeship in legal services has been launched this week by the Chartered Institute for Legal Executives (CILEx) and Skills for Justice.

The Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Legal Services is set and assessed at A-Level standard. It is intended to suit school leavers, paralegals and individuals changing career.

Completion of the apprenticeship will mean exemption from part of CILEx’s professional qualifications. CILEx already offers a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Legal Services.

Stephen Gowland, the Chartered Institute’s President and someone who also started his legal career as an apprentice, said: “This course will provide individuals and employers with an additional approach to a legal career and one which complements CILEx’s already strong vocational legal qualifications. As so many of our paralegal members have done before them, apprentices will be able to progress to qualification as a Chartered Legal Executive lawyer.”

Matthew Hancock MP, Minister for Skills, said: "These new apprenticeships will complement the traditional academic route and will have a positive impact on the diversity and social mobility for those entering the legal profession.

“It is our aim to make choosing between going to university and taking an apprenticeship the new norm. The CILEx Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Legal Services will help to make this happen."