Para Legal/In House Lawyer

Job role: Para Legal/In House Lawyer
Reporting to: Director of Legal & Governance
Posted: November 2022
Closing date: 31 December 2022
Location: Based at World Sailing headquarters in London, UK/hybrid
Starting: Immediate start or as early as possible
Salary range: £50-55K (based on experience)
How to apply: Applications should be sent to human.resources@sailing.org. Applicants should provide a current CV and covering letter.

World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

World Sailing is responsible for:

• the promotion of the sport internationally;
• managing sailing at the Olympic and Paralympic Games;
• developing the Racing Rules of Sailing and regulations for all sailing competitions;
• the training of judges, umpires and other administrators;
• the development of the sport around the world; and
• representing sailors in all matters concerning the sport.

The principal members of World Sailing are the 145 ‘Member National Authorities’ (MNAs) and the 100+ ‘Class Associations’.

We have a clear and ambitious vision

A world in which millions more people fall in love with sailing; inspired by the unique relationship between sport, technology and the forces of nature, we all work to protect the waters of the world.

Our mission

To make sailing more exciting and accessible for everyone to participate or watch, and use our reach and influence to create a sustainable future for our sport and the waters of the world.

The Para Legal/In House Lawyer will support the Director of Legal & Governance, providing guidance and advice to World Sailing’s group companies. Developing policy and ensuring compliance with the key functions of Integrity and Governance.

• Provide general support and research assistance to the Director of Legal & Governance.
• Prepare and assist with the negotiation of a range of contracts including Sponsorship agreements, event agreements, boat supply agreements, class agreements,
freelance and contractor agreements, and conference-related contracts.
• Assist with the provision of advice to World Sailing’s Commercial Team on contractual frameworks with event organisers, sponsors, commercial partners and other suppliers.
• Manage trademark registrations for World Sailing’s group companies, and assist with copyright licensing.
• Draft and advise on agreements that the organisation requires in order to be able to effectively carry out its business.
• Manage the legal cases register and reporting to insurers where appropriate; Assist finance with annual Insurance renewals.
• Contract Management – ensure the digital contract register for World Sailing’s group companies is up to date; Advise internal teams when contracts are due for renewals.
• Assist with the management and co-ordination of the Annual and Mid-Year Meetings in conjunction with the Business Operations and Executive Office.
• Ensure the register of Directors interests is up to date.
• Provide support to the following World Sailing Committees: Audit Committee, Constitution Committee, Ethics Commission, Judicial Board.
• Any other business as directed by the Director of Legal & Governance

Strategic reporting to:
• Line Manager – Director of Legal & Governance.

Support & Guidance to:
• World Sailing staff, Board, World Sailing Committees (listed above), Member National Authorities and Class Associations.

Essential
• Legal Experience in England & Wales (or equivalent in a common law jurisdiction);
• Have at least 4 years’ prior work experience as a paralegal/lawyer;
• Demonstrable experience of three or more of the following areas: contracts (including commercial), employment, intellectual property, sports law and corporate governance;
• Excellent written and verbal English language skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to confidently advise senior management colleagues and senior stakeholders;
• Solutions focused, pragmatic and practical in approach;
• The ability to meet tight deadlines;
• Evidence of working within and contributing to a team environment;
• A willingness to learn new skills and develop existing competencies;
• Excellent organisation skills with high level of competency in word, excel, databases, online filing and contract management;
• Ability to undertake international travel (with appropriate notice).

Desirable
• Have worked in-house for international federations, national federations, sports governmental bodies or have similar experience with an international organisation.
• Understanding of and experience in sailing or another Olympic sport.
• Demonstrable continuous personal development in law.
• Second European language.
• Knowledge of online contract and/or board software management systems.