At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert legal advice to protect children's rights and support NSPCC's mission.
- Company: Join the NSPCC, a leading charity dedicated to ending child abuse and neglect.
- Benefits: Generous leave, employee discounts, pension schemes, and life assurance.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for growth and development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with substantial experience in legal and commercial advice.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a role within an organisation where the work you do makes a real difference to children?
If the answer is yes, Senior Legal Counsel could be exactly what you're looking for.
Join us and help protect the NSPCC's work through trusted legal advice.
At the NSPCC, we believe every childhood is worth fighting for.
With over 100 years of experience, and the collective strength of our staff, volunteers, supporters and partners, we're working to end child abuse and neglect for good.
Our people are our greatest strength.
The Legal Department plays a vital role in protecting and advancing the NSPCC's charitable and business objectives by providing high quality, professional legal advice, support and representation across the full spectrum of our activities.
If you're driven by purpose and want to use your legal expertise to support work that makes a real difference, we'd love to welcome you to our team, so join us as a Senior Legal Counsel.
What is the purpose of the Senior Legal Counsel?
This role is key to identifying and mitigating legal risk, providing expert legal advice and supporting the NSPCC to protect and advance its charitable and business objectives.
You'll contribute by
- Providing high quality legal advice, guidance and representation across the NSPCC's activities.
- Supporting legal compliance and the effective management of legal risk, particularly in commercial and employment law.
- Helping lead, manage and develop the Legal team in line with NSPCC values.
What will I be doing as a Senior Legal Counsel?
You’ll provide, procure and lead others to deliver legal advice that supports the NSPCC's services and strategy.
Working with colleagues at every level, you’ll help the organisation manage legal risk, draft and negotiate legal documents, develop legal training and contribute to senior strategic groups where trusted legal insight is essential.
- Provide high quality legal advice, guidance and representation across areas including but not limited to commercial law, intellectual property, information technology, data protection, employment law, contract and tort, corporate governance, civil litigation and charity law.
- Build strong relationships with directors, senior managers and colleagues across the NSPCC to support compliance and manage legal risk effectively.
- Draft and negotiate legal documents and provide clear, practical advice on complex legal matters.
- Develop and deliver legal training for internal clients and the Legal team.
- Support the Head of Legal in leading, managing and developing the Legal team, including coaching and mentoring colleagues to deliver a high quality professional legal service.
What skills do I need to be a Senior Legal Counsel?
You’ll be a qualified solicitor or barrister in the UK with substantial post-qualification experience and a track record of giving effective legal and commercial advice.
You’ll bring strong drafting, negotiation and communication skills, sound judgement, and the confidence to advise on complex legal issues while building trust with colleagues and partners.
- Qualified as a solicitor or barrister in the UK, with substantial post-qualification experience in house or in private practice.
- Experience providing legal and commercial advice, particularly across commercial and employment law, with the ability to tackle new areas of law confidently.
- Excellent legal drafting, negotiation, written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly.
- Strong strategic judgement, problem‑solving skills and the ability to identify pragmatic solutions, manage risks and spot opportunities.
- Good leadership, planning and management skills, with the ability to support, develop and motivate staff or volunteers.
Why join the NSPCC?
Any one of our people will tell you that a huge reward in itself is making a difference to children's lives.
But we know it's a competitive world, and it's important to feel valued in your role and receive more practical, tangible benefits.
We offer salaries that are at least comparable with the top charities in the UK, as well as these benefits.
- Generous annual leave - 29 days per annum plus bank holidays for full-time employees, pro- rata for part-time. 32 days per annum after five years' continuous service.
- Employee discounts - Our discounts portal gives you online access to over 3,000 discounts and offers.
- The Employee Assistance Programme - an independent, free, personal support service that can provide information, support and advice for your health and wellbeing.
- Pension - building up a good pension is something we want to help you achieve with our flexible, tax-efficient pension schemes.
- Life assurance scheme - all employees receive life assurance of one times their salary, or five times their salary if they join the NSPCC Group Personal Pension Scheme.
Join us and make a difference. You'll grow, be challenged, and help change millions of young lives for the better.
This role is hybrid-based from our London - Weston House office, you will be required to come into the office for a minimum of one day per week.
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Senior Legal Counsel employer: National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises meaningful contributions to children's lives. Employees benefit from generous perks, ample opportunities for professional development, and a collaborative environment that fosters strong communication across departments, making it a rewarding place to grow your career.
Contact Details:
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel
✨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 Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, 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 Senior Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, 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 Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the specific role of Senior Legal Counsel. 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 Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
✨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 Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
✨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 Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.