Apprenticeship in Legal Services

3 weeks ago


Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom HM Revenue and Customs Full time

Position Overview

Embark on a fulfilling career journey with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). We invite you to explore the unique experiences of our employees and discover what it truly means to be part of our team.

About HMRC Solicitor's Office

The HMRC Solicitor’s Office and Legal Service (SOLS) provides essential legal counsel on matters arising from HMRC’s operations and manages litigation on behalf of the organization. Our efforts significantly influence the lives of countless individuals as we facilitate the collection of funds that support the UK’s public services and offer financial assistance to families and individuals. Our diverse workforce comprises approximately 1450 professionals, including legal experts, tax specialists, advocates, paralegals, and administrative staff, all contributing to an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

We offer advice on various legal domains, including domestic, international, and EU law concerning all UK taxes and customs, in addition to commercial law. Key responsibilities include:

  • Managing litigation processes
  • Collaborating with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to draft primary legislation
  • Creating statutory instruments and other legal documents
  • Providing guidance on operational matters and policy development

Our team also encompasses other professions, such as tax professionals who review HMRC decisions and handle certain litigation, as well as accountants who deliver services to HMRC. Additionally, SOLS addresses Ministerial Correspondence and Freedom of Information requests.

Role Description

This apprenticeship presents an exciting opportunity to join HMRC Solicitor's Office and Legal Services (SOLS) while training to become a solicitor. You will engage in a variety of stimulating legal tasks and receive comprehensive training within a supportive and inclusive environment, ultimately leading to a solicitor position upon successful completion of the program.

This apprenticeship serves as an alternative pathway to traditional qualification routes, ideal for candidates who have not completed the Legal Practice Course or any SQE1 or SQE2 learning in the past five years and wish to work while studying.

The program is fully funded and includes a 30-month external training course provided by BPP, alongside three years of practical experience within SOLS. If your law degree is over five years old, you will need to refresh your knowledge. Training will be delivered through a digital platform, with study leave aligned with Education and Skills Funding Authority guidelines. As an apprentice, you will dedicate 20% of your working hours to study, with the remainder allocated to work responsibilities. It is important to be prepared for the academic rigor of the qualifications and to allocate time for independent study.

Both graduate and non-graduate apprentices will commence at Band O, as the work at this level aligns with the apprenticeship requirements. If you are a Civil Servant currently at a higher grade than Executive Officer, applying for this role will involve a voluntary downgrade, which will permanently alter your terms and conditions.

After one year in a paralegal team (at Executive Officer grade), and contingent upon meeting role requirements and qualification criteria, apprentices will progress through various legal teams (litigation and advisory) in SOLS (at Higher Officer grade).

Upon qualification as solicitors, apprentices will transition to permanent roles within SOLS legal teams (at Legal Officer [SEO] grade). After one year post-qualification, opportunities for advancement to Grade 7 will be available.

As you advance through your apprenticeship, your responsibilities will evolve, providing exposure to increasingly complex tasks and a diverse range of valuable work experiences. We are committed to supporting your success throughout the program. Should you not complete the apprenticeship, we will strive to find a suitable role at the grade you achieved during your time with us.

Your responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Administrative duties such as drafting and sending case correspondence
  • Identifying relevant documents and preparing bundles
  • Providing legal support to senior colleagues on intricate cases
  • Conducting legal and other research
  • Drafting and serving documents in litigation cases under supervision
  • Offering legal advice on cases and policy development under supervision
  • Drafting secondary legislation under supervision
  • Preparing case summaries and chronologies
  • Updating internal case management and document storage systems
  • Attending Tribunal and court hearings as required
  • Contributing to training and knowledge management initiatives

You will need to balance these responsibilities with your studies and be prepared for self-directed learning.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should possess:

  • Strong analytical abilities
  • A passion for finding innovative solutions to challenges
  • A commitment to a career as a Government lawyer, particularly within HMRC SOLS
  • The capacity to manage work and study commitments effectively
  • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely
  • Good interpersonal skills and comfort in engaging with others
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational capabilities
  • Motivation, time management, and prioritization skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities while meeting deadlines

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, candidates must have:

  • Five (5) GCSEs graded A* - C or equivalent, including Maths and English
  • PLUS one of the following:
  • A minimum 2:2 English Law degree
  • OR a 2:2 non-law degree plus a pass on an English law conversion course
  • OR a CILEx level 6 qualification

The qualifying law degree or conversion course must have been completed within five years of the program's start. The qualifying law degree must be recognized in the UK, while the non-law degree can be international. GDL/PGDL or CPE must also be recognized in the UK.

**Candidates whose law degree is older than five years, or those who have completed CILEx level 6, will undergo a 6-month asynchronous study and gateway before joining the graduate apprenticeship.

Desirable Attributes

Experience in an office environment is advantageous.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, HM Revenue and Customs contributes significantly towards your membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements to help you balance your professional and personal commitments. Our generous leave policy starts at 25 days, increasing with years of service up to a maximum of 30 days.

  • Pension contributions of at least 27% of your salary
  • Family-friendly policies
  • Personal support and development opportunities
  • Coaching and mentoring programs

To learn more about HMRC and the unique experiences of our employees, we encourage you to explore our resources.



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