At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the legal function of a fast-growing women's football league and negotiate exciting commercial deals.
- Company: Join WSL Football, the leading league in women's football, with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, private healthcare, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering team, making a real impact in the world of sport from day one.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with 2-5 years PQE, strong in commercial contracts and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
An opportunity to build the legal function of the fastest-growing league in world sport.
WSL Football runs the top two divisions of women’s football in England. Two years in, the business is growing quickly across broadcast, sponsorship and partnerships, and it is now hiring its first permanent in-house lawyer. This is a rare chance to shape a legal function from the ground up, own the commercial work that drives the league forward, and grow as the organisation grows.
This is a hands-on, commercial-first role. You will personally draft and negotiate the deals, own the day-to-day legal workload, and sit alongside a commercial team that wants legal in the room helping deals happen, not reviewing them after the event. There is no General Counsel above you today, so you will have real ownership from day one and genuine room to develop as the function scales.
What you will do:
- Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements: sponsorship, media and partnerships, licensing and IP, supplier and procurement, and software, SaaS and data contracts.
- Own the day-to-day legal workload from instruction to completion, including NDAs, competition terms and player-related agreements.
- Improve templates, workflows, precedents and legal technology so the function runs efficiently as the league grows.
- Provide regulatory and governance support on FA, UEFA and FIFA rules and board matters, working alongside an experienced in-house Head of Standards and Regulations.
- Partner closely with the commercial, operations, football and medical teams as a trusted, approachable adviser.
- Manage external counsel efficiently on specialist or higher-risk matters.
What we are looking for:
Essential:
- A qualified lawyer, typically 2-5 years PQE, though we will consider candidates outside this range where the fit is strong.
- A strong grounding in commercial contracts and drafting, with genuine ownership of deals from first instruction to signature.
- Comfortable working hands-on and at volume, without a legal team beneath you.
- A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to risk, and excellent negotiation and stakeholder skills.
- Collaborative, approachable and low-ego, and happy in a fast-moving scale-up environment.
Desirable:
- Experience in sport, media or entertainment (a football background is not essential).
- Exposure to regulatory or governance frameworks, and prior in-house experience.
What is on offer:
- A competitive salary, with an annual bonus of up to 10% based on company and individual performance.
- BUPA private healthcare, life insurance at four times salary and a 6% employer pension contribution.
- 25 days annual leave plus a thank-you day.
- Farringdon office, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the office and some travel as required.
WSL Football and Executives in Sport Group are committed to building a diverse and inclusive game. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and particularly encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in the sector. If you need any adjustments to take part in the process, just let us know and we will make them.
Legal Counsel in Slough employer: WSL Football
WSL Football offers a unique opportunity for a Legal Counsel to shape the legal function of a rapidly growing league in women's football. With a hands-on, commercial-first approach, you will have the chance to own significant legal work from day one, supported by a collaborative and inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives. The role comes with competitive benefits, including private healthcare, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee growth as the organisation expands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel in Slough
✨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 WSL Football, 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
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We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at WSL Football, 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 WSL Football and the specific role of 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 WSL Football’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at WSL Football
✨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 WSL Football.
✨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 WSL Football.
