Legal Advisor

Are you a qualified legal professional with a strong interest in charity law and public service, looking for a permanent Legal Advisor role where you can make a meaningful impact?

MCS Group are delighted to be partnering with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland to hire a permanent Legal Advisor

The Commission is a non‑departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Communities and established under the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It regulates the charity sector in Northern Ireland, working to promote public trust and confidence in charities.

The Commission's role is to help ensure charities are well run, accountable and able to make a positive difference in people's lives. It does this through proportionate regulation, guidance and advice, and by promoting good governance and best practice across the sector. Its work is guided by clear objectives and values that emphasise integrity, independence, accessibility and effectiveness as a public body.

• Provide expert legal advice and guidance on charity legislation to Commission staff and the Board, including complex applications and statutory consents.
• Act on behalf of the Commission in Charity Tribunal appeals, including instructing external solicitors and Counsel where required.
• Support investigation and monitoring teams by advising on legal processes arising from regulatory and compliance work.
• Advise on wider legal matters affecting the Commission, including governance, contracts, employment issues and new legal forms such as Charitable Incorporated Organisations.
• Keep up to date with charity law and case law, developing precedents and supporting robust, well‑reasoned regulatory decisions.
• Manage legal records, precedents and information in line with Data Protection and Freedom of Information requirements.
• Work flexibly across teams, managing a varied and complex workload while contributing to other duties as required.

As the successful candidate you will have the following background and experience:

• Admitted as a Solicitor or Barrister in Northern Ireland and holds, or is eligible to hold, a current practising certificate.
• Minimum of 3 years' post-qualification experience in trust and/or company and/or property and/or contract law.
• Experience providing legal advice as part of a team, including preparing reports.
• Experience instructing counsel and representing clients in court or tribunal proceedings.

• An annual salary £47,304
• NICS pension - employer contribution 34.25%
• Fantastic annual leave allowance (37 days annually including Public and Bank Holidays)
• Hybrid and smart working policies
• Flexible 37 hour (FTE) working week organisation
• Full range of family leave and well‑being support
• Annual salary awards and pay progression
• Based in Craigavon area
• The opportunity to secure a high‑impact legal advisory role shaping regulatory decisions, leading tribunal appeals, and ensuring robust, lawful oversight of the charity sector.

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV and covering note outlining how your experience meets the essential and desirable criteria via the link provided or contact Meghan Hamilton, Senior Recruitment Consultant on  or on email at m.hamiltons.

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation, if you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavor to facilitate the request.

The Charity Commission will also require an equal opportunities monitoring form to be completed alongside CV and cover letter. This will be provided in a recruitment pack.

Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..jobs