At a Glance
- Tasks: Support legal operations, governance, and compliance for the UK's National Accreditation Body.
- Company: Join UKAS, a leader in accreditation with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse culture that values unique perspectives and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public law and commercial law while working with a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Law degree or conversion course, plus at least 1 year of paralegal experience.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 11 £ per hour.
Reporting to the Director of Legal, you will support UKAS as the UK’s National Accreditation Body across accreditation, conformity assessment, corporate governance, commercial contracts, regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement.
Key responsibilities:
- Governance, accreditation and compliance
- Prepare accurate agendas, papers, minutes and action logs for Board, committee and governance meetings, ensuring timely distribution and effective document control.
- Maintain legal and corporate records, including governance documents, policies, delegated authorities, registers and company secretarial records.
- Track legislative, regulatory and policy developments affecting UKAS’s accreditation activities, conformity assessment work, public authority role and government relationships.
- Contracts, commercial matters and stakeholder support
- Help draft, review and negotiate commercial and supplier contracts, consultancy and confidentiality agreements, data processing terms and accreditation-related documents.
- Review legal, compliance and business policies to keep them clear, up to date and aligned with UKAS’s governance framework and operational needs.
- Help address legal queries, complaints and disputes involving customers, suppliers and stakeholders, escalating issues appropriately and supporting correspondence under legal counsel’s supervision.
- Legal research, risk and special projects
- Research legal and regulatory matters relating to accreditation, conformity assessment, standards, public policy, procurement, data protection and corporate governance.
- Support UKAS’s intellectual property and brand matters, including the use of UKAS marks, accreditation symbols, templates and external materials.
- Assist with legal risk management, due diligence, document control and cross-functional projects involving accreditation operations, technical teams, Finance, procurement, Human Resources and external counsel.
Requirements:
- Law degree (LLB) or law conversion course (GDL)
- At least 1 year experience as a paralegal or comparable legal support role
- Familiarity with UK Regulatory bodies and frameworks
- Interest in public law and commercial law
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently on tasks as well as in a team
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and legal research tools
Please note this is a full-time role, with the option of hybrid working, based at our Head Office in Staines-upon-Thames.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering a Culture of Belonging. UKAS is proud to be the United Kingdom’s National Accreditation Body. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences. UKAS is committed to promoting a culture of belonging and values the differences and uniqueness that everyone brings to the organisation. We welcome candidates across all types of backgrounds, circumstances and identities to support our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) commitments.
Paralegal in Staines employer: UKAS
UKAS is an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the IT sector. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, you will have the opportunity to grow your skills while contributing to vital IT initiatives. Located in a dynamic environment, UKAS offers unique advantages such as exposure to diverse projects and a commitment to governance standards, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal in Staines
✨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 UKAS, 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 Staines
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at UKAS, 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 UKAS 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 UKAS’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKAS
✨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 UKAS.
✨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 UKAS.
