Regulatory Solicitor

The Premier League’s Legal Services Department is looking for an exceptional solicitor to join its in-house Regulatory team.

The Regulatory team’s core function is managing all aspects of the regulation of the Premier League competition and its participating clubs, including advising the business on the various requirements of the Premier League Rules, managing the process of amending those Rules year-on-year, investigation and enforcement of breaches of those Rules through the disciplinary processes contained within them and management of the various mandatory dispute resolution procedures binding Clubs and their Managers (to include both disciplinary and arbitral proceedings). In addition, the Regulatory team performs the same role in relation to the Youth Development Rules that govern all aspects of the Academy system and the various youth competitions organised by the Premier League at U16, U18 and U23 level.

Aside from this core function, the Regulatory team provides legal advice to the wider business and external stakeholders on a range of areas, including financial regulation, the application of the League’s ‘Owners’ and Directors’ Test’, transfers and registrations, safeguarding and the impact of external regulation on the League and its Clubs.

This is an exciting time to join the organisation and is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate.

Who we are

The Premier League is home to some of the most competitive and compelling football in the world. The League and its clubs use the power and popularity of the competition to inspire fans, communities and partners in the UK and across the world. The Premier League brings people together from all backgrounds. It is a competition for everyone, everywhere and is available to watch in over 1 billion homes in 189 countries.

We have a wide variety of responsibilities. These include organising the competition and its Rule Book as well as managing the centralised broadcast and commercial rights. The work we do in conjunction with the Clubs also goes far beyond the 90 minutes. We support and provide a framework for youth development, we protect the organisation’s intellectual property, support the wider game and community programmes, undertake international development work and liaise with governing bodies and other leagues.

Our hybrid-working model also allows you some variety on your place of work, offering you the chance to work from home on some days each week. Where possible, you will attend the office or site visits in line with our company policy. All staff liaise closely with their line manager to manage their time appropriately and according to their work and team requirements.

The role

In your role you will become an important member of the Regulatory team, providing high quality legal support to the Premier League and its member clubs. That support will be wide-ranging and varied, reflecting the breadth of work undertaken by the team, but will include the following:

• Financial regulation: Advising Clubs and the wider business on all elements of the League’s financial Rules, including the Profitability and Sustainability Rules and the Rules concerning associated party transactions, and assisting with the management of related processes.

• Disciplinary: Assisting with the investigation of breaches of the Premier League Rules and the process of determining and sanctioning those breaches, compiling reports, developing standard templates and assisting with the preparation of correspondence with Clubs.

• Disputes: Assisting with the management of disputes, often by way of arbitration, with Clubs and other third parties.
• Rules: Providing advice to Premier League colleagues and Clubs on questions of interpretation of the Premier League Rules, and assisting in the drafting of Rule changes.

• Owners’ and Directors’ Test: Working with the Director of Governance and Regulation and others to ensure compliance with the OADT in respect of any changes of control within a Club, new investment or the appointment of new Directors.

• Domestic and International regulation: Becoming an expert in the rules and regulations of The FA, FIFA and UEFA and advising Clubs and the business on the implications of the same.

• Stakeholder relations: Advising the business on its relationship with external stakeholders (including Government, the Professional Football Association and other regulatory bodies) as it impacts the work of the League as a regulator.

In addition to the above, you will liaise with external counsel and football stakeholders on matters as required (including The FA, EFL, PFA and LMA), under the direction of the Director of Governance and Regulation and Head of Legal - Regulatory.

Requirements for the role

• Strong academic background and robust legal training from a reputable law firm or recognised in-house legal department

• Qualified solicitor of approximately 0-3 years’ post qualification experience (candidates outside this range with the required skills will be considered)

• Demonstrable litigation, investigatory and/or contentious regulatory experience, including drafting of evidence, submissions, client advice and correspondence

• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to think strategically

• Outstanding attention to detail and strong analytical and research skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent work ethic and ability to cope with pressurised situations and tight timeframes whilst maintaining a professional approach

• Experience working in the sports industry and familiarity with regulatory issues affecting football at a domestic and international level – preferred

• Experience in the areas of competition law, white collar investigations, mergers and acquisitions, banking, and/or corporate finance – preferred

Our commitment to safeguarding includes implementing robust safer recruitment procedures to assess the suitability of individuals applying for roles that involve work with children and adults who are or may be at risk of harm. For further information, please see our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Guidance.

To apply please visit our careers page and apply with your CV and a cover letter. The closing date for applications is 8 August 2025.

We will remove barriers that prospective candidates might face at any stage of our recruitment process. If you have a disability and would like the advert in an alternative format, or would like to talk about how we can adjust the interview process to best support you, please contact [email protected]