DWF has launched a paralegal academy to offer school-leavers an alternative route into the legal profession.

The scheme, which has been set up in partnership with the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX), will provide an opportunity for 'legal apprentices' to gain qualifications while working.

The academy will offer a six-year, £7,000 training programme for apprentices, in an alternative to the traditional university route into law, which can cost upwards of £40,000.

Six apprentices have already been accepted into the scheme, and joined the firm this month as administrative assistants.

DWF managing partner Andrew Leaitherland (pictured) commented: "We want to lead the way in recruiting young and talented people into the business, playing our part in training up school leavers so they can develop a robust and diverse career in law."

ILEX chief executive Diane Burleigh added: "From 2012 the issue of tuition fees will see more and more school leavers look for alternative routes into their chosen career, but with more schemes such as this, those students will have more opportunities than ever to still enter a career of their dreams."

DWF has an additional 20 paralegals already enrolled in other training and education programmes.

The northwest firm last week became the latest firm to agree an exclusive deal to send all of its future trainees to study at the College of Law. The College will provide the Legal Practice Course to all of DWF's future trainees from later this month.