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Apply before 5:00 pm on Friday 19th September 2025Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted)We are recruiting for two Paralegal Graduate Solicitor Apprentices to join our Legal Services team.The postholders will provide high-quality paralegal support within Ofsted’s Legal Services team, working closely with advisory, litigation, and enforcement lawyers. They will assist with legal research, document preparation, case management, and administrative tasks, helping to ensure the effective delivery of legal services across the organisation.This apprenticeship offers exposure to a broad range of public sector legal work and provides an excellent foundation for developing a career as a solicitor.This is a fantastic opportunity to further your experience in Ofsted’s well-established team. The post holder will work with high-achieving professionals at all levels, surrounded by a friendly and supportive team. They will have access to many benefits, such as flexible working hours, the Civil Service Pension Scheme, and 32.5 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays. We offer a hybrid working model, so you may also choose to spend a proportion of time working from home.Apprenticeship ProgrammeThe apprenticeship will be fully funded and is a 30-month programme, completed alongside working in a paralegal role in the Legal Services team.During this time, you will study for and undertake the SQE assessments, whilst compiling a portfolio of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).The apprenticeship will be delivered by our provider via a digital learning platform. Study leave of up to 10 days per year is available in accordance with Ofsted’s policies, in addition to the 20% (one day per week) apprenticeship learning time.On successful completion of the programme and qualification as a Solicitor, you will be eligible to apply for a Legal Officer role.Eligibility Criteria<ul><li>Applicants who already hold an LPC or LLM with LPC are not eligible to apply.</li><li>Your qualifications and eligibility will be formally checked by the training provider at the enrolment stage.</li></ul>Programme timing<ul><li>The successful candidate will be asked to enrol with our provider, by 3 November 2025.</li><li>The programme will commence on 15 December 2025.</li><li>The successful candidate must be available to start employment with Ofsted on 1 December 2025 in order to participate in the apprenticeship programme.</li></ul>Please refer to the job specification for further information.QualificationsA qualifying (English/Welsh) law degree with a minimum 2:1, or a non-law degree minimum 2:1 and a pass on an English law conversion course (GDL, PGDL, CPE or equivalent qualifications), in either case completed in the last 5 years.Five GCSEs between A* - C (9 - 4) including English and Maths.BehavioursWe'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:<ul><li>Seeing the Big Picture</li><li>Delivering at Pace</li><li>Making Effective Decisions</li><li>Communicating and Influencing</li><li>Managing a Quality Service</li></ul>We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:<ul><li>Seeing the Big Picture</li><li>Delivering at Pace</li></ul>Technical skillsWe'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:<ul><li>Strong legal research and IT skills and experience.</li><li>A good working knowledge of public law and its application.</li><li>Experience of building positive and effective relationships and credibility with both internal and external stakeholders.</li></ul>BenefitsAlongside your salary of £29,911, Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills contributes £8,665 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.&nbsp;Full details of the benefits available can be found in our Ofsted Offer brochureOfsted is devoted to equality, diversity and inclusion. Within our Ofsted Strategy 2023-2027 we have stated that we will improve the representation of under-represented groups across the organisation and publish our progress on this annually. We are always looking to expand on our diverse workforce by recruiting candidates from varied backgrounds and differing experiences. We are proud to be a Disability Confident – Leader, we continually engage with our 5 staff networks for protected characteristics, and highlight the work of our Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group. We ensure all candidates are treated with fair and open competition, with all appointments being made on merit and we use our Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) to provide assurance to all candidates of this.Things you need to knowSelection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.Application and Shortlisting:The selection panel will assess your application based on your evidence you have provided against the essential criteria as set out in the person specification.You will also be asked to provide information within the “Employer/Activity History” section of the application form. This information is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV setting out your career history (this will be used in the sifting process).In the event that we receive a high volume of applications, an initial sift will be conducted based on the following two criteria:<ul><li>Behaviour - Seeing the big picture</li><li>Strong legal research and IT skills and experience</li></ul>Applicants who meet these criteria will be invited to progress to the next stage of the selection process. If necessary, a further full sift will be undertaken, assessing all applications against the complete set of essential criteria.Assessment and interview&nbsp;Candidates who pass the benchmark at the shortlisting stage will be invited to an assessment and interview where you will be assessed against a combination of the Civil Service behaviours and the technical/experience skills set out in section 3 of the job specification.As part of the selection process, you may be asked to complete a written assessment based on a legal scenario. You will have 45 minutes to review the scenario and prepare your response. Following this, you will be invited to present your findings to the panel as part of your interview.&nbsp;Assessment and interviews will be held remotely on Tuesday 7 October 2025 and Wednesday 8 October 2025 via Microsoft teams.Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Paralegal Graduate Solicitor Apprentice - December 2025 - Ofsted

