Paralegal in Oxford

Paralegal in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 27000 - 33000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Oxford PV

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support legal and IP teams with contract management and administrative tasks.
  • Company: Join Oxford PV, a pioneering renewable energy company from the University of Oxford.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, agile team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, innovative setting while developing your legal skills.
  • Qualifications: Law degree and 1-2 years' paralegal experience required; German fluency is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.

This is an exciting time to join Oxford PV, as we continue to build on our foundations as a spin-out from the University of Oxford in 2010, to grow and scale up commercialisation of our groundbreaking technology in the renewable energy sector.

As our workstreams grow and expand, we are looking to hire a Paralegal to provide additional support to our Legal and Intellectual Property (IP) teams, which are group wide functions (covering our UK and Germany based businesses).

The position will report direct to the Head of Legal with additional reporting to the IP Department.

You will be highly motivated and have a genuine interest in innovation-driven businesses and be prepared to work in a fast-moving environment in which agility and adaptability are key.

You will have a strong sense of task and process ownership and recognise the importance of high-quality work product, both in terms of accuracy and presentation.

You may be seeking paralegal experience prior to securing a training contract to qualify as a solicitor or patent/trademark attorney, or a career Paralegal wishing to develop and broaden your experience in a dynamic scale-up environment.

A good understanding of contract law and core IP concepts is essential.

In this role you will be combining substantive legal and IP work with administrative and process support for both teams.

What will you be doing?

For the Legal Team

  • Overseeing the administrative management of the NDA process (across the Group), including logging requests, tracking status, coordinating signatures, and maintaining organised records
  • Managing an established contracts' intake process and tracking progress and status of contract workflows
  • Managing contract signature and execution processes
  • Supporting ongoing development of contract lifecycle and legal matter management processes and systems
  • Proactively suggesting and implementing process improvements and efficiencies
  • Reviewing and amending NDAs and preparing first draft contracts, terms and conditions of sale and purchase, and other non-complex contracts based on templates
  • Conducting legal research and reporting/applying findings
  • Tracking relevant legislation and regulations and reporting key developments.

For the IP Team

  • Supporting the team in day-to-day administration of Oxford PV's IP portfolio, including deadline management, maintenance of IP records and systems, and general portfolio housekeeping
  • Assisting with IP formalities' processes, including managing the signature process for supporting documents/forms and supporting with documentation for onboarding and offboarding processes
  • Organising notary signings, preparing required documents, scheduling appointments, and ensuring accurate completion of all formalities
  • Supporting the team with patent filing and prosecution activities, where required.

What will you need to succeed in the role?

Essential skills

  • A degree in law (or equivalent)
  • 1-2 years' experience as a Paralegal in a law firm or IP/patent attorney practice, or in an in-house legal or IP team
  • A foundation in contract law and some grounding in core intellectual property concepts
  • Experience of preparing/reviewing some or all of NDAs, standard form terms and conditions of sale and/or purchase, letters of intent, MOUs, contract amendments, services' agreements, consultancy agreements
  • Previous administrative experience and some experience of supporting contracting processes
  • Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in document handling
  • Strong legal research skills and the ability to capture and communicate key research findings
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
  • Proactive, adaptable (including to new systems/processes) and able to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Highly motivated, agile and adaptable to changing circumstances and priorities
  • Experience of working in an in-house Legal or IP team
  • Familiarity with document/matter management or contract lifecycle (CLM) systems
  • Fluent in German, both written and verbal

What will we offer you in return?

  • Salary commensurate with experience
  • Benefit package according to location
  • A fast-paced work environment in a growing international company
  • A chance to make a difference by joining our employee committees built around our values
  • The opportunity to experience and support many parts of the business
  • The role is based in our Oxfordshire office, with the option of hybrid working (3 days onsite, up to 2 days remotely per week).

Oxford PV is an equal opportunity employer and expressly welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

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Paralegal in Oxford employer: Oxford PV

Oxford PV is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Oxfordshire, where innovation meets sustainability. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, our collaborative culture encourages you to engage with cutting-edge renewable energy technologies while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the clean energy sector and advance your career in a supportive and forward-thinking team.

Oxford PV

Contact Details:

Oxford PV Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Paralegal in Oxford

Get Involved in Law Societies

Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.

Tap into Online Legal Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.

Attend Career Fairs and Workshops

Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Oxford PV, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.

Leverage Your University’s Career Services

If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal in Oxford

Legal Research Skills
Contract Law
Intellectual Property (IP) Concepts
NDA Management
Document Handling
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Oxford PV, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.

Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.

Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Oxford PV and the specific role of Paralegal. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.

Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Oxford PV’s culture!

How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford PV

Know Your Legal Principles

Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.

Be Ready for Case Studies

Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.

Show Off Your Research Skills

As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Oxford PV.

Exude Professionalism and Confidence

In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Oxford PV.