Head of Legal Services

Overview

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland is seeking a seasoned legal leader to play a pivotal role in safeguarding public trust and confidence in the charitable sector.

• Lead and manage the Commission's legal function, ensuring accurate, timely, and high-quality legal advice is delivered across the organisation.
• Undertake and oversee complex, novel, and contentious legal policy, regulatory, and litigation casework.
• Manage litigation on behalf of the Commission, including representation in courts and tribunals, drafting pleadings, instructing Counsel, and providing advocacy where required.
• Liaise with sponsor departments and key stakeholders on the development and drafting of primary and secondary legislation.
• Provide expert advice on charity law and related areas to the board, CEO, senior management team, and operational teams, including interpretation of legislation and complex or contentious matters.
• Contribute as a member of the senior management team to strategic objectives, governance, and internal and external policy development, reporting to the board and committees.
• Lead, support, and develop legal staff, managing resources efficiently to ensure value for money and effective service delivery.

• Be a qualified solicitor or barrister eligible to practise in Northern Ireland, with at least five years' post-qualification experience.
• Have strong experience in advising on complex and contentious legal matters, including public and charity law, within politically or legally sensitive environments.
• Have proven litigation and advocacy experience, including instructing counsel and appearing before courts or tribunals.
• Have experience providing high-level legal advice, reports and briefings to senior leadership and boards.
• Have demonstrated leadership experience, including managing teams, workloads, risk and resources.
• Have excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Have a sound knowledge of charity law, relevant legislation, case law, and governance practice.

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