Deadline: 21 September 2025Salary: £33,531 - £38,052 per annum&nbsp;37 Hours per WeekThis Trainee Solicitor Apprenticeship is available depending on the qualifications held by the successful&nbsp;candidate:<ul><li>Short form apprenticeship – 18 months – appropriate for those who have 6 months work experience in Legal Services (either in-house or in private practice) and hold a law degree/ GDL/ or other relevant legal qualification such as CILEX L16 or as a Licensed Conveyancer.</li><li>Longer form apprenticeship – 35 months – appropriate for those who have a non-law degree or who have successfully completed a paralegal apprenticeship or similar qualification, or have relevant work experience.</li></ul>To provide legal support and carry out legal casework within the Legal Services team across the following teams: - Child Protection, Adult Safeguarding and Education - Commercial Law (including, Property, Planning and Contracts) - Criminal and Civil Litigation - Major projects and GovernanceKey service accountabilities:<ul><li>To support the Head of Legal Services, Principal Lawyers, and Lawyers in advising and assisting the client departments of Thurrock Council.</li><li>To conduct casework, subject to supervision.</li><li>To take instructions from clients and prepare case plans.</li><li>To undertake advocacy on behalf of Thurrock Council in accordance with appropriate rights of audience.</li><li>To draft legal documentation including Court applications, Witness Statements, Briefs to Counsel and Statements of Case.</li><li>To liaise with the courts, counsel, and parties to proceedings via telephone, correspondence, and in person where relevant.</li><li>To represent Thurrock Council at meetings, conferences with Counsel and to attend court with Counsel in appropriate circumstances</li><li>Office attendance is required two days per week. Additional day/s will be expected if the opportunity arises for advocacy/relevant experience (court attendance, etc) which will benefit your placement</li><li>Through research, to maintain and disseminate a constant awareness of good practice and new legislation /case law in the relevant areas of specialism within the Legal and Governance Directorate, for the benefit of colleagues and clients.</li><li>To develop and maintain experience and expertise of the law and local government law and practice.</li><li>To undertake the attendance and study required under the solicitor apprenticeship scheme.</li><li>Plan and prioritise allocated work efficiently.</li><li>To develop strong influencing and negotiating skills with the ability to maintain effective, credible relationships.</li><li>To work flexibly and collaboratively across the wider Directorate, as required.</li><li>Ensure effective operational use of all Directorate resources by regularly reviewing working methods, systems, and equipment.</li><li>To act in accordance with and promote the Nolan Principles in the council.</li><li>To be flexible with regards to working hours to ensure that Directorate needs, and client requirements are met.</li></ul>This job description is not intended to be either prescriptive or exhaustive, it is issued as a framework to outline the main areas of responsibility at the time of writing. The job holder will carry out such other tasks as may reasonably be required.Advert Closing DateRedeployment Only: 11th September 2025Applications: Sunday 21st September 2025&nbsp;Interview Date:&nbsp;Tuesday 30th September 2025For an informal discussion about these positions please contact Lyra-Mai Mayari, Head of Legal Services, on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lyramai.mayari@thurrock.gov.uk" target="_blank">lyramai.mayari@thurrock.gov.uk</a>Download Job Profile (PDF Document) from our website via ApplyIf you encounter an error message when opening the Job Profile link please refresh the error page.About UsWhy Thurrock?&nbsp;Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.&nbsp;Our locationThurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000&nbsp;residents.We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.Staff benefitsWe offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council&nbsp;Equality, Diversity &amp; InclusionThurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council.

