Job Description

We are recruiting for a Paralegal to join our Corporate M&A Practice in London.

Department purpose

A&O Shearman advise across the broad spectrum of corporate work including public takeovers, private M&A, Private Equity, ECM, complex joint ventures, disposals and corporate restructurings, as well as general commercial, antitrust and corporate governance issues. We are a truly global adviser with an enviable geographic footprint. Our corporate team spans all of our offices and works seamlessly with a global community of relationship law firms. This platform provides our clients with the confidence that they will receive the highest quality advice in both their domestic markets and as they expand into new territories.



We are a leading adviser on strategic M&A transactions having advised on more than 1,380 deals worth over GBP817 billion in the last five years (source: Mergermarket). Our consistently high rankings in the corporate league tables highlight the strength of our practice. Cross-border work is where we excel and the majority of our transactions have a multi-jurisdictional focus. Strong teamwork and efficient working practices and uniform approaches enable us to manage cross-border deals effectively and seamlessly.

Role purpose

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Paralegal to join the London office's Corporate department at Bishops Square. This role will support both our Governance team and, to the extent time allows, the Corporate Know-how team. The successful candidate will support our two Counsels with AGM/annual reporting and ongoing governance matters for approximately 30 FTSE clients. This will involve reviewing shareholder documentation, board papers and committee terms of reference and helping with BD plans for clients, including preparing for relationship meetings, and training sessions and events. This role will also provide additional support to the Corporate Know-how team and Knowledge Lawyers.

The successful candidate will be hard working, enthusiastic, and a team player with a high level of initiative, a willingness to learn and an interest in corporate governance. The role requires direct contact and involvement with A&O's Corporate group, therefore excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills are essential along with a high level of professionalism.

Role and responsibilities

Supporting on the AGM/annual reporting needs and governance matters Assisting with reviewing documentation, board papers and committee terms of reference Providing support with updating of articles of association Document management including filing, indexing, and data entry, basic drafting and updating extranet documents Collating information to assist with drafting/amending standard form precedents, practice notes and training materials Carrying out research into technical legal issues and market practice information Monitoring developments in relation to corporate law Assisting with and responding to queries from fee-earners across the firm Establishing, updating and/or maintaining the legal content of sector group intranets, extranet and client websites Assisting with the preparation of, and writing articles for, the department's internal legal update newsletters Assisting with the administration of know-how system data bases General paralegal duties and support

Key requirements

LPC or SQE qualifications are desirable Prior experience of working as a Paralegal or working within a legal corporate department would be an advantage Excellent writing skills Strong research and organisational skills Excellent attention to detail Excellent communication, professionalism and interpersonal skills Hard working, enthusiastic, team player High level of initiative and a willingness to learn High level of computer literacy, including appropriate use of AI tools Proven ability to effectively manage a busy workload and cope under pressure


Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.



We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.



We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.



Our approach to hybrid working seeks to combine and maximise the benefits of effective remote working with the benefits of being in the office. Our current hybrid working arrangements require office based working for a minimum of 60% of your time (i.e. three days per week for a full time role) in accordance with our hybrid working policy.

Additional information - External

A&O Shearman is a global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world's most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.



We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world's leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.



Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.



What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.