Legal Counsel

Location: London (remote working within the UK is possible)

Hours: Full-Time

Remuneration: £60,000 - £75,000 depending on experience

Contract: Permanent

About FILE

The Foundation for International Law for the Environment (FILE) was set up in 2018 to be the major philanthropic re-granter scaling up legal action globally to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.

We work as movement enablers, campaign strategists, and impact funders, using the law in pursuit of three interconnected system-level goals:

• Reducing net greenhouse gas emissions to protect the climate
• Safeguarding nature
• Delivering climate and environmental justice

We pursue these goals not just by supporting legal action directly. We believe in growing the strength of the climate and biodiversity legal movement globally, and in enabling people and movements to use legal action to shift narratives.

As movement enablers, campaign strategists, and impact funders, we at FILE do not ourselves bring litigation. As a regrantor, FILE is not an endowed foundation, but rather we engage in fundraising to secure resources to support our partners globally.

The Role

This is an exciting role with a wide remit where you will be responsible, under the supervision of the General Counsel for a range of work, including the following: general contracting, corporate governance, compliance, support on policies, and legal advice on a wide range of subjects.

Offering a wide view of the whole organisation, this is not a role for a heads down only technical lawyer – you’ll need to have your finger in many pies and display a wide array of skills. In return, you’ll get to be involved in a variety of interesting and engaging projects.

Key Responsibilities

Contracts

• Under the supervision of the General Counsel, review, draft and negotiate a wide variety of legal documents and agreements, including, but not limited to technical aspects of donor contracts, grant agreements, supply of goods and services agreements, IT agreements, and property leases.
• Draft, user friendly templates and guidance; improve contracting processes.
• Support in the drafting and delivery of contract management training to embed a good contract culture within the organisation.

 Governance 

• Support the General Counsel to manage governance queries and provide support to entities in complying with their governance obligations,
• Assist with the preparation of board papers and resolutions as required,
• Support the General Counsel on insurance review and renewals.

Policy/Compliance 

• Support the General Counsel to design, consult on, draft, review and/or input into key organisational corporate policies, processes and /or guidance, including but not limited to fraud and bribery, data protection, document retention, terrorism, money laundering, due diligence.
• Input into the design of, and provide training on key policies, processes and legal principles, including but not limited to legal privilege and confidentiality;
• Work with all departments to ensure implementation/compliance mechanisms are in in place and function as they should.

 General Law and Advice 

• Advise on contractual law, charity law, company law, lobbying, data protection and other laws and regulations as required.
• Support FILE’s trademark management.
• Conduct legal research as required and support the General Counsel in keeping informed and up to date on any applicable new or developing laws and regulations

 Other 

• Support the maintenance of the Legal Team’s intranet page, including maintenance of policies and templates in a user friendly form for all members of FILE.
• Maintain relationships with external law firms and nurture relationships with pro bono providers.

About you 

We know that long lists of criteria can be discouraging and that some candidates will not apply for a role unless they feel they are 100% qualified. If you feel you meet at least some of the essential criteria, we still encourage you to apply. 

We also recognise that skills and experience can be gained in unexpected places, so we welcome applications from candidates who feel they have relevant skills for the role, gained from a wide range of professional, lived and learned experiences.  

Essential criteria

• Qualified legal practitioner with international experience (knowledge within the UK or Netherlands preferred)
• Contract law experience gained from a well-regarded firm / in-house / charity practice
• Experience on corporate governance issues
• Experience in an international donor-funded or grant making organisation is a plus
• Skilled in project-managing and working with external lawyers
• Practical and creative solutions-focused problem solver
• Ability to turn hand at short notice to a wide range of legal issues
• Superior attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent communication skills and ability to summarise complex matters into concise and simple briefings
• A strong team player, willing to support at all levels
• Strong commitment to FILE’s mission and values, strong professional ethics, and integrity 

Location

FILE has offices in London and the Netherlands. We are advertising this role for candidates based (and with the right to work) in the UK, or the Netherlands. but will also consider applications from other locations where we are able to do so.

Therefore, please note that this role will be advertised in multiple locations, but we are only hiring for one position. Please apply to the job post for your preferred location.

Working for FILE

FILE is a collaborative community of individuals who share a passion for climate, nature, and justice. We bring together knowledge and experience to support our mission.

Our people are empowered to lead their work both individually and as part of a wider team in order to make impactful change. As a relatively young organisation with the ambitious mission to change global systems, our roles are ideally suited to those who are highly strategic, flexible and adaptable, and open to growing in line with the Foundation.

FILE is committed to challenging inequality and values diversity, equity and justice in all areas of life. Our mission, work and impact is global, with staff and partners from across the world and a range of lived experiences. We firmly believe that we are strengthened by the diversity of our partners and staff.

At FILE, we actively work to create an inclusive culture where colleagues feel welcomed, heard and supported to succeed and thrive.

How FILE supports its staff

FILE is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. FILE offer a generous annual leave policy and additional time-off work to support wellbeing. Amongst other benefits, FILE offers private healthcare and a contribution to a pension scheme.

FILE is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and encourage candidates who can contribute to the diversity of our team to apply.

Join us in making a tangible difference in the fight against climate change by creating spaces where diverse voices come together to drive impactful solutions.

Applications

Please apply on our website and upload your CV. This role is open for applications immediately and we accept applications on a rolling basis. If you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. The role will close on the 6 of April. 

Diversity & Inclusion

As an equal opportunities employer, FILE is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join FILE.