An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Legal – Regulatory to join our busy Governance Team at the EFL.

The successful candidate will Act as primary internal regulatory legal advisor to the EFL, reporting into the current Chief Operating Officer (also legally qualified).

The Governance Department is responsible for the following key functions on behalf of the EFL:

• Drafting and enforcement of EFL Rules and Regulations
• Legal advice and support to the wider business
• Monitoring the ownership and control of Clubs
• Registration of all Players, from youth level to professional contracts
• Monitoring of appearance data via team sheets

Main areas of responsibility (included, but not limited to)

• Regulations:

o Providing advice to the EFL, its Executive and member clubs on questions of interpretation of the EFL Regulations and associated rules (including Rules relating to Youth Development), including designing and delivering education sessions aimed at improving Club’s compliance with the EFL Regulations.
o Assisting various departments in developing policy objectives to improve the EFL Regulations including sitting on and providing advice to various working parties.
o Drafting proposals to amend the EFL Regulations and assisting with Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings.

• Disciplinary matters:

o Leading investigation of breaches of the EFL Regulations.
o Assisting in advising the EFL Board in respect of progress of investigations, and the prospects of success in any given matter.
o Developing litigation strategy and assisting in advising the EFL Board of the same.
o Preparing written submissions (including but not limited to, charge letters, defences, notices of appeal, responses to appeal and witness statements). Primary internal point of contact.
o Preparing Sanction guidelines in order to allow the EFL Executive to conclude disciplinary matters quickly and at minimal cost.

• Other Panel Hearings: Providing advice in relation to other panel hearings, including arbitrations conducted under the auspices of the EFL’s Regulations.

• Transfers and registrations:

o Providing advice as required in in respect of transfer agreements, player contracts and other relevant documents to ensure compliance with EFL Regulations, FA Rules and the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.
o Liaising with the FA and PL, along with other stakeholders to provide advice to Clubs on the implementation of FA Rules, PL Rules, EFL Regulations and FIFA RSTP.
o Developing template clauses to assist Clubs in complying with Regulatory requirements.

• Attending internal management and other stakeholder meetings commensurate with the role.
• Managing any instructed external legal advisers retained in support of projects, including as determined to be required in relation to matters above where agreed with the Chief Operating Officer.
• In addition to the above, you will liaise with external counsel and football stakeholders (including the FA, Premier League, PFA and LMA) on matters as required.
• To provide wider advice to other areas of the business as reasonably required, including regulatory legal work, general corporate advice, advice on any relevant internal policies and procedures.
• Work proactively to provide necessary training to internal departments such as commercial as and when required.
• Any other duties as reasonably required by the Chief Operating Officer.
• Fulfil any training requirements necessary to maintain any professional qualification as well as otherwise directed in respect of the role.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate: -

1. You should be fully qualified to practice (as either a solicitor or barrister) in the UK
2. A minimum of six (6) years’ post qualification experience gained within a leading law firm or in-house legal team.
3. Regulatory legal experience in a sporting environment, ideally football
4. Experience of contract law, including drafting, and risks of associated litigation
5. Good commercial awareness, with experience of negotiation
6. The ability to communicate complex legal matters in everyday terms
7. Experience of managing multiple work-streams to tight timescales
8. Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical and drafting skills
9. A proven ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team consisting of both legal and non-legal professionals
10. A proven ability to build rapport and establish trust at all levels and have strong interpersonal and communication skills
11. Demonstrate a service-orientated approach to working and strong organisational skills
12. The ability to work flexibly and adapt accordingly to achieve defined deadlines
13. Commercial and pro-active approach to day-to-day issues
14. Contribute to promoting equality and diversity as part of the culture of the organisation
15. Lead by example by contributing to promoting the principles of the EFL:
Everybody Working Together - We are one team supporting each other and collaborating on our shared goals.

Fairness & Equality - Being consistent and inclusive for everyone - showing respect.

Listening & Learning - Communicating with trust and honesty - growing as individuals and enabling others to do so too.

Advantageous

1. Knowledge of the EFL, its 72 member clubs and the wider footballing family

Benefits Package:

As well as working in a modern, contemporary office and a hybrid working model we also offer:

• 23 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays), rising to 25 days after 5 years.
• Opt- In Private medical insurance
• Onsite gym
• Free Parking
• Access to CPD
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan
• Generous Pension scheme
• Access to match day tickets

Inclusion Statement

The EFL is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants fulfilling the criteria will be considered in a meritocratic way and without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or belief(s), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age or with regards to pregnancy or maternity.

Safeguarding Statement

The EFL is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and adults at risk and require all employees to share this commitment and promote the welfare of these groups.

Applicants will be asked about any previous convictions and cautions. Amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020) provides that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’. This means that they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account.
Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.

The EFL is taking steps to become a more inclusive employer, by integrating Equality, Diversity & Inclusion into all aspects of the business. We hope by doing so, we can attract the very best in diverse talent and create a more inclusive culture, where people come to work feeling comfortable in being their authentic selves, allowing the EFL to continuously enrich our workforce, evolve how we work and embrace difference in thought and ideas. So, we can become fully representative of our local community and fan base we serve.

How to apply

To apply for this role email your CV and cover letter.