Pinsent Masons is a global law firm with 23 offices including 7 across the UK and N Ireland. They offer 2 apprenticeship programmes; a Paralegal Apprenticeship and a Business Operations Apprenticeship. Their ‘earn as you learn’ qualification pathway offers the opportunity to combine academic study with work-based learning; simultaneous exposure to university and commercial environments; and potential future qualification and career opportunities on successful completion of a level 3 apprenticeship.

Paralegal Apprenticeship

If you join Pinsent Masons as a paralegal apprentice you’ll become an integral member of one of their fee-earning teams. You will spend 80% of your time working on client projects alongside experienced lawyers and Trainee Solicitors who will provide regular mentoring and feedback. This will ensure you learn and develop vital skills such as attention to detail, team working and research techniques. You’ll also attend the University of Law for the remaining 20% to help achieve the academic requirements of your apprenticeship qualification.

Your day-to-day experiences will depend on the practice area you join, but it’s fair to say that no two days will be the same. You’ll be learning continuously as you work towards identifiable achievements. Typically, this will include drafting and proof-reading documents and correspondence, undertaking research, liaising with clients by phone, email and at face-to-face meetings; and getting involved in community work. You’ll also learn how to network with different groups of people as you attend training, seminars and conferences. Fantastic progression opportunities could be available on successful completion of this apprenticeship.

Business Operations Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are available in a number of Business Operations teams. Finance and Payroll departments for eg.

Like the paralegal apprentices, you will spend 20% of your time in off-the-job learning, delivered via a blend of small group, face-to-face sessions and remote tutor support.

Typical tasks you could expect to be involved in as a Finance apprentice include day to day activities such as data entry, month end management accounts and/or year-end financial statements. You might also find yourself involved in regulatory financial requirements such as the completion of VAT returns. Payroll apprentices will assist the Global Payroll team with the collating, administering and processing of the firm’s monthly payroll, while handling queries from our partners, employees and systems suppliers.

Their Finance and Payroll apprentices will be working towards the Assistant Accountant apprenticeship which provides the foundation for progression into a number of career paths in the Accounting sector.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English or equivalent
• 3 A-levels or equivalent at grade B