The move is another manifestation of the way legal practices in the UK are changing their structures in order to cut costs and become more flexible. Several have already outsourced work - both within in the UK and offshore. Some firms are also recruiting more paralegals in order to keep costs down.

Competing with accountants

Pannone, Weightmans and Hill Dickinsons are among the firms in Manchester which are taking on 100 school leavers. The firms are working with Manchester Law School, part of Manchester Metropolitan University, to train the apprentices. Firms are also concerned that accountants are starting their recruitment drives at school stage and so taking on strong students before the law firms have the chance to meet them.

Emma Holt, managing partner at Pannone, told the Manchester Evening News: 'Law firms are employing more paralegals and this is an opportunity for students who might not otherwise consider the law as an option.'