Post Introduction

The Legal Office is the in-house provider of legal services to the national policy-making and governance institutions of the Church of England (the National Church Institutions, “NCIs”),  the largest of which are the Archbishops’ Council, a national policy and strategic decision-making body, and the Church Commissioners, a substantial endowment fund with assets valued at £11.1bn (2024) which has positioned itself at the forefront of Responsible Investment and which supports the mission of the Church. The Legal Office also advises the General Synod, which is a legislative assembly.

We are a small, inclusive team currently comprising twelve legally qualified staff, with two paralegals and three support staff. Our professional backgrounds are diverse, with members coming to us from private practice in law firms, the Bar, from government, and from regulators.  

Our work requires the provision of advice on diverse and intellectually stimulating points of law at the intersection of public and private law. The work is high quality, intellectually stimulating, and rewarding. We are a collegiate and supportive team, and we are proud of the work we do.

As a member of the Legal Office Advisory Team, you will be providing legal services to the National Institution of the Church of England, focused on contracts and disputes. 

You will be joining us at an exciting time for the organisation and the role will offer you the opportunity for genuine career growth and development in a supportive environment, including interaction with some of the most senior stakeholders in the organisation. You will be able to take a leading and meaningful role in existing and new projects.

You will also be a member of the Legal Office’s advisory team, undertaking as appropriate a wider range of duties as a legal adviser within the National Church Institutions.

• A barrister or solicitor with significant (ideally at least 7 years’) recent experience of drafting, reviewing and advising on a broad range of supply and service contacts including software, professional services contracts, and grants.
• Ideally, a working knowledge of charity law and grant agreements in a charitable context
• Recent experience of dispute resolution and civil procedure (you will not need to undertake courtroom advocacy in this role)
• Proven experience of advising autonomously in highly complex, sensitive and contentious matters 
• Proven experience of effective leadership and coaching colleagues to deliver organisational objectives
• Ability to support the development and roll out of training and knowledge management in connection with contracts and dispute resolution.
• Able to work from the office 2 to 3 days per week.

• A salary of £93,000 per annum, plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 30 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department’s needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK’s leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity