Paralegal Apprentice

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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

• 5 GCSEs grade (A‑C or 9‑4) including Maths and English or equivalent qualifications; and
• 3 A‑levels (or equivalent) grade A‑D

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.

Final date to receive applications: 15 February 2026

Application process:

Online application, online assessment centre, insight day, interview.

• 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.