There's no denying it, apprenticeships in the legal sector are gaining momentum. The traditional route to becoming a lawyer has been challenged by, among other things, the Legal Education and Training Review which reported in June 2013, the rise of legal executives, an increase in paralegal numbers, and alternative business structures (ABS). Combining this with a rise in university tuition fees, which makes the appeal of starting a career in the legal profession without the need for an expensive degree an attractive option.
Since 2011, a number of law firms have been pledging their support to external apprenticeship schemes or launching their own apprenticeship schemes. Skills for Justice (SFJ) conducted a survey in 2012 of 51 firms and found that they are likely to increase the number of paralegals they employ by 18% over the next five years. More significantly, 83% of firms said they would be interested in taking on apprentices.
Evidence of this can be found locally too. Hill Dickinson, an international law firm in Manchester, has recently expanded its office by hiring another 16 new members of staff, consisting of new associates, newly-qualified solicitors, trainees and apprentices. The new recruits are set to work in the employment and pensions, commercial litigation, health and fraud teams.
Partner and head of the Manchester office, Geraldine Ryan, said: “These latest additions to the team demonstrate our commitment to the Manchester market and our dedication to presenting a robust and experienced team that is able to offer our clients the very best service.
“We place great importance on nurturing young talent and look forward to encouraging the new assistants, trainees and apprentices develop within the firm.”
As part of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Employer Ownership of Skills’ Apprenticeship Scheme, Hill Dickinson is employing 7 A-level school leavers who are interested in a career in legal services.
The apprenticeships in Business Administration with young people from The Apprentice Academy taking up positions with Hill Dickinson have proved to be a real success. The first apprentice to start with Hill Dickinson in January 2011 John Nuttall has now completed his apprenticeship and working towards his ILEX qualification.
Rachel Capener who initially studied Law at
A-Level now works as a Legal Assistant at Hill Dickinson and started in October 2012.
She has a varied role providing secretarial support for office staff and
preparing case papers for Counsel. Sarah Grant who manages both Rachel and John has
some positive feedback on their contributions to the business. To hear a lot more about life as
an apprentice in the legal profession, check out this video
At the recent Insider Dealmaker of the Year Awards 2013,
Hill Dickinson were also “Highly Commended” as part of the Legal Team of the Team of the Year award
To find out more about apprenticeships at The Apprentice Academy call 0161 200 1673 or email recruitment@theapprenticeacademy.co.uk
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