International firm Kennedys has recruited seven apprentices to train as paralegals, the firm announced today. 

The apprentices will train under the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Legal Services scheme, designed to train staff as paralegals. They will take up posts across the country from 30 September.

Charlotte Willis, 18, will work in personal injury in the Sheffield office. She said: ‘I had offers from universities but decided against going, as I felt the academic qualifications and practical experience I would get from the apprenticeship was a much better route into law.’

Emma Phipps, HR manager at Kennedys, said the firm was broadening its approach to legal recruitment. ‘Some of the best potential lawyers of the future can be recruited on leaving school,’ she said.

Last week the Legal Services Board called for barriers to entry to be lowered, in proposed statutory guidance for implementing the recommendations of the Legal Education and Training Review. The super-regulator said there should be ‘fewer restrictions to the way that people are able to qualify’.