Legal Counsel - British Overseas Island

TRON DAO; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to oversee legal and compliance matters for island development. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with UK laws, manage legal risks, and provide critical legal advice to the team. A strong background with at least 10 years’ experience in legal roles, particularly regarding international development, is preferred. The position includes liaising with government authorities and managing disputes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ post-qualification experience in a legal role, preferably with exposure to charity, international development, infrastructure, or public sector projects.
• Experience advising on UK and Commonwealth laws is essential.
• Comfortable working in remote environments and conducting site visits.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all island operations comply with relevant UK, Commonwealth, and local laws.
• Provide timely and pragmatic legal advice to project teams.
• Identify and mitigate potential legal risks associated with project activities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Advisory skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister with a valid practising certificate in the United Kingdom

Job description

Position Overview：

We seek an experienced Legal Counsel to establish and oversee the legal framework governing all development activities on the Islands. The Legal Counsel will oversee all legal and compliance matters related to the island’s operations and development. This role ensures that all activities are fully compliant with relevant UK and local laws, manages legal risks, and provides legal advice to the team and senior management.

Key Responsibilities：

• Legal Compliance : Ensure all island operations, including contracts, construction, healthcare, and resource allocation, fully comply with UK, Commonwealth, and local laws and regulations.
• Legal Advice : Provide timely, clear, and pragmatic legal advice to the project team and senior management on all legal matters affecting the project.
• Risk Management : Identify, assess, and mitigate potential legal risks associated with project activities and advise on risk prevention strategies.
• Policy and Document Review : Draft, review, and revise legal documents, contracts, policies, and procedures to ensure legal sufficiency and compliance.
• Dispute Resolution : Handle any legal disputes, complaints, or regulatory inquiries involving the island or its operations.
• Stakeholder Liaison : Serve as the main point of contact for legal matters with government authorities, external counsel, and regulatory bodies.
• Reporting : Prepare regular legal compliance reports for senior management, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified solicitor or barrister with a valid practising certificate in the United Kingdom
• Legally entitled to work in the UK and relevant British territories
• Minimum 10 years’ post-qualification experience in a legal role, preferably with exposure to charity, international development, infrastructure, or public sector projects
• Experience advising on UK and Commonwealth laws is essential
• Previous work with NGOs, international aid, or island / remote projects highly desirable
• Excellent knowledge of UK and Commonwealth legal and regulatory frameworks
• Strong analytical, advisory, and negotiation skills.
• Comfortable working in remote environments and conducting site visits.
• Familiarity with British Overseas Territories is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel as required.