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In-House Legal Counsel (1876)

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  • Salary:
    £52,000 per annum
  • Poscity
    Sidmouth
  • Poscountry
    UK
  • Area:
    People and Planning
  • Vacancy Type:
    Fixed Term Contract

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships. 

These are exciting times for the charity, and we now have an excellent opportunity for a solution oriented and highly professional self-starter with outstanding diplomatic and interpersonal skills to join our busy Legal and Governance Department. As Legal Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, managing, and mitigating legal risks to protect the Charity’s interests and uphold its reputation. Working as part of our dedicated legal team, you will be responsible for delivering a high-quality legal service that supports the Charity’s strategic objectives and operational needs, providing expert legal advice and guidance across a wide range of matters, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and best practice.

About you:

  • A qualified Solicitor or Legal Lxecutive in England & Wales, with substantial post qualification experience in commercial / contract law, either in-house or with a reputable law firm.
  • Strong business acumen with ability to assess and manage legal risk and offer commercial/practical advice.
  • Strong technical legal skills, including research, analysis, and drafting.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively explain legal points and their impact on the Charity clearly and concisely to stakeholders.
  • A positive team player with a collaborative approach – able to act with credibility and diplomacy and instil confidence in others.
  • Willingness to learn and step outside of your comfort zone regarding the type of legal work you carry out.

 

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

  • Providing accurate, relevant and timely advice to our internal clients across a broad range of legal topics, including contract/commercial, charity law and intellectual property, both in the UK, Europe and internationally.
  • Identifying and assessing legal risks across the Charity’s activities and developing effective strategies to mitigate them.
  • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of legal agreements, including grant-funding agreements, research and collaboration agreements, Memorandums of Understanding and other bespoke contracts.
  • Liaising closely with external law firms, maintain contract management processes to ensure strong control of costs, compliance and the provision of high-quality and cost-effective legal support.
  • Advising on governance matters, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, including health and safety, safeguarding, company law, and fundraising regulations.
  • Keeping up to date with legal developments, identifying areas for improvement within the Charity.
  • Supporting the development of more efficient legal processes and workflows to enhance operational effectiveness.

 

What we offer in return:

Based in Sidmouth, Devon – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – this is a full-time, 12-month fixed term contract starting as soon as possible, working 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday.

The working pattern for this role will combine onsite and home working under our guiding principles for such roles, with onsite attendance currently anticipated to be 1-2 days per week.

 

Benefits:  

Competitive pension.

Life assurance.

31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service.

Wellbeing team.

Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.

Long service awards.

Healthshield plan –

  • Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership.
  • Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets.
  • Access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.

Free parking.

Subsidised restaurant and shop.

 

Closing date for completed applications: Thursday 6 March 2025.

 

Please note: we reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised date and therefore encourage early submissions.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.


 
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Location
Slade House Farm
Slade House Farm, Sidmouth, Devon, UK, EX10 0NU
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