At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft, review, and negotiate contracts while providing legal support for major projects.
- Company: Join ODS, a company dedicated to making Oxford cleaner and greener.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and life cover.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Minimum five years' experience in commercial or construction law.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 41000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a role where your legal expertise makes a real difference to the local community? At ODS, we’re proud to do things differently. We operate commercially, but our profits go directly back into public services across Oxford, making our city cleaner, greener and more vibrant.
We are now seeking a Senior Paralegal (Commercial & Construction) to support the continued growth of our commercial operations. You will provide pragmatic, timely advice and play a key role in helping us deliver major commercial initiatives. This role will suit a proactive legal professional with a minimum of five years’ relevant experience, preferably gained in-house, or from practice looking to make the move in-house.
Your work will directly support our ambitious growth plans, contributing to increased income that is reinvested into public services — providing real and tangible social benefit to the Oxford community. You will advise on, draft, review and negotiate a wide range of contracts, support major projects and advise on cross-functional legal matters. The position offers flexible working arrangements and represents an excellent opportunity for an experienced and motivated paralegal eager to further develop their career in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
What you’ll be doing:
- Contract Review & Negotiation: You will draft, review, and negotiate commercial and construction contracts while providing advice on risks, structures, and ancillary documents.
- Contract Management: Create and maintain a centralised and comprehensive contract register and support implementation of effective contract lifecycle management processes.
- Legal Support & Litigation: You will assist with initial stages of litigation matters, including responding to letters of claim and liaising with external counsel where necessary.
About ODS:
ODS exists to make Oxford a world-class city to live, work and visit. From waste and recycling collections to maintaining the city’s roads, buildings and green spaces, our teams are at the heart of keeping Oxford running. Working here means joining a dedicated and supportive team that takes pride in doing work that matters.
What we offer:
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Nest Pension
- Group Life Cover (4x basic salary)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- The chance to make a positive, lasting impact on your community
Senior Paralegal (Commercial & Construction) in Oxford employer: ODS
Contact Detail:
ODS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Paralegal (Commercial & Construction) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who work in commercial and construction law. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ODS and understanding their mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of making Oxford a better place. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves contract review and negotiation, brush up on your techniques. You could even role-play with a friend to build confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ODS team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Paralegal (Commercial & Construction) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Paralegal role. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial and construction law, and don’t forget to showcase any in-house work you've done. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at ODS!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about making a difference in the Oxford community through your legal expertise. Let us know what excites you about this role and how you can contribute to our growth.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just duties. Did you negotiate a contract that saved your previous employer money? Or perhaps you streamlined a process? We love to see tangible results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at ODS!
How to prepare for a job interview at ODS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial and construction law. Familiarise yourself with common contract terms and recent legal developments in these areas. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in contract review, negotiation, and legal support. Be ready to discuss how you've handled challenges in previous roles, especially those that relate to in-house legal work or major projects.
✨Understand ODS's Mission
Research ODS and its commitment to the Oxford community. Be prepared to discuss how your legal expertise can contribute to their goals of making the city cleaner and greener. Showing that you align with their values will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions about the role and the company. This could be about their current projects, the team you'll be working with, or how they measure success in this position. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.