Senior Counsel, UK & Commonwealth

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. Please visit our career site to view our Statement of Faith and Doctrinal Distinctives.

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.

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.
• 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.
• Develop subject matter expertise: Become a sought‑out expert within (and beyond) the team in respect of one or more specific practice areas. Maintain deep knowledge of international hard and soft law, going beyond one specific region. Provide mentoring and advice to more junior lawyers or interns.
• Engage in legal advocacy in pursuit of ADF International objectives: Develop and implement strategies in pursuit of agreed generational wins in the UK and Commonwealth. Lead, join, or assist in efforts to establish positive precedents and laws at the highest available courts and law‑making institutions. Cultivate a network of meaningful relationships with key stakeholders including lawyers, parliamentarians, advisors, and civil servants.
• Identify, mobilise, and train others in support of the ADF International mission: Provide training on ADF International issues both internally and externally. Work to identify and recommend for training candidates of the highest calibre.
• Engage with the media, thought leaders, academics, and other audiences by: Completing media interviews and written commentary and acting as a spokesperson for ADF International. Researching and publishing short and extended pieces in support of ADF International objectives. Cooperate with the Development team as required in support of fundraising efforts.

Other Responsibilities (Non‑Essential)

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

Skills You Need To Succeed

• 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 organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and proven project management skills.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office.

Ability To

• Fluently speak and write in English.
• Prioritise 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.

Knowledge Of

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

Education And/or Experience

• 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.
• Valid work permit for the UK or UK citizenship required.