UNPAID VOLUNTEER - Principal / Senior / Legal Advisor / Assistant (UK-based)

This is an unpaid volunteering role with the Blockchain & Climate Institute, an international volunteer-led think tank supporting the application of blockchain technology in the global fight against climate change. You will join the Director-General's Office (Legal Advisory & Governance Section) as a Principal Legal Advisor, Senior Legal Advisor, Legal Advisor, or Legal Assistant for Common Law Jurisdictions, reporting to the General Counsel. You will provide expert and strategic legal advice to all BCI divisions on legal obligations, governance, and risk management across areas including employment law, contract law, privacy law, and competition law.

What you'll do

• Provide advice on legal matters and support strategic decision-making
• Support the formulation or review of internal governance policies and manage the impact of external factors
• Draft legal opinions, memoranda, and briefing documents
• Formulate formalities regarding settlements of disputes
• Monitor the implementation of legal clauses
• Provide legal insights into the use of blockchain and emerging technologies in climate action frameworks
• Advise members on legal issues and risks including corporate and charity governance, fundraising, marketing, competition, data protection, trademarks, copyright, defamation, and litigation matters

What you bring

• Excellent English writing skills and the ability to communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Strong analytical and research skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail
• Proven ability to multitask, prioritise work, and work effectively both within a team and independently
• Excellent proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive)
• For Legal Assistant roles: a Bachelor's Degree or Postgraduate Degree in Law (e.g. LLB or GDL)
• For Legal Advisor roles: qualified solicitor or barrister in the UK with some post-qualification experience in either private practice or in-house (in-house experience highly preferable)
• For Senior Legal Advisor roles: qualified solicitor or barrister in the UK with a minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience in either private practice or in-house (at least some in-house experience highly preferable)
• For Principal Legal Advisor roles: qualified solicitor or barrister in the UK with a minimum of 7 years post-qualification experience in either private practice or in-house (at least some in-house experience highly preferable)
• Proven experience in a not-for-profit environment
• Broad common law legal knowledge in relevant areas such as corporate law, contract law, employment law, or litigation
• In-depth understanding of how legal issues affect organisations
• Ability to develop legal strategy and objectives
• Experience in building constructive relationships with stakeholders
• Experience working independently and with teams to drive forward blockchain-related projects

Nice to have

• Knowledge of topics central to BCI such as climate change, climate finance, and blockchain technology

What we offer

• An unpaid volunteering position
• The opportunity to hone or learn new skills including research, presentation, writing, and professional etiquette
• Meaningful experience that enhances your professional skills and sense of purpose
• Real-world experience at the intersection between climate and emerging technologies that can advance your professional career
• The opportunity to develop long-lasting professional relationships with others working to make the world a better place

About Blockchain & Climate Institute

The Blockchain & Climate Institute is an international volunteer-led think tank supporting and advocating the application of blockchain technology in the global fight against climate change. BCI serves as an expert platform helping governments, inter-governmental and regional organisations, and relevant corporates to navigate the complex landscape of emerging technologies for environmental good.