Senior Legal Counsel

A rare opportunity has arisen to join a highly regarded national charity with a significant social impact and an outstanding reputation for innovation, partnership working and community investment. Operating at scale and working alongside public, private and voluntary sector organisations, the charity delivers ambitious programmes that improve lives and create lasting change across communities. The organisation is known for its collaborative culture, progressive outlook and commitment to delivering meaningful impact through strategic partnerships, grant funding and fundraising initiatives.

This is an opportunity to join a high-performing legal function at the heart of the organisation's strategic decision-making.

Your new role

Reporting to the Legal Director & Company Secretary, the Senior Legal Counsel will provide commercially minded and pragmatic legal advice across a broad range of complex and interesting matters. This is a varied role offering genuine breadth, spanning commercial contracts, strategic partnerships, fundraising, grant-making, governance, data protection and regulatory compliance. Acting as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders across the organisation, you will support the development of innovative programmes and partnerships while helping to manage legal risk and ensure regulatory compliance.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Advising on the structuring, negotiation and management of a wide range of commercial and partnership agreements.
• Supporting high-profile fundraising activities through the drafting and negotiation of fundraising and sponsorship arrangements.
• Providing legal support on grant funding programmes, including grant agreements and associated contractual matters.
• Advising on governance, compliance and company secretarial matters.
• Supporting data protection compliance and helping to embed best practice across the organisation.
• Developing policies, guidance and training to support colleagues across the charity.
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders across multiple directorates and acting as a trusted legal business partner.
• Deputising for the Legal Director & Company Secretary where required.

This role offers the opportunity to be involved in innovative projects and complex legal issues within an organisation committed to creating positive social impact.

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful, you will be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with approximately 5+ years' PQE, although applications from candidates with equivalent experience are welcomed. You will also demonstrate:

• Strong experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts.
• The ability to provide pragmatic, solutions-focused legal advice to non-legal stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience developing guidance, policies and training materials.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload.
• A collaborative and adaptable approach with a genuine interest in supporting mission-led organisations.
• Experience within the charity, healthcare, public sector or wider not-for-profit environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

What you'll get in return

In return, you will join a nationally recognised organisation undertaking meaningful and impactful work across the UK. You will have exposure to a wide range of legal matters, work closely with senior leadership and play an important role in supporting major strategic initiatives. The organisation offers a supportive and values-driven culture, flexible working arrangements, excellent benefits and the opportunity to build a long-term career within an ambitious and purpose-led environment.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.