Animal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP)
Salary: £40,000 starting salary, rising to £50,000+ with experience and time in role
Location: Fully remote (England & Wales), with occasional travel to court and team events
About the Role
Animal Welfare Investigations Project (AWIP) is seeking an ambitious and driven Head of Legal to build and lead our legal function.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing not-for-profit organisation that investigates and prosecutes organised animal cruelty. Our work focuses on dismantling organised crime groups responsible for serious animal cruelty, supporting law enforcement, and ensuring perpetrators face justice.
As Head of Legal, you will lead our legal strategy and handle a specialist caseload of private prosecutions under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, working closely with our investigations team to bring offenders before the courts.
You will also play a key role in advancing the interests of animals in the criminal justice system through strategic litigation, public law interventions, and policy engagement.
You will be the first lawyer in the organisation, responsible for building and growing the legal function as AWIP continues to expand its impact.
This role offers the opportunity to develop a unique and highly specialised practice in animal welfare law and private prosecutions, an emerging and influential area of legal work.
Key Responsibilities
* Handle a specialist caseload of Animal Welfare Act 2006 private prosecutions, instituting and conducting proceedings on behalf of AWIP.
* Conduct and manage criminal prosecutions in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court.
* Manage and defend civil claims involving the organisation, and bring civil actions where appropriate.
* Conduct Section 20 Animal Welfare Act 2006 application hearings and other related proceedings.
* Work closely with investigators to review evidence and prepare cases for court.
* Conduct legal research and analysis to identify strategic opportunities for impactful legal interventions.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of criminal law, procedure, and animal welfare legislation.
* Consider and develop Judicial Review and other public law interventions where appropriate to advance the interests of animals in the criminal justice system.
* Supervise and develop the organisation’s legal function as it grows.
* Work collaboratively across the organisation in a \"hands-on start-up environment\".
* Engage with key stakeholders including lawmakers, government agencies, NGOs, and partner organisations.
* Represent AWIP at events, conferences, and public forums to raise awareness of animal law and strengthen strategic alliances.
About You
We are looking for a lawyer who is motivated by impact and excited by the opportunity to help build something new.
You will be comfortable operating in a dynamic environment where initiative, creativity and commitment to justice are essential.
You will ideally have:
* Qualified Solicitor or Barrister (England & Wales)
* Ideally 4+ years PQE in criminal law (flexible depending on experience)
* Strong case management and advocacy skills
* Excellent analytical and legal research abilities
* Ability to manage complex and sensitive cases with professionalism and care
* Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise effectively
* High levels of IT literacy and numeracy
* Experience in animal welfare law is advantageous but not essential
A genuine passion for protecting animals and advancing their interests within the justice system is essential.
What’s on Offer
* Starting salary of £40,000, rising to £50,000+ as the legal function grows
* Opportunity to build and lead a unique specialist legal practice
* Fully remote working
* Occasional travel for court hearings and team events
* Generous benefits package
* Supportive and mission-driven team environment
* The chance to work on groundbreaking animal cruelty cases and help bring offenders to justice
About Animal Welfare Investigations Project
Animal Welfare Investigations Project investigates organised animal cruelty and works to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Our work focuses on investigating, disrupting, protecting and rescuing animals from organised animal cruelty.