Assistant Solicitor - Regulatory and Compliance in Preston

The EFL is looking for an Assistant Solicitor - Regulatory and Compliance within the EFL's Legal Team underneath the guidance of the Head of Legal - Regulatory. The role will be responsible for assisting the Head of Legal - Regulatory and wider Legal Team with a variety of regulatory, legal and administrative support across the league.

Job Purpose

The Legal Team sits within the wider Governance Team of the EFL, and are responsible for the following key functions:

• Legal advice and support to the wider business
• Commercial agreements
• Drafting and enforcement of EFL Rules and Regulations

The Assistant Solicitor - Regulatory and Compliance will provide general regulatory, legal, and administrative support primarily to the Head of Legal – Regulatory, but also the Group Head of Legal and wider legal team as required. That support will have a focus on the contentious and non-contentious work undertaken around EFL Rules and Regulations but will also be supplemented with wider ranging and varied tasks as required, reflecting the breadth of work undertaken by the team and the EFL.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the reviewing and drafting of the various EFL Articles, Rules, Regulations and supporting policies, procedures and guidance, together with advising colleagues and stakeholders in relation to the same.
• Assisting where required in the consultation of any potential EFL Rule and/or Regulation amendments with Clubs and other football stakeholders (where required).
• Support the Head of Legal – Regulatory with the preparation of documents for the AGM, EGMs and other key stakeholder meetings throughout a Season.
• Liaising where required with external solicitors, Counsel and/or experts on actions brought by or against the EFL or on non-contentious regulatory matters, including drafting instructions and attendance at meetings.
• Contributing to the review, maintenance and development of certain policies, procedures and guidance (whether internal or for the benefit of EFL Member Clubs).
• Engaging with other governing bodies, including the Premier League, The Football Association and the Independent Football Regulator on regulatory developments.
• Working with the wider Governance team and other departments across the EFL, such as the Club Financial Reporting Unit, Player Administration and Football Operations on the application and enforcement of applicable rules, regulations, policies and guidance.
• Assisting with the administration and preparation of documents in contentious matters, including correspondence to Clubs, drafting charges and other pleadings and attendance at hearings from time to time.
• Working in conjunction with colleagues, undertaking necessary work to comply with data protection legislation.
• Assisting with the management and maintenance of relevant internal policies and procedures and guidance documents.
• Assisting from time to time in the provision of general legal advice in other areas relevant to the EFL Group’s activities including commercial contracts, consumer legislation, charities law and regulations relating to advertising and promotion.
• Work proactively with the department leads to provide necessary training to internal departments as and when required.

Who We are Looking For

Knowledge & Understanding

• Strong competency in a regulatory or legal work environment.
• Preferable to have demonstrable example of working in a regulated sector, including having to draft, review and/or enforce regulations (experience in the sports sector is not essential). Some contentious regulatory experience also preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate complex regulatory and legal matters to a lay audience.
• Commercial and pro-active approach to day-to-day issues.

Technical Skills

• Ideally a qualified solicitor authorised to practice in England and Wales.
• Open to considering applications from candidates with other equivalent qualifications (for example, CILEX) and/or experience.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• The ability to prioritise work effectively and recognise when to escalate an issue.

Attributes

• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and an ability to learn quickly.
• The ability to work flexibly and adapt accordingly to achieve defined deadlines.
• Contribute to promoting equality and diversity as part of the culture of the organisation.
• Lead by example by contributing to promoting the principles of the EFL: Everybody Working Together, Fairness & Equality, Listening & Learning.

Introduction to the EFL

The English Football League (EFL) is the highest attended football league and largest single body of professional clubs in Europe. It is responsible for administering and regulating the Sky Bet EFL, Sky Bet Play-Offs, Carabao Cup and Vertu Trophy competitions, plus youth and reserve team football. A vital part of sporting life, both in the UK and across the globe, the EFL operates some of the world’s most competitive, popular and successful football competitions, acting as part of the fabric of life for millions of fans and families. EFL Clubs are truly embedded in the hearts of their 72 local communities, making a positive contribution to the communities in which they serve.

The Legal Team sits within the wider Governance, Systems and Legal Team and supports the business with a range of legal and regulatory matters - whether contracting partners, suppliers and other commercial affiliates, or drafting, amending and taking enforcement action in relation to the EFL Regulations. The team also assist with matters such as data protection and other areas of compliance, as well as helping with ad hoc legal or regulatory queries which colleagues and partners may have.

The EFL offers a unique opportunity to work with some of the biggest sporting competitions, Clubs, commercial partnerships and media in the market. We look for the best people who approach their work with energy, excellence and commitment. Our employees are crucial to our success and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental elements of building our team.