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- Tasks: Lead and deliver legal advice for Southampton FC, managing contracts and compliance.
- Company: Join Southampton Football Club, a vibrant community at St Mary’s Stadium.
- Benefits: Enjoy free match tickets, health initiatives, 26 days holiday, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, enhancing legal operations in a fast-paced sports environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or barrister with 3-4 years PQE and strong drafting skills required.
- Other info: Apply by 22 August 2025; early closure possible due to high applicant volume.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Be part of our journey…
Location: St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Criminal Record Check: DBS Basic
What is the role?
As Southampton Football Club’s Legal Counsel, you will play a key role in supporting the General Counsel by leading and delivering commercially focused legal advice across all areas of the Group\’s operations. Your expertise will help drive proactive risk mitigation and prevention, ensuring the club operates with strategic legal insight and compliance at its core. You will manage and support a Paralegal, providing mentorship, training, and guidance to help them excel in their role and develop their legal expertise.
What will you be doing?
This role will lead and manage the provision of commercially focused legal advice to all areas of Southampton Football Club’s Group operations, including the negotiation of commercial contracts, technology agreements, terms and conditions, consultancy, scouting, research, agency and sponsorship agreements. This will also involve negotiating with third party suppliers and external lawyers as and when required.
In this role, you will provide strategic legal advice to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and football regulations. You will proactively identify opportunities to enhance existing practices and improve efficiencies.
The role will advise internal clients on a wide range of legal and commercial risks, assess potential impacts, and propose practical, business-focused solutions.
Assisting the General Counsel by establishing and implementing a robust system of internal control to cover legal, regulatory and risk aspects that impact Group operations from a corporate, commercial and football perspective.
Additionally, you will monitor and report internal and external compliance risks to the General Counsel, ensuring regulatory best practices are upheld. You will also support the regulatory and compliance function, providing advice on specialist areas such as competition, data privacy, anti-bribery, and corruption.
To enhance legal operations, you will assist in developing legal precedents and improving contract management systems to drive efficiencies within the Group and legal team. This role requires a proactive, commercially minded legal professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, ensuring the club operates with strategic foresight, compliance, and legal excellence.
Is this you?
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Qualified as a solicitor or barrister in the UK with at least 3-4 years PQE.
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Ability to advise on a diverse range of legal issues and eager and willing to develop and tackle new areas of law with confidence.
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Ability to give strategic and commercially focussed legal advice and confidence in providing risk-based opinions or solutions on key issues.
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Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.
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Able to deliver work effectively under pressure.
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Excellent communications skills and a willingness to develop strong relationships. across all business areas and levels of seniority.
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Good team player with ability to coach junior members of staff.
How this benefits you…
If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package;
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Access to x2 free match tickets for every home league game
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Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
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Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
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26 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.
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Contributory Pension Scheme.
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Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
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Learning & Development opportunities – supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
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Free onsite parking.
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Cycle to Work Scheme.
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Collaborative & inclusive working culture.
How can I apply?
Just click on the apply button below, enter your details and answer a quick pre-screening questionnaire, then attach your CV.
The closing date for applications is 22 August 2025.
*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if a high volume of applicants are received.*
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Legal Counsel employer: Southampton FC
Contact Detail:
Southampton FC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific legal challenges faced by football clubs, such as compliance with FIFA regulations and contract negotiations in a sports context. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the unique legal landscape during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sports law sector, particularly those who have experience working with football clubs. Attend relevant events or join online forums to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing legal risks and providing strategic advice. Be ready to share specific examples where your input led to successful outcomes, showcasing your ability to think commercially and proactively.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your mentoring experience when discussing your application. Since the role involves supporting a Paralegal, demonstrating your ability to coach and develop junior staff will set you apart as a candidate who can contribute to the team's growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Legal Counsel position. Familiarise yourself with the specific legal areas mentioned in the job description, such as commercial contracts and compliance.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your PQE, drafting skills, and any experience in sports law or similar fields to make your application stand out.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the club. Discuss how your background and expertise can contribute to Southampton Football Club's legal operations and compliance efforts.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your CV and cover letter are free from errors. Attention to detail is crucial for this role, so take the time to proofread your documents before submitting them through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton FC
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key legal areas relevant to the role, such as commercial contracts, data privacy, and compliance regulations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've provided commercially focused legal advice in the past. Highlight your ability to balance legal risks with business needs, as this is crucial for the role at Southampton Football Club.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
Since you'll be mentoring a Paralegal, think of instances where you've successfully led or coached others. Be ready to discuss your approach to team dynamics and how you can foster a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Club
Research Southampton Football Club and prepare insightful questions about their operations and legal challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the club and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.