Member Article

Manchester law firm recruits ten apprentices

The Manchester office of law firm Addleshaw Goddard has taken on ten apprentices linked to its transactional services team.

The apprentices will earn £12,000 a year while taking part in the 18 month programme,

Initially, the apprentices will undertake administrative tasks including completing standard forms, processing documentation and creating reports.

Over time, this will progress into legal work such as checking legal documents for quality, consistency and content, legal research and undertaking document reviews as part of a litigation case or corporate due diligence exercise.

The apprentices will study for an NVQ Level Three Advanced Apprenticeship in Legal Services, and, if successful, will be able to apply for paralegal positions with the firm.

Andrew Chamberlain, head of client delivery, said the target is to deliver 10 per cent of everything the firm does through the apprentice scheme by 2015.

He said: “This scheme is different and it is also an opportunity to develop the economy.

“Law is very traditional, elitist and is difficult to get into. There are a lot of unemployed law graduates at the moment.

“Going to university is not the right option for all, and this new structured career development opportunity is a credible alternative for talented, ambitious young people who prefer vocational learning as an entry point into an dynamic, long-term and rewarding career in law.

“Our thinking was there was plenty of work that could be done by non-graduates which is where the apprenticeship idea came from.

“We have recruited ten this year and we hope to do the same next year, if not recruit more.”

“It will take time, probably nine years, as opposed to seven to become a solicitor, but the apprentices can get all the qualifications through this route.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .