At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with senior leaders to drive business growth and build a global lawyer network.
- Company: Join NOVA8, a leading alternative legal services platform transforming the legal market.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related pay, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: This is a unique role with real responsibilities, not a typical graduate programme.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team shaping the future of legal services from day one.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, intellectual rigour, and a passion for business growth are key.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
We are looking for someone at the start of their career – someone who brings curiosity and ambition rather than experience. We are looking for an exceptional individual to work at the heart of NOVA8's UK & Europe operation, working directly alongside senior leadership to build the next phase of the business.
NOVA8 is a Chambers-ranked alternative legal services platform – an ALSP – working with international businesses and leading in-house teams. The legal market is changing quickly and new models are emerging that combine talent, technology and flexible legal capability in different ways. We are building one of those platforms.
This is a business role, not a legal one. No legal qualification or background is required or expected. Think of it as a founder-associate role for someone at the very start of their career. A first role, but not a typical one.
What you will do
- Building our global lawyer network – identifying and engaging the right legal talent for specific client mandates and platform roles
- Spending time with general counsel and senior legal teams to understand what they need
- Helping shape how we take the platform to market
- Working through the practical challenges that come with scaling a modern legal business
This is not a support role. You will be expected to take responsibility for real work from day one. This will be a hybrid role, with time required each week onsite in the West Midlands and occasional travel to London and other parts of the UK when required. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience, with a performance-related element as the role develops.
What we are looking for
The criteria for this role are straightforward: curiosity, intellectual rigour and commercial awareness. Everything else is secondary. We are not looking for someone with years of legal market experience. We are looking for someone at the very beginning of their career who wants to build something. We are open to individuals who haven't followed the obvious path – those coming from adjacent fields or who have simply developed a sharp interest in how businesses grow and markets evolve. A genuine curiosity about the legal services market is an asset. A law degree is not a requirement.
If you ask good questions, figure things out and are comfortable taking responsibility earlier than most roles tend to allow, we want to hear from you.
What this is not
This is not a graduate programme. There is no rotation, no cohort and no structured syllabus. We are looking for an individual we can invest in and develop over time – someone who wants to play a meaningful role in building a business and who is looking for something with more responsibility and genuine proximity to decision-making than most early-career roles tend to offer.
How to apply
If that sounds like you, reach out directly. Please send your CV along with a short note, in your own words and based on your personal experience, on what you think is changing in the legal services market and why it matters.
Peter Workman
Head of UK & Europe – NOVA8
Graduate Assistant in Birmingham employer: NOVA8
Contact Detail:
NOVA8 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Assistant in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal services industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Graduate Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your curiosity! When you get the chance to chat with someone from NOVA8 or similar companies, ask insightful questions about their work and the market. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When applying through our website, make sure your CV and cover note reflect your understanding of the changing legal landscape. Highlight any relevant experiences or interests that align with NOVA8's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive! If you see an opportunity at NOVA8, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Reach out directly to express your interest and share your thoughts on the legal services market. It shows initiative and could set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Assistant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to express your thoughts and ideas in a way that feels natural to you.
Show Your Curiosity: Since we’re looking for someone with genuine curiosity about the legal services market, make sure to highlight any relevant interests or experiences. Share what excites you about the changes happening in the industry!
Keep It Concise: While we love a good story, keep your CV and note clear and to the point. Focus on the key points that showcase your skills and enthusiasm for the role without rambling on.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at NOVA8
✨Show Your Curiosity
NOVA8 is looking for someone with genuine curiosity about the legal services market. Before your interview, do some research on current trends and challenges in the industry. Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest and understanding of how the market is evolving.
✨Highlight Your Ambition
This role is all about taking responsibility and driving change. In your interview, share examples from your past experiences where you've taken initiative or led a project. Show them that you're ready to step up and contribute meaningfully from day one.
✨Understand the Business Side
Since this is a business role rather than a legal one, make sure you can discuss how businesses grow and adapt. Brush up on basic business concepts and be prepared to talk about how you can help NOVA8 scale its operations and engage with clients effectively.
✨Be Yourself
NOVA8 values authenticity and a fresh perspective. Don’t be afraid to share your unique background or experiences that may not fit the traditional path. This is your chance to stand out, so let your personality shine through and show them why you’re the right fit for their team.