At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the legal team with contracts, research, and compliance in a fast-paced IT environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic IT distribution company with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, wellbeing support, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy social events and a strong sense of community in the workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your legal skills in a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: 12+ months paralegal experience or a law degree with a minimum 2:1.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33000 £ per year.
We are looking for an ambitious, hands-on, practical minded and commercially focused Paralegal to join our busy in-house legal team covering UK and Ireland within a fast-paced IT distribution environment. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree or 12+ months proven experience working in house on commercial contracts. You will support the Head of Legal (who also acts as Local Compliance Officer and Company Secretary) and Senior and Junior Legal Counsel across a broad range of commercial and corporate legal matters, helping to manage risk and enable growth across our vendor, reseller, and customer relationships. This is a full-time role based in our main Theale office (near M4 Junction 12), with onsite parking and nearby public transport links.
Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities Will Include:
- Provide day-to-day legal and administrative support to the legal team.
- Assist with drafting, reviewing, and amending legal documents, including commercial contracts, and legal correspondence, using templates and precedents.
- Support contract management processes, including coordinating signatures, tracking contract status, and maintaining accurate records.
- Conduct legal research on specific topics to support the legal team, including the use of AI-enabled legal research and document review tools.
- Support company secretarial tasks, including preparation of board minutes, maintaining statutory records, and online filings with Companies House.
- Support the Local Compliance Officer with governance and compliance initiatives by helping to maintain policies, procedures, and internal guidance materials.
- Provide administrative and legal assistance on wider corporate and strategic initiatives, as directed by the Head of Legal.
Is this the role for you? To be successful in this role you will have some of the following skills and experience and the desire to develop in other areas:
- Either a minimum of 12 months’ experience as a paralegal in either contract law, commercial work or corporate or completed your law degree, obtaining a minimum of a 2:1.
- A strong communicator, both verbal and written, a flexible team player and willing to turn your hand to other duties, as the need arises in a small team.
- Able to work effectively across all levels of the organization with a collaborative positive attitude.
- Proficient in Word and Excel.
- Fast moving and ahead of the curve in relation to developments such as AI.
- Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritise and attention to detail.
What’s in It for You?
- Growth Opportunities: We offer training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential. Whether it’s funded apprenticeships, work-based studies, or professional qualifications, we’ve got you covered.
- Generous Benefits Package: A starting salary range of £30,000-£33,000 depending on experience. Enjoy 25 days of holiday, employee referral bonuses, perks and discounts. (Theale only – newly fully equipped gym available 24/7).
- Wellbeing Support: Access to Westcoast Wellbeing services including mental health counselling, virtual GP services, physiotherapy, life insurance, eye care schemes, and more.
- Community & Connection: Our teams enjoy social and charitable events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Paralegal in Reading employer: Westcoast Limited
Westcoast Limited is an excellent employer located in Reading, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee development and customer satisfaction. With a focus on teamwork and innovation, employees enjoy opportunities for growth within the dynamic IT distribution sector, all while working in a supportive environment that values direct communication and relationship-building.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Paralegal in Reading
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal field! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and its culture. Think about how your skills align with their needs, especially in commercial contracts. Practice common interview questions and come ready with examples of your past work that showcase your abilities.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance, demonstrate your legal knowledge and tech-savviness, especially with AI tools. Bring up any relevant projects or experiences during conversations to highlight your practical mindset and ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and are proactive about your job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Paralegal in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Paralegal role. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial contracts and any specific skills that match what we're looking for. We want to see how you can bring value to our legal team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with legal documents and any relevant tools you've used.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:As a Paralegal, strong communication is key. Make sure your application reflects your ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally. We love candidates who can express their thoughts well!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westcoast Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on commercial contracts and corporate law basics. Familiarise yourself with the specific legal frameworks relevant to the IT distribution sector, as this will show your potential employer that you're not just a paralegal, but a proactive one who understands their business.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed legal documents or supported compliance initiatives in the past. Be ready to discuss your experience with drafting, reviewing, and amending contracts, as well as any tools you've used for legal research, especially AI-enabled ones.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively within a small team. Share instances where you've effectively communicated with different levels of an organisation and how your flexible attitude has helped in achieving team goals. This role requires a positive mindset, so let that shine through!
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's legal processes, growth opportunities, and how they integrate technology into their legal work. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your eagerness to contribute to their success and adapt to their fast-paced environment.
