Description Working at the RFU means being part of the ‘bigger picture’ at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. If our purpose resonates with you, and you recognise the value that sport can bring to people’s lives, we’d love to work with you. An opportunity has arisen for Legal Counsel to join our Legal & Governance team on a permanent basis. Job Title : Legal Counsel - Discipline and Integrity Department : Legal & Governance - Discipline Reports to : Discipline and Game Governance Director Direct report(s) : Discipline Case Officer Salary Banding : c. £65,000 per annum Job Level : Guide Location : This role is contractually based at Allianz Stadium, offering some flexibility to work from home Employment Type : Permanent Working Hours : This is a full-time role, covering 35hrs per week Application Information: Please submit a CV and cover letter. The closing date for applications is 5pm on 30th October. The RFU reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Applications may be considered whilst this vacancy is advertised. 1st round interviews will likely take place in the week commencing 28th October. The Role: This role is responsible for the management and handling of the RFU regulatory processes including the investigating and prosecuting / defending of all on-field disciplinary cases and investigations at levels 1-4 in the men’s game and level 1 in the women’s game (and below in certain circumstances) and off-field disciplinary cases and investigations, competitions appeals, anti-doping cases, safeguarding appeals, agent cases, betting cases, player approach cases and other regulatory/integrity cases in England under the supervision of the Discipline and Game Governance Director. You will provide advice and guidance on disciplinary and legal/regulatory issues to the RFU and its committees, Constituent Bodies, clubs, agents and players when required. The role will require building relationships and co-operating/sharing information with key individuals/teams within the RFU (including the Legal & Governance team and Anti-doping and Illicit Drugs Programme Manager) and other stakeholders such as World Rugby, Six Nations, EPCR, other Unions, PRL, the Championship clubs, CB Discipline Secretaries, clubs, players, administrators, police forces, the courts and other regulatory/governing bodies. Some key responsibilities include: Discipline Case Management Managing cases referred to RFU Discipline under the supervision of the Discipline and Game Governance Director, including: Investigating complaints referred to the RFU when delegated by the Discipline and Game Governance Director and assessing whether there is sufficient evidence, and it is appropriate for disciplinary charges to laid Drafting correspondence, charge sheets, witness statements, case summaries and skeleton arguments for RFU cases Gathering evidence and collating hearing bundles for disciplinary proceedings Instructing Counsel when required and ensuring that Counsel is provided with all relevant information Liaising with all parties involved in disciplinary proceedings including the RFU Disciplinary Hearings Manager, players, clubs, legal representatives and witnesses Administering of the RFU’s disciplinary systems including: Updating and improving the Case Management System to ensure that all relevant cases and actions are logged, and records are accurately maintained Ensuring that standard template letters and any RFU guidance documents are accurate and up to date; and Supporting the team to ensure that all processes operate efficiently and effectively. Case Presentation Presenting a wide variety of disciplinary and regulatory cases before RFU Disciplinary and Appeal Panels in England. To the extent that this is a responsibility of the RFU, leading the prosecution process for anti-doping cases before Sports Resolutions’ National Anti-Doping Panel. Attending hearings to support Counsel if required, when Counsel has been instructed. Safeguarding Working closely with RFU Safeguarding where disciplinary cases raise both disciplinary and safeguarding issues. Providing support to RFU Safeguarding in relation to the drafting of correspondence and agreements and strategic case decision making and representing the RFU in appeals under the RFU Safeguarding Regulations. Regulatory Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of RFU Rules and Regulations, World Rugby Regulations, Laws of the Game and sanctions guidance and current rugby disciplinary cases and issues. Maintaining a thorough understanding of, and keep up to date with, current regulatory and disciplinary law and practice. Acting as a member of the RFU Laws Sub Committee and advise on changes proposed by World Rugby to the Laws of the Game and relevant World Rugby Regulations. General Undertaking such other legal work and other tasks as required by the Executive Director of Legal and Governance Director or Discipline and Game Governance Director. Ensuring that all regulatory cases are managed and handled effectively and expeditiously. Presenting at training events and conferences/seminars on rugby disciplinary issues. Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans. Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other. Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation. Qualifications, Skills & Experience: The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive and we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role. Essential: Barrister or solicitor with at least three years PQE in private practice or regulatory/governing body. Experience of presenting cases to tribunals and/or courts and good advocacy skills. Experience of dealing with a heavy caseload and working to strict timelines and where necessary be prepared to work out of hours and weekends. Experience of regulatory and disciplinary law and procedure. Able to work as part of a close and supportive team. Excellent communication, organisational and administrative skills are required in addition to the ability to use your own initiative, work under pressure and demonstrate real attention to detail. Possess effective written and oral advocacy skills. Computer literate and experienced in using case management systems, databases and Microsoft Office applications. Must be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals from a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Have complete integrity and must maintain high standards of confidentiality at all times whilst working in a secure and confidential environment. Be able to think laterally and logically and have excellent time-management skills. Committed to embodying the ethos our culture by using our three core values – Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other – to guide your day-to-day decisions, actions and interactions. Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours. Desirable: Previous rugby union playing, coaching or refereeing experience, or a thorough understanding of the Laws of the Game. Additional Information: Personal circumstances must allow the candidate to work extended hours on occasion during times of peak activity (for example, during the playing season) including evenings and weekends (including occasional overnight stays). We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If there is anything we could do to support you through your application or to provide the best environment for your interviews, including assistance or adjustment, please reach out to recruitmentrfu.com. During your application, we will ask questions about your identity. This information is considered highly confidential and will not be seen by hiring managers. You can find out more about why we ask these questions here .