Senior Counsel, UK & Commonwealth in London

Everyone says they want to change the world. We're looking for people who actually will. ADF International is a faith-based legal advocacy organization that protects fundamental freedoms and promotes the inherent dignity of all people.

ADF International is looking for a Senior Counsel, UK & Commonwealth, to join us full-time in our London, UK office. As Senior Counsel, you are a vital part of the International Advocacy Team. In this role, you will report to the Director of UK & Commonwealth Advocacy. You will work as part of the team to engage in legal advocacy, litigation, and public advocacy before UK & Commonwealth law-making bodies in pursuit of our mission. You will develop legal strategies, draft legal documents and work with allies and other stakeholders in a range of settings. You will work closely with our communications and development teams to ensure the success of our work.

Your Essential Responsibilities:

• Engage in litigation: Act as lead counsel on cases in the UK or other countries of the Commonwealth in respect to our cases, overseeing litigation, media, development and related processes. Specifically, in respect of some cases, take a leading role on:

• Case Acquisition: Become the first point of contact for allies with potential litigation of interest to ADFI.
• Case Development: Initiate contacts with potential clients. Work with the Director to determine next action in respect of legal matters.
• Leading significant matters: Take the primary leading role in advancing our strategy before international courts and appellate courts nationally.
• Legal strategy: Devise legal strategies that will advance our objectives.

Other Responsibilities (Non-Essential):

You will be asked to perform related duties or special projects as assigned.

Skills You Need to Succeed:

• Demonstrated proficiency in:

• Legal writing, analysis, and strategy.
• Policy analysis and development within complex political contexts.
• Alliance-building, networking, and relationship development both in respect to development and advocacy work.
• Capacity to handle multiple complex matters working with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written in a variety of legal and non-legal settings.
• Clear leadership skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and proven project management skills.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office.

• Fluently speak and write in English.
• Prioritize and achieve goals.
• Work within, motivate and initiate new ideas within a team.
• Perform in high pressure situations.
• Travel internationally, sometimes at short notice.
• Live and work in London, UK.

• UK Law: ideally human rights law, criminal law, public law, or employment law.
• Running successful advocacy campaigns.

• Qualified barrister or solicitor (UK or another Commonwealth jurisdiction).
• 10+ years of relevant experience in at least two of the following areas: strategic litigation, legal team leadership, work experience within ADF International mission areas, policy and legislative advocacy.
• Advantageous: Legal experience across more than one Commonwealth jurisdiction.