Legal Advisor (UK Charity Law) – Pro Bono/Voluntary Role

About Activists Without Borders (AWB)

Activists Without Borders (AWB) is a UK-based advocacy organisation working to protect human and environmental rights, empower frontline activists, and promote social justice through education, campaigning, film and public engagement. AWB is in the process of strengthening its governance and legal foundations as it continues to grow its impact and reach.

Location: United Kingdom (remote / flexible)

Time Commitment: Flexible, by agreement

Start: As soon as available

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced, qualified UK solicitor to join AWB on a pro bono basis as a Legal Advisor specialising in charity law and governance.

The successful candidate will provide expert legal advice and guidance on our charitable constitution, governance framework, and compliance with UK charity law, and will act as a trusted advisor to the organisation’s leadership and trustees.

This is a strategic advisory role rather than a day-to-day operational position.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, advise on, and refine AWB’s charity constitution
• Provide guidance on Charity Commission requirements, best practice governance, and regulatory compliance
• Advise trustees on their legal duties, responsibilities and risk management
• Support consultation on amendments to governing documents as required
• Act as an independent legal advisor to the organisation on charity-law-related matters
• Where appropriate, advise on policies linked to governance (e.g. conflicts of interest, trustee duties)
• Fully qualified solicitor in England and Wales (or barrister / attorney-at-law with demonstrable UK charity law experience)
• Substantial experience in UK charity law, particularly charity constitutions and governance
• Strong understanding of Charity Commission guidance and regulatory expectations
• Ability to provide clear, practical and strategic legal advice
• High standards of professional integrity and discretion
• Willingness to offer services on a pro bono / voluntary basis
• Experience advising CIOs (especially Foundation Model CIOs)
• Previous work with advocacy, human rights, environmental or campaigning organisations
• Experience acting as a trustee, legal advisor or governance advisor to charities
• Familiarity with constitutional drafting and amendments

What We Offer

• The opportunity to support a values-driven organisation working on critical global and environmental issues
• A meaningful pro bono role with real governance impact
• Flexible engagement tailored to availability
• Recognition of contribution (where appropriate and in line with professional rules)