Senior Legal Counsel (3 days per week)

Senior Legal Counsel (3 days per week)

Leading Philanthropic Organisation

Location: London (Hybrid Working Available)

About Our Client:

Our client is an independent registered charity dedicated to making philanthropy more efficient and impactful. They work with donors, wealth advisors, and institutions to facilitate strategic and tax-efficient philanthropy. Their focus is on donor-advised funds (DAFs) and innovative giving solutions.

The Role:

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join their team. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will play a pivotal part in ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, providing expert legal advice on charity law, governance, private client matters, and complex philanthropic structures. This role is available on a part-time basis (3 days per week).

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic legal counsel on all aspects of UK charity law, including governance, compliance, and regulatory matters.
• Advise on private client matters, particularly in relation to philanthropy, donor-advised funds, trusts, estate planning, and tax-efficient giving.
• Support staff on legal aspects of grantmaking, drafting and reviewing grant agreements, and advising on regulatory implications.
• Draft, review, and negotiate legal agreements, including donor agreements, funding arrangements, contracts, and policies.
• Conduct legal research and stay up to date with relevant regulatory developments impacting the organisation and the philanthropic sector.
• Assist in developing organisational policies, risk management frameworks, and legal compliance procedures.
• Liaise with external counsel, regulatory bodies, and key stakeholders to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
• Provide training and guidance to internal teams on legal and compliance issues.
• Support the Development Team in working with advisors and donors relating to complex or illiquid gifts, ensuring proper due diligence.
• Work in partnership with Finance and Operations teams to manage the liquidation, tracking, and reporting of illiquid assets.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A strong background in UK charity law and private client matters, ideally with experience in donor-advised funds or philanthropic structures.
• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales) with significant post-qualification experience from a high-ranking law firm or in-house role.
• Expertise in trusts, estate planning, and tax-efficient giving, including familiarity with complex philanthropic vehicles.
• In-depth understanding of UK regulatory requirements affecting charities and tax-exempt organisations.
• Experience advising high-net-worth individuals and families on charitable giving strategies.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with the ability to navigate complex legal issues.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a small, dynamic team.
• A passion for philanthropy and the charitable sector.

What Our Client Offers:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• The opportunity to work at the forefront of philanthropy in a dynamic and growing organisation.
• Hybrid working with a supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on charitable giving.

For more information contact Jonathan Smyth

jsmyth@ckgsearch.com

+44777 3042657