At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the legal strategy and provide high-quality legal advice to support NFU members.
- Company: Join the National Farmers’ Union, the largest farming organisation in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, private health insurance, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on British farming while shaping national conversations.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 105000 - 115000 £ per year.
Salary: c. £105,000 - £115,000 (Dependant on Skills and Experience)
Company car or car allowance and Private Medical Insurance
Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Are you ready to lead the legal strategy of one of the UK’s most influential membership organisations? The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is the largest farming organisation in the UK. We're proud to make a difference for all our members, by shaping attitudes towards British farming and leading the charge on a range of major issues, from environmental regulation and food standards to rural crime and trade policy. We’re looking for an exceptional Head of Legal who will be central to this.
Purpose of the Role – and How You’ll Make an Impact
As Head of Legal, you will lead our in‑house Legal Department, ensuring the NFU receives trusted, timely and high‑quality legal advice. You will also be responsible for leading the team that supports our highly valued Legal Assistance Scheme, which provides financial support to NFU members facing legal challenges affecting their businesses.
In this leadership role, you will:
- Provide authoritative legal advice to Officeholders, Boards, employees and our nationwide membership.
- Represent the NFU’s legal position to senior external stakeholders.
- Lead both the Legal Affairs Team and the Legal Assistance Scheme Team, ensuring services are effective and aligned with NFU objectives.
- Strengthen the NFU’s governance, compliance and risk management frameworks.
- Lead in advising the NFU on litigation risk and case management.
- Support wider policy development, helping shape the laws and regulations that impact British farming.
This is a unique opportunity to influence national conversations while protecting the interests of our members.
What You’ll Bring
You’ll be a qualified solicitor with substantial in‑house or private practice, post‑qualification experience and a strong track record of providing high‑quality legal advice at a senior level. Your leadership skills will enable you to manage and develop a busy legal department, while your clear communication style helps you explain complex issues to diverse audiences. Your proven expertise will enable you to quickly identify key legal issues within complex and often novel policy scenarios, providing advice on issues of significant importance to the farming industry. You’ll bring sound judgement, the ability to prioritise competing demands, and confidence in negotiation and influencing. With strong organisational skills, professionalism, and an ability to build effective relationships, you’ll ensure excellent service to NFU members and colleagues alike. Experience in farming is not essential, but passion, adaptability and experience of exploring new legal areas certainly are. This role requires leadership in litigation and experience of administrative law is desirable.
Why Choose the NFU?
We are committed to helping you achieve your potential, with an environment that supports both professional ambition and personal wellbeing. You’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including:
- 30 days’ annual leave + bank holidays + 1 additional company day
- Private health insurance
- Buy/sell up to 5 days’ annual leave
- Company‑funded health cash plan
- Enhanced family leave (maternity, paternity, shared parental leave)
- Performance‑related pay
- Competitive pension and life assurance
- Interest‑free loans (car, bike, season ticket, driving lessons)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounts on vehicles, holiday rentals, wellbeing products and more
- Modern office environment with on‑site restaurant and free parking
Who We Are
The NFU represents farmers and growers across England and Wales, ensuring their voices are heard in Westminster, the media and local communities. With headquarters in Stoneleigh and a network of regional offices, we work closely with members, government and stakeholders to secure a thriving future for British agriculture. Our Legal teams are collaborative, high‑performing and immersed in meaningful work that directly supports real people and real businesses.
Join Us
We are committed to building a diverse, talented workforce and supporting colleagues through extensive learning, development and agile working opportunities. We encourage early applications. If we identify a suitable candidate, we may close the vacancy ahead of the advertised date.
Head of Legal in Kenilworth employer: National Farmers Union
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive environment that prioritises both professional growth and personal wellbeing. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, private health insurance, and opportunities for agile working, NFU fosters a collaborative culture where employees can make a meaningful impact on British farming while enjoying a modern office setting in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Legal in Kenilworth
✨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 National Farmers Union, 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 Head of Legal in Kenilworth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at National Farmers Union, 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 National Farmers Union and the specific role of Head of Legal. 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 National Farmers Union’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Farmers Union
✨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 National Farmers Union.
✨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 National Farmers Union.
