The Royal Yachting Association, based in Hamble, near Southampton, is the national governing body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating. It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sports boats, windsurfing, inland cruising, and personal watercraft.
Paralegal
Salary: £32,000 per annum
Full-Time: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location: Hamble, Southampton (office based subject to some flexibility for home working)
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is seeking a dedicated and motivated Paralegal to join our Legal Team. This is an exciting opportunity to provide crucial legal advisory services to RYA members and affiliated organisations.
It is an ideal opportunity to develop your legal career within a nationally recognised organisation, helping to support individuals, clubs, class associations and training centres throughout the UK boating community.
Reporting to the Head of Legal, you'll play a key role in the the Legal Team, responding to enquiries, developing guidance and supporting educational initiatives that help our members navigate legal issues with confidence.
About the RYA
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the UK's national governing body for boating and watersports, from sailing and motorboating to windsurfing and personal watercraft.
Through our strategy, Together on Water, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where more people can enjoy life on the water.
With over 100,000 members, 1,400 affiliated clubs and classes, a global network of 2,300 recognised training centres and responsibility for the British Sailing Team, the RYA plays a vital role in supporting participation, performance and training across the boating community.
About the Role
You will:
- Provide legal advice to RYA members and affiliates on a range of legal issues affecting their boating activities, such as dispute resolution, buying and selling boats, VAT, and other relevant matters.
- Act as a subject matter expert in areas like recreational boating and running clubs and associations.
- Conduct legal research to ensure the department is well-informed on evolving legal matters.
- Collaborate with colleagues to provide accurate and timely advice, updating guidance documents and briefing notes where needed.
- Assist in the development of new legal content for the RYA’s website, social media, and publications.
- Monitor relevant legislation affecting recreational boating and affiliated organisations, ensuring necessary updates to advice and guidance.
- Deliver workshops and training seminars to RYA affiliates and members on key legal topics.
About You
Essential
- Degree-level qualification in law or a related legal studies.
- Strong working knowledge of contract law, tort law, consumer law, and property law.
- Experience researching and interpreting legal issues.
- Excellent written communication skills, including confidence dealing with enquiries by telephone.
- Ability to analyse information and provide practical solutions.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Proven experience in delivering legal advice.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Competent user of Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable
- Understanding of membership organisations, charities or governing bodies.
- Experience drafting articles, guidance notes or legal briefings.
- Knowledge of marine law or the recreational boating sector.
- Personal experience or qualifications in boating or watersports.
- Full UK driving licence.
You'll be joining an organisation that positively impacts hundreds of thousands of people every year, helping individuals discover, develop and enjoy life on the water.
This is a unique opportunity to apply and develop your legal knowledge across a diverse range of topics while supporting a passionate and engaged boating community..
The RYA offers a range of benefits which include:
•36 days holiday including public holidays (pro rata for part-time employees)
•Birthday Day Off
•10% RYA contribution to a personal pension scheme
•Free life insurance
•Discounts platform for retail, entertainment, holidays & gym membership
•Two paid volunteering days per year
•Free on-site electric vehicle charging
•Social events
•RYA membership
The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity.
As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity and creativity. We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Interested?
Please review the full job description and submit your application by clicking on 'Apply for this job'.
Closing date for applications: 16 October 2026
We reserve the right to close applications early should sufficient applications be received.
Paralegal in Southampton employer: Royal Yachting Association
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is an exceptional employer located in Hamble, Southampton, offering a unique opportunity to lead membership initiatives for a prominent sporting governing body. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and generous benefits including 36 days of holiday and a personal pension scheme, the RYA fosters an inclusive environment where passionate individuals can thrive and make a meaningful impact on over 100,000 members. Join a team dedicated to promoting active participation in boating and creating welcoming communities.
Contact Details:
Royal Yachting Association Recruitment Team
