At a Glance
- Tasks: Support legal operations and manage contracts in a dynamic biomedical research environment.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, pension contributions, and health support services.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while contributing to groundbreaking biomedical research.
- Qualifications: Law degree or equivalent experience; strong organisational and communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.
Contract term: This is a 12 month fixed term contract position on Crick terms and conditions of employment.
Working Pattern: Monday-Friday; 9.00am-5.15pm – Hybrid 3 days per week in the office.
Salary for this Role: From £34,000 with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Application deadline: We are actively reviewing applications for this role and encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. Please note that the advert may close early if a high volume of suitable applications is received.
About us: The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting‑edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high‑quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy.
About the role: We are looking for a motivated and organised Paralegal to join our Legal & Governance team. This is an exciting opportunity to support a world-leading biomedical research institute while gaining hands‑on experience across legal operations, contract management and legal administration in a collaborative in‑house legal environment. The role would particularly suit a recent law graduate, someone currently studying towards a law qualification, or an individual working as a paralegal or legal assistant who is looking to broaden their experience within a dynamic and mission‑driven organisation. Working closely with the Legal & Governance team, you will support legal operations initiatives, help manage contracts and contribute to improving efficient ways of working across the team.
What you will be doing: You will be responsible for:
- Supporting legal operations projects, systems and process improvements.
- Assisting with drafting, reviewing and managing standard legal agreements.
- Maintaining organised contract, knowledge management and document systems.
- Supporting the development of templates, guidance documents and workflows.
- Undertaking legal research and supporting team training activities.
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and supporting day‑to‑day legal administration.
About you: You will have:
- A law degree, GDL or equivalent legal work experience.
- Experience working in a legal environment, studying law, or working as a paralegal/legal assistant.
- Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
- Confidence using technology and Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong communication and written drafting skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively within a team.
- A proactive attitude and willingness to learn new skills.
- Experience supporting legal operations or contract management activities.
- Familiarity with legal technology tools such as SharePoint or HighQ.
- Exposure to areas such as confidentiality, data privacy, IP or research contracts.
About Working at the Crick: Our values Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture! We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community.
At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We are a Disability Confident: Committed employer and want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them – just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email ruby.oluwafemi@crick.ac.uk.
What will you receive? At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well‑being and development:
- Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
- 24/7 GP consultation services.
- Occupational health services and mental health support programmes.
- Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
- Work‑Life Balance: Childcare support allowance, annual leave purchase options, Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.
- Discounted gym memberships, bike‑to‑work scheme, and shopping discounts.
- Subsidised on‑site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
Important note: Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed.
Advert withdrawal notice: We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.
Paralegal employer: The Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Greater London. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to safety and compliance, and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking scientific research that makes a real difference. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and supports your growth in a dynamic laboratory environment.
Contact Details:
The Francis Crick Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with The Francis Crick Institute and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Francis Crick Institute
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Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Paralegal role at The Francis Crick Institute. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
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✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
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If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at The Francis Crick Institute.
