Post Title: Assistant Commercial Solicitor Contract Type: Permanent Workplace: Preston, Hybrid Reporting to: Group Head of Legal Working Pattern: M-F JOB ROLE The Assistant Commercial Solicitor will provide general contractual, legal, and administrative support primarily to the Group Head of Legal, but also the Head of Legal - Regulatory and wider legal team as required. That support will be wide ranging and varied, reflecting the breadth of work undertaken by the team and the EFL. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Contractual & Legal Assist in the drafting, review, and negotiation of commercial agreements. This includes; NDA’s, agreements for supply and/or purchase, content licenses, hire agreements, consultancy, software as a service (SaaS) and other IT related agreements, and wider contracts in support of the EFL’s operations Assisting where required in the preparation, distribution, and management of agreements with member Clubs and other football stakeholders Reviewing, negotiating and communicating key terms from contractual and other legal documents to project owners across the business Assisting the EFL’s efforts in tackling anti-piracy, including for example gathering evidence and issuing of cease-and-desist correspondence Supporting the overarching contract management process whilst helping to further develop and ensure compliance with EFL Group procurement policies where applicable Assisting in the provision of general legal advice in other areas relevant to the EFL Group’s activities including football regulatory legal work, consumer legislation, charities law and regulations relating to advertising and promotion Wider Support Assisting with preparation of changes to EFL rules and regulations and their enforcement, together with advising colleagues and stakeholders in relation to the same Supporting the EFL Group in procurement and contracting for operational projects Assisting with preparation of changes to EFL rules and regulations and their enforcement, together with advising colleagues and stakeholders in relation to the same Working in conjunction with colleagues, undertaking necessary work to comply with data protection legislation Assisting with management and maintenance of relevant internal policies and procedures such as, for example, anti-bribery and procurement Work proactively with the department leads to provide necessary training to internal departments such as commercial as and when required About The Candidate INDIVIDUAL CRITERIA The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and attributes that apply to the role: Technical Skills Ideally a qualified solicitor authorised to practice in England and Wales Open to considering applications from candidates with other equivalent qualifications (for example, CILEX) and/or experience Strong competency in reviewing, negotiating, and drafting a range of commercial agreements Excellent communication skills with the ability to articulate contractual and legal terms to a lay audience The ability to prioritise work effectively and recognise when to escalate an issue Attributes Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and an ability to learn quickly Strong analytical and research skills The ability to work flexibly and adapt accordingly to achieve defined deadlines Commercial and pro-active approach to day-to-day issues Contribute to promoting equality and diversity as part of the culture of the organisation 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 About The Club ABOUT THE LEGAL TEAM The Legal Team sits within the wider Governance, Systems and Legal Team and supports the business with a range of legal and regulatory matters - whether contracting partners, suppliers and other commercial affiliates, or drafting, amending and taking enforcement action in relation to the EFL Regulations. The team also assist with matters such as data protection and other areas of compliance, as well as helping with ad hoc legal or regulatory queries which colleagues and partners may have. ABOUT THE EFL “The EFL is about two things – great football competitions and supporting communities 365 days a year”. Trevor Birch EFL Chief Executive Officer. Formed in 1888, the English Football League (EFL) is the world’s original and oldest league football competition as well as the highest attended football league, and largest single body of professional clubs in Europe. We are responsible for administering and regulating the Sky Bet EFL, Sky Bet Play-Offs, Carabao Cup and Vertu Trophy competitions, plus youth and reserve team football. A vital part of sporting life, both in the UK and across the globe, the EFL operates some of the world’s most competitive, popular and successful football competitions, acting as part of the fabric of life for millions of fans and families. EFL Clubs are truly embedded in the hearts of their 72 local communities, spanning the breadth and depth of England and Wales. Away from the match-day, Clubs and Club Community Organisations interact seven days a week, 365 days a year, making a positive contribution to the communities in which they serve. OUR TEAM AT THE EFL The EFL offers a unique opportunity to work with some of the biggest sporting competitions, clubs, commercial partnerships, colleagues and media in the market. We look for the best people who approach their work with energy, excellence and commitment. Our employees are crucial to our success and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental elements of building our team. Each of us has an array of qualifications, skills and life experiences. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this in your application. The EFL reserves the right to close this advert early should a sufficient amount of quality applicants be received.