Meet Ragesh Manoharan - Paralegal Negotiator

At Avantia, we know that great work starts with great people. In this series, we spotlight the talented individuals who drive our business forward, sharing not just their career journeys, but also the perspectives, motivations, and moments that shape who they are.

This month, we’re catching up with Ragesh Manoharan, one of our recently promoted Paralegal Negotiators. Since joining Avantia, Ragesh has stood out for his sharp commercial instincts, collaborative mindset, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Whether they’re steering a contract negotiation or supporting complex transactions, their impact is felt across the team.

We sat down with Ragesh to talk about their path into law, what it’s really like working as a Paralegal Negotiator at Avantia, and their advice for anyone thinking about a career in legal services.

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You’re one of several people at Avantia who came to law through a conversion course - what did you originally study, and what made you decide to switch to law?

I originally studied English Literature at King’s College London, funnily enough, a lot of Avantia’s juniors seem to have gone there too. I chose English simply because I loved it. But by the time I graduated, I knew I didn’t want to go down the typical English-related paths like teaching: I don’t love kids that much!

Law had always been in the back of my mind. It felt like a career where I could apply analytical skills in a more dynamic, fast-paced environment, with real progression opportunities. So after finishing my degree, I did the law conversion course, which eventually led me here to Avantia.

How has your English degree shaped the way you approach legal work?

It’s been more valuable than I expected. Studying English teaches you to process large amounts of information and distil it down to what matters - which is exactly what you do as a paralegal. The ability to quickly spot key details and think critically has been a huge advantage. I’m genuinely grateful for that foundation.

What attracted you to Avantia—and how did the recruitment process compare to other firms?

If I could change one thing about the legal industry, it would be how inaccessible training contracts can feel. The process often feels like finding a needle in a haystack. You’re sending out dozens of applications, completing endless critical reasoning tests like Watson Glaser, and more often than not, hearing nothing back. It’s designed to filter people out, rather than find talented candidates.

Avantia felt completely different. The process was responsive, human, and refreshingly practical. From the first stage, it felt like I was being evaluated on my actual potential, not just whether I could jump through arbitrary hoops. I wasn’t being asked to perform for the sake of it; I was invited to demonstrate real skills in a meaningful way. Looking back, it’s obvious that this approach works, we’ve got an incredible cohort of juniors here.

You’ve been at Avantia for about a year now, working closely with senior lawyers. What’s surprised you about the job and the firm?

This was my first proper job out of university, I’d worked in hospitality, retail, and done the odd festival job before, but nothing like this. I expected corporate law to be formal and intense. Honestly, I thought I’d have to buy another suit.

But it’s completely different - in the best way. The culture is relaxed, but the standards are seriously high. You quickly learn it’s not about sounding polished or writing flowery emails, it’s about being sharp, commercial, and getting the job done efficiently.

And the people here are incredibly talented. You’re working directly with senior lawyers - ex-Magic Circle and top-tier firm alumni, who are generous with their time and genuinely invested in developing juniors. You get exposure to high-quality, commercial work from day one.

It’s a place where you can learn a lot, fast - and enjoy yourself while doing it.

You’ve just been promoted to Paralegal Negotiator - congratulations! How are you feeling about it, and what advice would you give someone just starting out?

Thank you! I was thrilled to step into the Paralegal Negotiator role. It feels like a big milestone, proof that when you put in the work here, it gets recognised. I’m ready for the next challenge.

If I had to give advice to someone starting out, it’s simple: put your hand up. Show willingness, offer to help, and take on responsibility whenever you can. It goes a long way - not just in how your team sees you, but in how quickly you develop.

Of course, balance matters. Don’t take on so much that it affects the quality of your work. But if you can manage your workload and still show initiative, it pays off, both in your own growth and in performance reviews.

What does success look like to you in this role?

For me, it’s about being trusted to apply real legal judgement and commercial awareness to meaningful work. A great example is supporting our LP Transfers team. Those deals are growing fast, and being trusted to contribute to such significant transactions so early in my career has been hugely rewarding.

This kind of exposure isn’t common for junior legal roles. It’s challenged me, accelerated my development, and given me real confidence in my abilities.

You seem really close with the team - what’s the secret to building those strong working relationships?

The people at Avantia make it easy! They’re fun, welcoming, and down-to-earth. But I do think it helps to remember that work isn’t everything. Having a life outside of work keeps you grounded, relaxed, and relatable - and that naturally helps you connect with your teammates.

I also make a point of speaking to everyone in the office, whether I work directly with them or not. It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way. And honestly, being able to have a laugh together, even in a high-pressure environment, makes all the difference to morale and teamwork.

Favourite thing about Avantia?

The level of responsibility you get as a junior here is unmatched. You’re working directly with clients, owning tasks, and contributing in ways that would take years to access at most traditional firms.

And beyond the work, it’s the people. The culture is genuinely open, you’ve got real face time with leadership, including the CEO and GC, both professionally and socially. Where else do juniors go for drinks with the leadership team? That openness creates a collaborative, supportive environment that’s rare in the legal world.