At a Glance
- Tasks: Support company secretarial tasks and gain hands-on experience in a client-facing legal team.
- Company: Join a dynamic legal firm that values diversity and individual strengths.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Agile working environment with multiple UK hubs for flexibility.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in corporate law with real client exposure and early responsibilities.
- Qualifications: 6+ months as a Paralegal; strong communication and organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Looking to build your company secretarial experience while working in a commercial, client-facing legal team? We’re hiring a Paralegal to join our Managed Legal Services (MLS) team. This is a great opportunity for someone with some exposure to corporate or company secretarial work who wants to develop further in this space. This is a development role. You don’t need to be a fully‑fledged Company Secretary - we’re looking for someone with foundational exposure and the motivation to grow in this area.
The Role
You’ll support a mix of client‑facing secondments and internal MLS work, combining corporate governance / CoSec tasks with broader paralegal responsibilities. This is a hands‑on, early‑responsibility role where you’ll gain direct client exposure and build practical experience quickly. Please note - This role can be based in either Birmingham or London.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting company secretarial and corporate governance activities for clients
- Assisting with Companies House filings and maintaining statutory registers
- Preparing board packs, agendas, and minutes
- Supporting corporate transactions and company structure changes
- Conducting due diligence and AML checks
- Carrying out legal and regulatory research
- Maintaining and updating client documentation
- Supporting quality assurance processes
- Building relationships with clients and internal teams
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- 6+ months of experience as a Paralegal within a similar environment
- Strong attention to detail and organisation
- Confident communicator, comfortable interacting with clients and stakeholders
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Good drafting skills and strong IT capability
Desirable (but not required)
- Exposure to company secretarial work or governance/corporate law
- Experience with Companies House filings or statutory registers
- Exposure to board meetings / minutes
- Any experience within in‑house, MLS, or professional services environments
We embrace agile working and offer a blended approach to where and how we work. We appreciate that people have different needs and preferences and we’re keen to be flexible, after all, we value what you do, not where you do it. We have the following hubs across the UK: Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, London, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Sheffield, Stratford upon Avon & Tunbridge Wells.
Equal opportunities
Shakespeare Martineau is a committed equal opportunities employer. We seek to attract, develop and retain talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. We value and respect individuality and encourage a culture within our business where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths and experiences. Everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal - Corporate / Company Secretarial in London
✨Get Involved in Legal Communities
Join local legal societies or student law groups. These are a goldmine for networking and often host events where you can meet professionals from firms like Shakespeare Martineau. Plus, you might run into opportunities for mentorship or internships!
✨Showcase Your Skills at Events
Attend law fairs and workshops to meet potential employers face-to-face. Practise your pitch about why you're excited about joining the field and how you'd fit in at firms like Shakespeare Martineau. This can make you memorable!
✨Utilise Your University Resources
Tap into your university's career services, especially those that focus on law. They often have exclusive access to internships and entry-level positions that aren’t advertised widely. Don’t hesitate to ask for help!
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find openings that excite you, like roles at Shakespeare Martineau, apply directly through their website. This often shows your genuine interest and can speed up the process compared to generic application sites. Let's get you noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal - Corporate / Company Secretarial in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for an entry-level role in legal law services, make sure to highlight any relevant coursework or certifications you've completed. Mention any specific areas of law you've studied or written about — this shows we're engaged with the field and can bring fresh ideas to Shakespeare Martineau.
Tailor Your CV for the Legal Sector:A legal CV should focus heavily on your academic achievements, including your grades if they're strong. Don't forget to list any internships, volunteer roles, or relevant extracurricular activities. This is our chance to showcase how eager we are to learn and contribute to Shakespeare Martineau!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, it's important to convey not only your qualifications but also your passion for law. Tell a story about why you're excited about this field and what draws you to this specific role at Shakespeare Martineau. We're looking for personality as much as for qualifications!
Proof of Legal Skills:If you've done any legal writing, such as articles, blogs, or even school papers, consider including links or attachments to these works. It's a great way to demonstrate your writing and research skills, which are crucial in the legal world. We're all about showing, not just telling, at Shakespeare Martineau!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shakespeare Martineau
✨Brush Up on Legal Terminology
As we dive into legal law services, it’s key to be familiar with industry-specific jargon. Make sure to review terms like 'tort', 'contract', and 'statute'. This shows you’re not just sitting on the sidelines but are genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Highlight Your Research Skills
Legal roles heavily rely on research capabilities. During the interview, be ready to illustrate how you've utilised research methods in your studies or previous internships. It’s all about showing you can dig deep when it comes to case law or statutes!
✨Know Your Ethical Guidelines
Ethics are a huge part of the legal industry. Be prepared for questions about ethical dilemmas or professional responsibility. Familiarise yourself with codes of conduct relevant to the role so you can demonstrate your understanding during the chat with Shakespeare Martineau.
✨Emphasise Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an entry-level role, your motivation and learning potential should shine through. Share specific examples of what you hope to gain from this role at Shakespeare Martineau and how you plan to grow in the legal field.
