Paragraf’s patented contamination-free deposition technology delivers game-changing opportunities for the commercialisation of graphene by allowing us to manufacture high-purity 2D graphene sheets at scale.
Paragraf is the first company in the world to mass produce graphene-based electronic devices using standard semiconductor processes. We not only specialise in the manufacture of high-purity graphene but also its seamless integration into ready to use products that can be quickly adopted by our customers and partners to support the advancement of their technologies.
At Paragraf we are committed to materially transforming electronics through the development of high-purity graphene products that will facilitate massive improvements in the performance of technologies across all aspects of life.
Founded as a spin out from Cambridge University in 2017 with the aim of transferring the technology from the academic lab into a commercial entity. Since then we have grown from one site in Somersham, Cambridgeshire and three employees to a team of over 100 amazing people and an additional production facility in Huntingdon as well as sales teams globally promoting Paragraf.
The Role:
We are searching for a talented commercial lawyer to handle the legal aspects of the Company’s transactions and agreements including partnerships, collaborations and licensing. Your principal goals will be to actively help the Company control legal risks through the implementation and management of legal processes and controls to ensure all transactions have the appropriate level of legal review and where possible risks are mitigated. In addition to this, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations, will be a key part of the role. As a growing, pre revenue, global business we need pragmatic but proactive support which enables the business to manage risk effectively.
Requirements
- Act as the main legal contact for the Company, dealing with in house queries and managing and liaising with external legal teams when specialist expertise is required.
- Draft, provide, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements on behalf and for the Company, from simple NDA’s through to full partner deals.
- Manage regulatory and compliance issues.
- Implement and manage processes and controls to ensure transactions have the appropriate level of legal review.
- Work proactively with other departments to advise on all legal aspects of commercial negotiations. including alliance agreements, contracts, and licensing deals.
- Support the Head of IP and Executive Team on legal matters regarding intellectual property.
- Examine and control the legal issues related to new products and services.
- Protect the Company against legal risks and potential violations.
- Design and oversee the Company’s policy and position on legal matters.
- Evaluate new business partnerships with vendors and subcontractors.
- Advise on contractual claims and disputes.
- Company liaison with external corporate lawyers during funding raising rounds.
Education and Qualifications:
- Educated to degree level or above in Law or relevant degree.
- Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience in commercial law, working in a law firm or in-house team.
Experience:
- Experience of working with and managing external lawyers while managing costs effectively.
- Able to manage complex projects, formulate processes and systems, meet deadlines, prioritise workload and make timely decisions.
- Excellent legal understanding of commercial law of England and Wales with a working overview or understanding of US law.
- Experience of working with universities and regulatory bodies would be advantageous.
- Experience of mergers, acquisitions and other Company transaction of that nature would be an advantage.
Skills and knowledge:
- Experience in startups and in technology businesses would be advantageous, in particular, experience of businesses selling technology into international markets.
- Ability to work with new ideas and technology, technology teams, abstracting concepts and their interaction with law and explaining the impact of law in novel areas.
- Must be proactive, organised, detail oriented and demonstrate accuracy and consistency.
Communication:
- Ability to communicate at all levels with both internal and external contacts
- Ability to present information clearly and appropriately for the audience.
- Superb oral and written communication skills, with the ability to explain legal concepts to non-attorneys on a regular basis.
Benefits
At Paragraf we are constantly looking for new ways to support and re