In-House Lawyer in Birmingham

Birmingham City Football Club is seeking an In-House Lawyer to join our team. Reporting to the Head of Legal, this role will support the Club across a broad range of legal, governance, risk and compliance matters. This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified lawyer to work within a fast-paced professional football environment, providing practical legal support that directly contributes to the Club’s operations both on and off the pitch. Initially, the role will focus on contract drafting and negotiation, risk management, governance frameworks, intellectual property and data protection, while supporting wider legal matters across the organisation.

As Legal Counsel, you will act as a key legal advisor across the Club, supporting departments including Commercial, Football Operations and Business Services. You will work closely with senior leaders to ensure that legal risks are identified and managed effectively while supporting the Club’s strategic ambitions. The role requires strong legal expertise combined with the ability to translate complex legal matters into practical advice for non-legal stakeholders.

• Provide in-house legal advice across the Club, particularly in relation to commercial contracts, employment law, intellectual property, data protection, regulatory law and litigation.
• Support football operations with legal aspects of player recruitment, loans, transfers and sales where required.
• Draft, review and negotiate commercial agreements including supplier and partner contracts.
• Support the development and maintenance of a centralised contract database.
• Assist in delivering and protecting the Club’s intellectual property strategy.
• Support the delivery of strong corporate governance practices across the Club.
• Assist with compliance with corporate governance frameworks, including the forthcoming Football Governance Code.
• Help ensure Club policies, procedures and guidance remain accurate, consistent and up to date.
• Support the Head of Legal & Governance in maintaining the Club’s Strategic Risk Register.
• Assist departments in developing and managing operational risk registers.
• Support risk management and crisis management planning around matchdays and Club operations.
• Support regulatory matters involving football authorities and governing bodies.
• Assist with observation requests, regulatory enquiries or disciplinary matters affecting the Club.
• Provide legal support on safeguarding-related matters in collaboration with the safeguarding team.

• Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with experience in contract negotiation, employment law and/or litigation.
• Skills & Capabilities: Strong knowledge of commercial law and contract negotiation; understanding of corporate governance principles; excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly to non-legal stakeholders; strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Desirable Experience: Experience in sports law, in-house legal work or risk management; knowledge of football regulatory frameworks; understanding of organisational risk management practices.
• Personal Qualities: High levels of integrity and professionalism; strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities; strong attention to detail and organisational ability; comfortable working in a fast-paced and high-profile environment.

Birmingham City FC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups within football. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know and we will support your needs wherever possible.