At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead in Charity Law, making impactful decisions for animal welfare.
- Company: Join the RSPCA, a passionate organisation dedicated to animal kindness.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid role, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a strategic guardian for animals and help shape legal strategies.
- Qualifications: Post-qualification experience in charity law, preferably in non-profit sectors.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth while promoting kindness to animals.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.
We are seeking a Charity Law Specialist to join our small, agile in-house legal service. In this role, you aren’t just a lawyer; you are a strategic guardian. You will be a pivotal member of our legal team, with a direct hand in safeguarding the RSPCA's reputation and protecting our Trustees. You will help provide the pragmatic legal backbone that allows our Society to operate safely, ethically, and effectively in a complex regulatory landscape.
Permanent Contract 21 hours per week - we are happy to discuss flexible working patterns. Hybrid role: You will work from home and will travel for occasional meetings in our London or Horsham office. We think this role is going to be popular, so early applications are advised. Our closing date is the 18th of March at 11:30pm.
What a day might look like for you:
- As our in-house Charity Lawyer, you will act as the lead specialist in Charity Law, making constant, high-stakes decisions that affect the Society's daily operations.
- Your expertise will ensure that we remain compliant, resilient, and ready to face the challenges of the modern non-profit sector.
- You will assess the legal and regulatory landscape to identify risks; financial, reputational and brand-related, before they escalate.
- You will provide authoritative advice to internal stakeholders and subsidiaries on complex matters involving fundraising law, regulatory compliance (Charity Commission/ICO), and animal welfare legislation.
- You will empower our teams to work efficiently while staying protected and will partner with the Chief Legal Counsel to shape the future of our legal service strategy and organisational risk policy.
What will help you succeed in this role:
- We are looking for a highly professional, pragmatic, problem solver, who can navigate the grey areas of law with confidence and common sense.
- You possess considerable post-qualification experience, ideally gained in-house.
- You have a demonstrable track record working within or for the non-profit, philanthropic, or animal welfare sectors.
- You can summarise complex technical matters for non-legal stakeholders with clarity, credibility, and impact.
- You are comfortable as a 'sole specialist,' capable of managing competing priorities and tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
- You are deeply committed to the RSPCA's mission to promote kindness and suppress cruelty to animals.
Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA.
Lawyer employer: RSPCA
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity and legal sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the RSPCA and its mission. Understand their values and how your skills as a Charity Law Specialist can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show how you can make a real difference in safeguarding their reputation and supporting their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role. Highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to navigate complex legal landscapes. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel comfortable and natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the RSPCA team. Get your application in early, as this role is bound to attract a lot of attention!
We think you need these skills to ace Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for animal welfare shine through! We want to see how your values align with the RSPCA's mission. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to kindness and respect for all animals.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your experience in charity law and any relevant work in the non-profit sector. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex legal landscapes, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! When you write your cover letter, summarise your qualifications and experiences in a straightforward manner. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Apply Early: This role is going to be popular, so don’t wait until the last minute! Apply through our website as soon as you can to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA
✨Know Your Charity Law Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest developments in charity law, especially those relevant to animal welfare. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've navigated complex legal issues in the past. Think about situations where you had to make high-stakes decisions and how you managed competing priorities. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the challenges of the role.
✨Understand the RSPCA's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's values and mission. Be ready to articulate why you're passionate about animal welfare and how your legal expertise can contribute to their goals. This personal connection can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Since you'll be summarising complex legal matters for non-legal stakeholders, practice explaining intricate concepts in simple terms. This skill is crucial for the role, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your approach.