At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative legal actions to combat climate change in emerging sectors.
- Company: Opportunity Green, a fast-growing not-for-profit tackling climate issues.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to making a difference in the world.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate law while developing your legal skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with a passion for climate change and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are now looking for a Legal Manager to work across the cutting edge of climate law in new and emerging areas and use their legal skills to drive forward innovative and strategic legal actions. We are open to UK and Belgium-based candidates.
About us
Established in 2021, Opportunity Green is a fast-growing not-for-profit organisation that helps to identify and unlock opportunities to tackle climate change. We build ambitious coalitions, support climate vulnerable countries in international negotiations and find innovative legal pathways to fight climate change. Our legal team works on climate legal actions relating to the aviation, shipping, agriculture, finance, medium-heavy duty vehicles, and steel sectors in the UK, EU, and internationally. We provide strategic legal analysis to support decarbonisation in these sectors; undertake legal interventions, including legal challenges and litigation; and engage in legal advocacy, including submissions to international courts, states, and the United Nations.
What’s the role?
Opportunity Green has scoped strategic legal avenues to decarbonise the European medium to heavy duty vehicles sector and is now in the process of implementing this strategy. Our legal work in this area focuses on corporate accountability and using novel legal interventions to drive systemic change in the sector. We are now looking for a Legal Manager to lead this work for nine months to cover a period of maternity leave. You will use your legal skills to develop and implement the legal interventions, with support from external legal counsel, your line manager and the wider legal team. After this initial period, you will support our legal work across other sectors and themes. You will be working at the cutting edge of climate law in new and emerging areas and use your legal skills to drive forward innovative and strategic legal actions. You will work closely with a wide range of organisations to obtain technical and policy insight on your work. You do not need to have existing knowledge of or experience in the sectors that we work in; it is your legal skills that are important for this role.
We are looking for someone who is self‑motivated, analytical and organised, but who is also a people person with great communication skills, a collaborative approach and a passion for fighting climate change. Opportunity Green is a growing organisation so you will also be involved in supporting other aspects of work, such as contributing to funding proposals, developing campaign strategy, and providing legal input into communications.
About the candidate
We are looking for a candidate that:
- Has a passion for using their legal skills to tackle climate change.
- Is a qualified lawyer, with evident post‑qualification experience (experience in litigation and/or EU competition law is desirable but not essential).
Desirable skills and experience:
- A high level of self‑motivation and commitment to Opportunity Green’s values, ethos and purpose.
- An ability to see solutions to complex problems through a creative legal lens.
- Experience of writing high‑quality legal analysis.
- Excellent attention to detail and an ability to work with technical and legal material.
- Confident written and oral communicator who can adapt complex ideas for different audiences.
- Proven project management skills and delivery of projects with impact.
- Excellent time management, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and set and communicate priorities.
- Experience of managing stakeholders (e.g. other NGOs, legal counsel, funders).
- Line management experience is highly desirable but not essential.
Diversity and inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are important principles at Opportunity Green. We believe that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective. We are committed to fair and equitable employment practices, and we are striving to ensure that a variety of voices and experiences are included in our organisation. We will consider all applicants who meet most or all of the essential competencies regardless of their identity or background. That said, we know that diverse candidates may be reluctant to apply for jobs where they don’t meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the job description. We encourage anyone to apply who can demonstrate the variety of skills and experiences relevant to meeting the requirements of this role.
What we offer – UK
The successful candidate will be offered an annual salary of £50,000 plus 10% employer‑contributed pension. We take our team’s well‑being and professional development seriously. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer:
- A commitment to work/life balance, with a 4‑day work week at 28 hours.
- A generous holiday entitlement of 20 days’ holiday per year, plus bank holidays and office closure between Christmas and New Year’s that does not count towards your holiday entitlement.
- A market‑leading pension of 10%.
- A progressive family leave policy, including 26 weeks’ paid leave for both parents, as well as other support.
- Lots of flexibility within a hybrid working arrangement, with regular opportunities to come together as a team.
- Support for your professional development as part of Opportunity Green.
What we offer – Belgium
The successful candidate will be offered €4,310.34 per month plus 8% employer‑contributed pension. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer:
- A commitment to work/life balance, with a 4‑day work week at 28 hours.
- A generous holiday entitlement of 20 days’ holiday per year, made up of 16 legal annual leave days and 4 extra‑legal holiday days, plus Belgian bank holidays.
- A market‑leading pension of 8%.
- A progressive family leave policy, including 26 weeks’ paid leave for the new parent, as well as other support.
- Lots of flexibility within a hybrid working arrangement, with regular opportunities to come together as a team.
- Support for your professional development as part of Opportunity Green.
Unfortunately, if you do not already hold the right to work in the UK/Belgium and/or require sponsorship to continue working in the UK/Belgium, Opportunity Green will not be able to consider your application at this time. The closing date for applications is 10th August 2026 at 9am BST.
Legal Manager employer: Climate Security Expert Network (CSEN)
Opportunity Green is an exceptional employer dedicated to tackling climate change through innovative legal strategies. With a commitment to a 4-day work week, generous holiday entitlements, and a strong focus on professional development, employees enjoy a supportive and collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Working from either London or Brussels, team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexibility and a strong sense of community.
Contact Details:
Climate Security Expert Network (CSEN) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Manager
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Climate Security Expert Network (CSEN), will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Climate Security Expert Network (CSEN), make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Climate Security Expert Network (CSEN) and the specific role of Legal Manager. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Climate Security Expert Network (CSEN)’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Climate Security Expert Network (CSEN)
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Climate Security Expert Network (CSEN).
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Climate Security Expert Network (CSEN).
