Apprentice Paralegal

We are seeking to recruit Two Apprentice Paralegals to join Legal Services on a fixed-term apprenticeship programme starting in November 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals to begin a legal career while earning a salary, gaining practical experience in a busy local authority legal team, and working towards a Level 3 Paralegal apprenticeship.

Application information

Location: Sheffield City Council, Town Hall, with hybrid working.

Training provider: BPP. Applications should be made by completion of the online application form.

About the role

As an Apprentice Paralegal, you will support the delivery of an efficient and effective legal service to the organisation. Working under supervision, you will develop practical legal skills and assist with routine legal and administrative work across the team, while building the knowledge, behaviours and professional standards required of a paralegal.

Assist with opening, maintaining and closing legal files and records.
Undertake legal and factual research using appropriate digital tools and sources.
Draft routine correspondence, attendance notes and basic legal documents under supervision.
Prepare, organise and collate papers, bundles and supporting documents.
Help monitor key dates, deadlines and case progress.
Liaise professionally with colleagues, clients and other stakeholders.
Maintain confidentiality and handle information in accordance with data protection and information governance requirements.
Take part in apprenticeship training and complete off-the-job learning as required.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for individuals who are keen to start a career in law and who can demonstrate enthusiasm, professionalism and a willingness to learn. You should be organised, reliable and able to communicate clearly, with a strong commitment to accuracy, confidentiality and public service.

A good standard of written and spoken English.
Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
The ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
Confidence using Microsoft Office and other digital systems.
An understanding of the importance of confidentiality, ethics and data protection.
Eligibility to undertake a Level 3 apprenticeship in accordance with apprenticeship funding and provider requirements.
GCSEs or equivalent, including English and maths, would normally be expected.

Apprenticeship details

The apprenticeship is expected to run for approximately 24 months, combining paid employment with structured training and study towards the Level 3 Paralegal apprenticeship standard. Apprentices will gain experience of legal research, drafting, file management, client and stakeholder communication, and professional working practices. Successful completion may provide a progression route into a permanent legal support role or further legal study, subject to organisational requirements and future opportunities.

Why join us

This role offers the chance to build a legal career in a supportive team, gain recognised qualifications, and contribute to work that supports the delivery of public services. You will receive on-the-job experience, structured learning and supervision, and the opportunity to develop valuable legal and professional skills in a meaningful public sector environment.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We aim to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and with respect throughout the recruitment process. We are committed to equality of opportunity and to developing a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

We are investing in our workforce and are promoting opportunities to our under-represented groups. We value equality, diversity and inclusion and are focused on increasing the diversity of our workforce, particularly the number of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Disabled and LGBTQ+ people, so that our teams reflect the communities in the city we serve. We are also supporting staff with unpaid caring responsibilities to work flexibly.

It is a great time to join us and we welcome your application.

Under the Guaranteed Interview scheme, applicants who are disabled, care leavers, or armed forces veterans will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria and indicate their eligibility on the application form. Sometimes, if lots of people apply, we might not be able to interview everyone who qualifies for the Guarantee. In these cases, we’ll interview the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job.

Full-time employees work 37 hours for 52 weeks of the year and we offer a generous holiday entitlement. We are open to discussions about a wide range of flexible working opportunities which benefit you and the Council, including reduced hour contracts, working part time or as a job share.

Equality of pay is extremely important to us. All roles at Sheffield City Council are going through an evaluation process which may result in changes to some pay arrangements from 2026. Find out more on our Sheff news page.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone and where appropriate to the role the successful applicant will be required to undertake relevant safeguarding checks.