Solicitor apprenticeship (graduate & school leaver) - Thurrock Council

Application deadline: 4 January 2026.Applications to our 2026 and 2027 programme are now open.The Sackers Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship programme offers aspiring solicitors an alternative path into the legal profession. The 2.5 year programme is for those who have completed their law degree, or those who have completed a non-law degree and the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).This application process is for apprenticeships commencing in August 2026 and August 2027.Overview of the programmeThe Sackers Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship programme offers aspiring solicitors an alternative path into the legal profession. The 2.5 year programme is for those who have completed their law degree, or those who have completed a non-law degree and the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL).Our programme combines on-the-job training with guided, independent study and skills coaching delivered by the University of Law (ULaw). It will guide you through the new pathway to qualification as a solicitor by completion of the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE1 and SQE2). You will be assigned a dedicated supervisor and a mentor when you join us and you will have access to a tutor and skills coach at ULaw who will support you throughout the programme. Four days a week will be spent working in our office in the City of London and the fifth day will be allocated to study.During your time with us you will gain experience in four different work placements in the following teams:<ul><li>“Know-how” (which provides technical support to our lawyers and keeps both them and our clients up to speed with legal developments)</li><li>Banking or Finance &amp; Investment</li><li>Pensions litigation</li><li>General pensions</li></ul>At the end of this 2.5 year apprenticeship, subject to satisfactory character and suitability, you will be a fully qualified solicitor, registered with the SRA.We pride ourselves on our friendly, supportive culture and staff across the firm are down to earth and approachable. We are committed to providing a working environment which values diversity and inclusion and have taken steps to address and support underrepresented groups within the legal profession as well as implement processes and practices to make Sackers a more inclusive place to work.We are a sociable firm and enjoy spending time together away from our desks. Our social committee “Joy Comm” are responsible for bringing little ‘pockets of joy’ throughout the year with a host of events including family fun-days, cinema and theatre trips, curry nights, leaver and joiner drinks, spa days, coffee baristas at breakfast time and many more!Our CSR Committee drives initiatives throughout Sackers with a focus on the environment, sustainable development, charitable support and community action. We welcome (and encourage!) involvement from staff across the firm on these initiatives.We offer agile working and all staff are provided with the necessary IT and workstation equipment to allow them to comfortably work from home.We offer a starting salary of £34,000, which will increase after one year, as well as a full suite of benefits, including:<ul><li>Pension</li><li>Private medical insurance</li><li>Life assurance</li><li>Group income protection</li><li>Employee Assistance Programme</li><li>Health screening</li><li>Subsidised gym membership</li><li>Cycle to Work scheme</li><li>Voluntary dental insurance.</li></ul>The application processThe application process is designed to determine if you have the required skills, competencies and experience to succeed in a graduate solicitor apprentice role. The process is in four stages, as follows:Application formApplication forms are completed online and can be accessed below. We will ask you to provide some personal information, as well as an overview of experiences gained through work, volunteering or hobbies and interests, where you can demonstrate your transferable skills. We are also keen to understand your interest in law, particularly pensions law.Video interviewApplicants who meet our selection criteria will be invited to attend a 45 minute video interview, which will include questions about you and some of your experiences, both academically and any work experience you have gained, and your aspirations to become a lawyer. You will also be asked some competency based questions, which will explore how you have responded to certain situations that you have faced. Video interviews will take place in January 2026.Assessment centre at our officesIf successful in your interview you will be invited to attend a half day assessment centre which will be held at our offices. This will include a group exercise and an individual written exercise. The assessment centres will take place in February 2026.Partner interviewThe final stage of the recruitment process is an in-person interview with one of our partners, which will be held at our offices.All travel expenses to our office will be reimbursed.Details of future apprenticeship opportunities will be posted on our website when available.What are we looking for?As a minimum you will ideally have a 2:2 law degree or a 2:2 non-law degree with a pass in the GDL. We are looking for individuals with a passion to pursue a career in law. Key skills include an analytical mind, good attention to detail and excellent time management.How to applyApplications to our 2026 and 2027 programme are now open so select Apply to be taken to our website application form.

Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship - 2026/7 - Sackers

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