Job description Allen & Overy is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. We work on some of the most challenging and important deals and have built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal solutions that help our clients grow, innovate and thrive. The legal industry is changing, and we’re committed to leading that change, putting our people first, embracing new ways of thinking and integrating technology into our everyday work. Our business teams work hand-in-hand with our lawyers, Consultants and other specialist teams, and are ambitious, driven and leaders in their field. We’re on an exciting journey to create an even stronger offering for our clients and our people: In May 2023, we announced our proposed merger with Shearman and Sterling, with the intention of becoming a new global leader named Allen Overy Shearman Sterling, A&O Shearman for short. With a shared commitment to attracting and retaining the best people and an equal focus on creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, we’re confident that this merger will further our efforts to leave a better firm for future generations as well as providing our people with exceptional career opportunities along the way. Once complete, the merger will combine two of the world’s most prestigious law firms, leaders in their respective markets, to create an integrated global elite firm. You can read more about this on our dedicated microsite https://www.announcingaoss.com. With us, you will constantly be learning and growing. We invest in you by offering exceptional professional and personal development – providing training, mentoring and practical support. We offer rewarding careers that are built around your strengths and designed to ensure you can achieve your personal and professional goals, recognising that those may look different for everyone. We have a powerful commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We’re determined to play our part in advancing a workplace where progress is made by harnessing our differences – whatever defines you, we ask you to bring your whole self to work. What truly defines a career at Allen & Overy? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. We provide challenge, support and a place for you to belong. And together we excel, working on meaningful projects of global significance. Department purpose Providing legal advice to the global firm and its partners. The in-house legal team reports to the firm’s key governance bodies and provides assurance in respect of a wide range of matters, including: Acting as a leader of the firm’s management of legal and operational risk and enhancing the management of risk throughout the firm; Responding proactively to risk and regulatory issues, identifying changes to relevant laws/regulations and advising as to their impact on the firm; Supporting the firm in the development of its legal technology and innovation strategies; Advising on complex risk and regulatory issues for the firm, including by managing regulatory change projects; Drafting, reviewing and advising on the firm’s complex commercial contract arrangements; Advising on legal and regulatory issues relating to the firm’s supply chain and suite of technology; Advising and implementing proposed changes to the group structure, including the opening of new offices and corporate restructurings; and Acting as the firm’s corporate secretariat, including dealing with procedural and other formalities relating to the firm’s corporate group structure, inter-company agreements and other relevant procedural requirements. Role purpose Allen & Overy is seeking a paralegal to join its global in-house legal team on a full-time fixed term basis (6 months). This is an opportunity to work regularly with offices around the world, coordinating a key project at an exciting time of change for the firm and contribute to the growth of the business. We are looking for candidates with strong attention to detail who enjoy challenging themselves in the context of a varied and rewarding role. The key aspects of this interesting role include: Assisting to coordinating the firm’s responses (globally) to audit enquiries. Providing legal advice on matters within the team’s remit. Assisting with risk management policy queries from partners and staff. Assisting the client and business development teams with tender and pitch documentation. Undertaking legal research. Assisting with the firm’s corporate secretarial arrangements. Providing general support to the in-house lawyers in their work. Who we are looking for The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience: A law degree or on track to graduate in Summer 2024 High degree of initiative and willingness to learn. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. Collaborative approach and ability to work well in a team. Excellent IT skills. Previous experience as a paralegal in a corporate/commercial team or a risk and compliance role is desirable but not essential