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- Tasks: Lead legal strategy and handle private prosecutions for animal welfare cases.
- Company: Join a fast-growing not-for-profit dedicated to fighting organised animal cruelty.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £40,000, fully remote work, and generous benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in animal welfare law and help bring offenders to justice.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with strong advocacy and case management skills.
- Other info: Dynamic start-up environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Salary: £40,000 starting salary, rising to £50,000+ with experience and time in role
Location: Fully remote (England & Wales), with occasional travel to court and team events
About the Role
Animal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP) is seeking an ambitious and driven Head of Legal to build and lead our legal function. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing not-for-profit organisation that investigates and prosecutes organised animal cruelty. Our work focuses on dismantling organised crime groups responsible for serious animal cruelty, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring perpetrators face justice.
As Head of Legal, you will lead our legal strategy and handle a specialist caseload of private prosecutions under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, working closely with our investigations team to bring offenders before the courts. You will also play a key role in advancing the interests of animals in the criminal justice system through strategic litigation, public law interventions, and policy engagement. You will be the first lawyer in the organisation, responsible for building and growing the legal function as AWIP continues to expand its impact. This role offers the opportunity to develop a unique and highly specialised practice in animal welfare law and private prosecutions, an emerging and influential area of legal work.
Key Responsibilities
- Handle a specialist caseload of Animal Welfare Act 2006 private prosecutions, instituting and conducting proceedings on behalf of AWIP.
- Conduct and manage criminal prosecutions in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court.
- Manage and defend civil claims involving the organisation, and bring civil actions where appropriate.
- Conduct Section 20 Animal Welfare Act 2006 application hearings and other related proceedings.
- Work closely with investigators to review evidence and prepare cases for court.
- Conduct legal research and analysis to identify strategic opportunities for impactful legal interventions.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of criminal law, procedure, and animal welfare legislation.
- Consider and develop Judicial Review and other public law interventions where appropriate to advance the interests of animals in the criminal justice system.
- Supervise and develop the organisation’s legal function as it grows.
- Work collaboratively across the organisation in a "hands-on start-up environment".
- Engage with key stakeholders including lawmakers, government agencies, NGOs, and partner organisations.
- Represent AWIP at events, conferences, and public forums to raise awareness of animal law and strengthen strategic alliances.
About You
We are looking for a lawyer who is motivated by impact and excited by the opportunity to help build something new. You will be comfortable operating in a dynamic environment where initiative, creativity and commitment to justice are essential.
You will ideally have:
- Qualified Solicitor or Barrister (England & Wales)
- Ideally 4+ years PQE in criminal law (flexible depending on experience)
- Strong case management and advocacy skills
- Excellent analytical and legal research abilities
- Ability to manage complex and sensitive cases with professionalism and care
- Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise effectively
- High levels of IT literacy and numeracy
- Experience in animal welfare law is advantageous but not essential
- A genuine passion for protecting animals and advancing their interests within the justice system is essential.
What’s on Offer
- Starting salary of £40,000, rising to £50,000+ as the legal function grows
- Opportunity to build and lead a unique specialist legal practice
- Fully remote working
- Occasional travel for court hearings and team events
- Generous benefits package
- Supportive and mission-driven team environment
- The chance to work on groundbreaking animal cruelty cases and help bring offenders to justice
About Animal Welfare Investigations Project
Animal Welfare Investigations Project investigates organised animal cruelty and works to ensure perpetrators are held accountable. Our work focuses on investigating, disrupting, protecting and rescuing animals from organised animal cruelty.
Head of Legal in Plymouth employer: Animal Welfare Investigations Project
Contact Detail:
Animal Welfare Investigations Project Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in animal welfare law and related fields. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to connect with people who can help you land that Head of Legal role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for animal welfare! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and commitment to protecting animals. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on relevant laws and recent cases in animal welfare. Being knowledgeable about current issues will demonstrate your dedication and expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re all about making connections and helping you find the right fit. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission-driven team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Legal in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Legal role. Highlight your experience in criminal law and any relevant skills that align with our mission at AWIP. We want to see how you can contribute to our cause!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for animal welfare shine through in your application. Share any experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to protecting animals and advancing their interests within the justice system. We love seeing genuine passion!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised as we review applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Animal Welfare Investigations Project
✨Know Your Animal Welfare Law
Make sure you brush up on the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and any recent developments in animal welfare legislation. Being able to discuss specific cases or legal precedents will show your passion and expertise in this area.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of your advocacy experience, especially in criminal law. Be ready to discuss how you've managed complex cases and what strategies you used to achieve successful outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the specialist caseload you'll be responsible for.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with investigators and other stakeholders, think of examples where you've collaborated effectively in a team. Highlight your ability to adapt in a dynamic environment and how you can contribute to building the legal function from the ground up.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Have thoughtful questions ready about AWIP's mission, future goals, and how the legal function will evolve. This shows your genuine interest in the organisation and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you as well.