Paralegal Apprentice

As a global law firm our work spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages – and so do our people.

Our culture is collaborative and inclusive — where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued. Where performing to your highest ability, unlocks equal access to opportunities to learn, thrive and grow. 

We combine deep legal expertise and commercial intelligence to grow, transform, protect, and defend our clients' businesses, across every critical moment.

We operate in the sectors and regions that matter to our clients. With forward-thinking insights and innovative, tech-enabled solutions that combine deep knowledge of their sectors and markets.

You’ll build connections and work with colleagues as one global team. You’ll unlock opportunities for clients, across borders, cultures, legal and commercial disciplines.

Join us to work with colleagues as one global team – empowering each other to be exceptional and create advantage for our clients.

Job Overview

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 6 Paralegal Apprentices to join the team in Newcastle in September 2026.

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.

Who you will work with

The Paralegal Apprentice will work under the Paralegal 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.

What you will do

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.

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.

Your career experience so far

Outside of our academic requirements, you do not need any specific experiences or legal knowledge prior to applying for this role.

However, we will need you to demonstrate attributes/skills such as:

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

Academic Requirements

• 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

Eligibility

Our apprenticeship is open to candidates who are not currently studying for, or already have, a Level 3 or higher legal qualification which is similar to the Level 3 paralegal apprenticeship.

You must also have the right to work in the UK.

The Recruitment Process

Application deadline: 15 February 2026

Application process: Online application, online assessment centre, insight day, interview.

How to Apply

• Complete the online application form and upload a copy of your CV.
• Successful candidates at application review will be invited to complete an online assessment.
• If you pass the online assessment, you will be invited for an in-person insight day prior to final stage interview. The day will provide more clarity on the structure of the apprenticeship, what to expect from the programme, and life at our Newcastle office. You’ll meet our current apprentices and gain valuable insights into the apprenticeship and preparing for the final stage.
• Final stage interview: Held in person at our Newcastle office, the final stage will consist of a 30-minute interview with the Apprentice Manager and an additional member of the management team.

We will support travel costs in relation to attending the insight day and final stage interview.

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.

Work pattern

Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week.

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

At Clifford Chance, we forge an inclusive culture, where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued. It’s a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunities to thrive and succeed. We are guided by our values-based Code, which sets high standards of conduct and has a principle focused on being inclusive.

We comply with the law and regulations in every location where we operate and we are committed to delivering fair and equal access to all applicants and employees irrespective of background. This applies across all aspects of employment from recruitment and selection to development, progression, and day-to-day working life.  

Our global network of affinity, faith and support groups are open to all. These communities help to create an environment where everyone at the firm can feel they belong and can reach their full potential.

Find out more about our inclusive culture here.

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