Legal Counsel (Football) 0-3 PQE, Chelsea FC
Chelsea FC are currently recruiting a Legal Counsel for their Legal (Football) team, to help them win today and tomorrow.
JOB TITLE: Legal Counsel
DEPARTMENT: Legal (Football)
LOCATION: Stamford Bridge, London
CONTRACT: Permanent
Main Responsibilities
- Providing accurate, timely and commercially-minded advice on legal and regulatory matters relating to player trading and football transactions.
- Supporting the Club’s sporting directors and recruitment departments in player negotiations, and leading on the drafting and execution of associated contractual documentation.
- Managing (and, where relevant, collaborating with the Club’s Legal (Regulatory) team on) contentious matters arising out of football transactions, including disputes with counterparties and procedures before the Professional Football Compensation Committee.
- Identifying, progressing and implementing process enhancements to ensure that the Club adopts and maintains a best-in-class approach to the legal aspects of player trading and football transactions, including in relation to deal structures, contractual documents and the use of AI/technology.
- Building strong relationships with key stakeholders, including UEFA, The Football Association, the Premier League and other clubs. Pro-actively engaging with these stakeholders on proposed regulatory reforms.
- Providing a positive and solutions-oriented approach to issues and challenges, often in relation to challenging and innovative matters.
- Embracing and demonstrating the Club’s values in manner, approach and output.
- Assisting in the development and delivery of efficient legal processes within the Club.
- Identifying and assuming responsibility for legal and non-legal projects, and working with the relevant departments to deliver those projects in a timely and efficient manner.
- Contributing to the development and roll-out of relevant knowhow across the Club’s football departments.
- Working with external advisors where necessary to ensure value and delivery within required timeframes.
Key Competencies
- Drive and enthusiasm, with an ability to demonstrate pro-active ownership and management of tasks and projects through to completion.
- Excellent inter-personal and team working skills, that inspire trust and confidence both within the Club’s legal team and amongst its internal clients.
- An ability to effectively identify and manage issues and risks. Adopts a proactive and positive ‘can do’ approach when seeking solutions.
- Effectively manages time and competing demands, escalates and delegates work where appropriate. Keeps senior legal team members well informed of progress on matters.
- Demonstrates a confident and persuasive communication style (verbal and written) which adapts to the audience and circumstances.
- Takes pride in the provision of their work. Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to present and communicate complex information in a simple and compelling way.
Qualifications & Experience
-
UK-qualified lawyer
- 0– 3 years PQE in a reputable commercial litigation, regulatory or commercial practice or in-house team
- Experience of working (or advising clients) within a sports regulatory environment is highly desirable, but not essential.
How to apply
To apply for this position please send a covering letter which makes clear how you meet the requirements for the role, and your updated CV to
For your application to be considered, please use the subject line "Legal Counsel, Chelsea FC (3071)" and name both your CV and Covering Letter files with your name first (e.g., "First Name Last Name CV.pdf").
The closing date for applications is 18th September, 2026.
All applications will be considered, however, please note that due to the large number we receive, we are unable to give individual feedback, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and parental.
If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please liaise with your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.
Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.
