Damar Training has announced the continuation of its groundbreaking partnership with O Shaped, which began in 2021 and is now entering its sixth year of developing exceptional paralegal apprentices.
A Paralegal Apprenticeship is often the first step in a rewarding career pathway that can lead to qualification as a solicitor or chartered legal executive. By embedding the right mindset from the outset, the programme ensures apprentices are equipped to succeed wherever their professional journeys take them.
Since 2021, the Paralegal Apprenticeship programme has demonstrated that combining rigorous technical legal training with O Shaped’s human-centred attributes develops well-rounded professionals who thrive in an evolving sector. With hundreds of apprentices already benefiting from this approach, Damar Training and O Shaped continue to champion the next generation of legal professionals.
Five years on, the impact for apprentices, employers and the wider legal profession continues to grow.
Teresa Barnett, HR and Marketing Manager at Sutherland & Co Law, said:
“The O Shaped content within the Paralegal Apprenticeship provides significant added value by promoting the development of well-rounded practitioners with strong interpersonal, commercial, and client-awareness skills, alongside technical legal competence. This supports the effective integration of apprentices into the firm’s operations and enhances overall service provision.”
Apprentices have also seen the practical benefits of this integrated approach in their daily work. Megan Chant, former Paralegal Apprentice at nplaw, shared:
“The O Shaped content encouraged me to think more broadly about the impact of legal work and how to build stronger professional relationships. I also gained greater confidence in adapting my communication style to different audiences, working effectively within teams and considering the wider commercial and human factors that influence legal matters.”
Commenting on the partnership’s continuation, Jonathan Bourne said:
“Five years in, we’ve seen how integrating O Shaped principles from day one transforms not just individual apprentices, but entire teams and firm cultures. Every conversation I have with employers reinforces that they’re not just looking for people who know the law; they need professionals who can build relationships, navigate complexity and adapt to constant change.”
Dan Kayne, founder of O Shaped, added:
“What excites me most about this partnership is the continuing opportunity to support talented young people to build strong foundations at the very start of their legal careers. Together, we are helping them look beyond academic excellence and develop the mindset, confidence and human skills they will need to thrive as they progress. This partnership will continue to change the legal profession for the better.”
Looking ahead to how emerging technology will shape the sector, Lee Hill, Damar’s Commercial Director, noted:
“AI will play a significant role in making the delivery of legal services more streamlined and efficient, but the profession is, and always will be, about its people. Paralegals of the future are going to need to be courageous and adaptable. They will need to engage in continuous learning and identify opportunities beyond their specialism.”
For law firms and in-house legal teams, the programme offers an established pathway to recruit from a diverse talent pool, improve retention through clear progression and future-proof their workforce with skilled, resilient professionals.
Employers interested in developing future-ready legal talent through the Paralegal Apprenticeship programme can find out more by visiting our Paralegal Apprenticeship webpage.