Level 3 Paralegal Apprenticeship (Court of Protection) (5928) in Manchester

We’re a national law firm with a local reach, here for life’s important moments – the ones you plan for and the ones you don’t expect. Our legal experts combine technical excellence with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to always put our clients first. You’ll feel part of a welcoming, inclusive environment where your individuality matters. We celebrate what makes you unique and support you to thrive. Together, we achieve incredible things and make a real difference to our clients and communities.

Your Role

An exciting opportunity to join one of the largest national law firms in the UK. You will be supporting the Court of Protection Team and managing large medical negligence or Personal Injury damages awards in order to meet the client’s needs. We help clients who are responsible for managing someone else’s affairs, those who are concerned about the ability of someone else to manage their own affairs or another person’s affairs and clients who may be concerned about their own ability to manage their affairs. Paralegal apprentices support solicitors with the day-to-day management of the client files.

Your main responsibilities within the department will include the following:

• Maintain accurate case records and update internal systems assisting with the management of client finances under the supervision of the deputy which would include; paying invoices, purchasing equipment, setting up new bank accounts and standing orders, assisting with the management of household utilities, preparing spreadsheets, taking notes during client meetings.
• Liaising with case managers and other fee earners within the business regarding client issues that arise.
• Attend and contribute to team/practice area meetings and comply with directions/decisions made to ensure team objectives achieved.
• Become familiar with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and work with clients who may have suffered brain injury as a result of medical negligence or accidents.
• Keep up to date with changes in relevant law and practice and attend appropriate training events as and when required.
• Communicate with clients, other firms of solicitors and third parties by telephone or in writing including taking client instructions and providing case updates when appropriate.
• Achieve time recording and fee income targets to ensure profitable working.
• Ensure compliance with the firm’s policies and procedures.
• Conduct legal research as requested by members of the team.
• Complete relevant administration duties including photocopying, scanning documents, amending documentation, filing, archiving and file maintenance.

You will be expected to be predominantly office based during the first 6 months of your apprenticeship to support your learning within this division.

Who is it for?

This is a 24-month apprenticeship perfect for anyone who wants to gain hands‑on legal experience at the UK’s largest full‑service law firm. This apprenticeship is a great alternative to university, as it gives you the chance to earn while you learn. It also helps you to work towards the Level 3 paralegal apprenticeship, helping to develop your career from day one.

What will I study?

The academic part of the apprenticeship is delivered by our apprenticeship training provider BPP via distance learning. The modules you study will link to the client service area in which you undertake your apprenticeship. 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 B or above 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.

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).

What We Can Offer You

• We pay our apprentices a starting salary of £24,479 (regional) and £26,936 in London.
• 25 days holidays as standard plus bank holidays - You can ‘buy’ up to 35hrs of extra holiday too.
• Generous and flexible pension schemes.
• Volunteering days – Two days of volunteering every year for a cause of your choice (fully paid).
• Westfield Health membership, offering refunds on medical services alongside our Aviva Digital GP services.
• A wide range of well‑being initiatives to encourage positive mental health both in and out of the workplace and to make sure you’re fully supported.

Best Workplaces for Wellbeing – Large Organisations 2024
Great Place to Work – 5 years running
Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2025

A Culture of Inclusion: Disability Confident Level 3 Leader
Colleague led inclusion networks across the business

Responsible Business: Programmes that reflect our purpose and values. Our commitment to Social Responsibility, community investment activity and tackling climate change is a fundamental part of who we are. It’s made up of four strands: Our People, Our Community, Our Environment and Our Pro Bono.

Additional Information

As part of the Irwin Mitchell Group’s on‑boarding process all successful applicants are required to complete the group’s employment screening process. This process helps to ensure that all new employees meet our standards in relation to honesty and integrity therefore protecting the interests of the Group, existing employees, clients, partners and other stakeholders. The background checks made will establish your eligibility to work in the UK, and criminal record check and financial checks with a credit reference agency will also be undertaken. The employment screening process will fully comply with Data Protection and other applicable laws. Irwin Mitchell LLP is an equal opportunity employer.