This apprenticeship standard has been approved for delivery by Skills England. However, starts on the apprenticeship will only be possible once a suitable end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) has obtained Ofqual recognition. Once the EPAO has obtained Ofqual recognition, funding for apprentice starts will be permitted and this message will be removed.
Contents
Contents
Apprenticeship summary
Overview of the role
Give legal advice on non-routine legal matters and support other legal professionals including on reserved matters and aspects of law.
Occupation summary
This occupation is found in many contexts, from small legal firms on the high street to large multi-nationals. They can work in the private or public sector. They can work within in-house legal departments, legal services firms, not-for-profit sector and charities.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to give legal advice on non-routine legal matters. They also support other legal professionals including on reserved matters and aspects of law.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of stakeholders from private or corporate clients to banks, lawyers, court officials or government bodies. They work with internal stakeholders such as senior leaders and managers or financial teams. Advanced paralegals mainly provide legal support independently but may also work under supervision on reserved legal matters.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for completing or delegating work and requests from many people at once, as well as having their own duties. They may prioritise and delegate key tasks, guiding others in completing legal and administrative tasks. The ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines is essential. People will be relying upon the advanced paralegal to not only complete their tasks but also collaborate with others. An advanced paralegal will make judgements within specified limits on legal or working matters. Paralegals at all levels interact with clients, lawyers and other stakeholders such as the police, courts, government or regulatory bodies. An advanced paralegal will carry out their interactions with more autonomy and reliance on their personal judgement than more junior paralegals. Advanced paralegals convey complex messages and data clearly, sometimes in emotionally charged or difficult circumstances. They will support and sometimes lead internal teams. They use problem-solving skills to help get the best outcomes for the client and their organisation. Some advanced paralegals may be doing their work on behalf of their own clients. They may be "fee-earning" and take responsibility for the commercial impact of their work whether in terms of profitability or value for money. Advanced paralegals work in a regulated context and so high professional and ethical standards are vital. Advanced paralegals are self-directing. They identify the scope of their legal research, synthesize ideas and analyse complex data, keeping a high level of precision and attention to detail. Advanced paralegal work can include tasks such as drafting legal documents from template and bespoke formats, contacting clients and assisting with meetings and governance. Advanced paralegals are usually office based, although they may assist at court or attend meetings with clients at off-site locations. The role can vary widely depending on the practice area. For example, if working in conveyancing then an advanced paralegal is less likely to have much face-to-face contact with clients. However, if assisting on criminal work, they may need to assist lawyers attending court and police stations and talk to suspects. Advanced paralegals qualified to work in criminal law may also be Police Station Representatives. Advanced paralegals will administer data and records. They will review documents and produce legal documents using digital tools. They will handle confidential and sensitive data daily and so recognising data protection requirements is critical to the role. This extends to recognising the risks to data from cybercrime and the need to be vigilant. Advanced paralegals interpret and use financial data when assisting clients and other stakeholders. They ensure that any tasks involving monies are carried out in compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. Advanced paralegals can go on to be partners in law firms, heads of legal departments in the private or public sector. They may decide to form their own legal services company providing legal services direct to litigants in person. In some instances, in the lower courts, for example, some tribunals and small claims courts, advanced paralegals may be granted the rights of audience. This means that they can advocate for their own clients directly.
Typical job titles include:
End-point assessment summary
ST1476, Advanced paralegal level 5
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
What is an end-point assessment and why it happens
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 4 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
- fail
- pass
- merit
- distinction
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
EPA gateway
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
- achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
- for the professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio, you must submit a portfolio of evidence
Assessment methods
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The EPAO will give you suggested project titles. The report should be a maximum of 4000 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 6 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 50 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 5 questions about the project and presentation.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 5 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Who to contact for help or more information
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
Professional recognition
This apprenticeship aligns with National Association for Licensed Paralegals for member
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Chartered Institute of Legal Executives for member
Please contact the professional body for more details.
Version log
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 25/07/2025 | Not set |
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