Job Description

About the role

The Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative (CCLI) is seeking a Communications Paralegal with a strong interest in corporate governance, fiduciary duties, and financial services law, alongside demonstrable communications skills. This is a key junior role aimed at supporting our lawyers with research and paralegal tasks while also helping to translate our work into accessible, engaging content for a wide variety of audiences.

You will work closely with our UK-based team to deliver a mix of legal research and analysis (around 50%) and communications outputs (around 50%). The paralegal side of the role will be predominantly focused on supporting CCLI's US investor workstream, including legal research, drafting memos, and preparing resources related to investor duties in the context of climate and nature risks. Alongside this, you will help produce communications outputs such as blogs and newsletters, assist with events and conduct stakeholder engagement, and support with tracking deliverables, monitoring and evaluating impact, and reporting to funders.

The successful candidate must be comfortable preparing communications materials without the support of AI. To support fair recruitment, we will ask shortlisted candidates to complete a short, written task to demonstrate their communications skills.

This is a rare opportunity for a junior professional to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of law, communications, and the systemic risks posed by climate change and nature loss within a globally respected organisation.

About CCLI

The Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative (CCLI) is a UK charity that examines the legal duties of corporate and investor decision-makers to consider and manage climate- and nature-related risks and opportunities - and the circumstances in which there may be liability for failing to do so.

Founded by the University of Oxford, ClientEarth, and Accounting for Sustainability (established by the then Prince of Wales), CCLI operates at the intersection of law, finance, and science.

Our multidisciplinary approach enables us to translate complex legal frameworks into practical, accessible tools that empower directors, trustees and their advisers to integrate climate- and nature-related considerations into governance and decision-making. We do not litigate, but rather show that existing legal frameworks already require action in the face of escalating systemic risks.

CCLI conducts legal research, engages with the private, public, third and academic sectors and hosts capacity-building events around the world. Our work supports corporates and investors in understanding legal duties, strengthening governance, and aligning strategies with the transition to a sustainable and resilient global economy.

Key responsibilities

Provide paralegal support for CCLI's US investor workstream, including legal research, case summaries, drafting background notes, and assisting with the preparation of reports and resources. Support communications outputs by drafting blogs, newsletters, and accessible summaries of legal analysis for a variety of audiences. Experience preparing communications materials is essential. Assist with the development and maintenance of CCLI's digital presence (website, social media). Manage updates to CCLI's website and online platforms, ensuring content is accurate, engaging, and consistent with organisational messaging. Track, monitor, and report on digital engagement metrics (e.g., website analytics, social media insights, email campaigns) to evaluate impact and inform strategy. Help prepare presentations, briefings, and visual resources for events and stakeholder engagement. Support the organisation of webinars, roundtables, and capacity-building workshops. Apply basic knowledge of SEO, SEM, and digital communications tools to increase reach and engagement. Coordinate and schedule social media and email communications, ensuring consistency and quality across channels. Support with tracking deliverables, monitoring and evaluating impact, and reporting to funders. Provide general administrative and operational support to the team where required.

About you

You are a junior professional with a background in law and communications, who is motivated to apply your skills to help address the climate and nature crises. You are proactive, adaptable, and comfortable supporting both legal research and outward-facing communications within a small, agile organisation.

You bring a demonstrated interest in corporate governance, directors' and trustees' duties, and the legal implications of climate- and nature-related risks, alongside the ability to communicate these concepts clearly to different audiences. You are particularly interested in the duties of investors in the US financial system and are excited by the opportunity to support CCLI's US investor workstream while building your legal and communications expertise.

You understand what it means to work in a mission-driven organisation. You are comfortable pitching in across tasks, from supporting legal analysis to producing communications materials and assisting with events, and you are committed to maintaining high standards across everything you do.

Qualifications and experience

Essential:

Degree in law or communications, with experience in both areas. Experience working in the legal sector (private, public, or not-for-profit). Knowledge of UK corporate governance and financial services law, including directors' and trustees' fiduciary duties. Strong analytical and legal research skills. Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, with the ability to adapt style for different audiences. Proven experience preparing communications materials (without reliance on AI). Demonstrated interest in the role of law in addressing climate and nature-related risks. Demonstrated knowledge in digital communications, including social media, company websites, and content management systems. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with digital analytics tools (e.g., website analytics, social media insights) and other tools (SEO, SEM, social media and email communications). Eligible to work and reside in the UK.

Desirable:

Experience across both corporate and charity/non-profit sectors. Familiarity with developments in sustainability, ESG, or climate-related law and policy. Event organisation or stakeholder engagement experience. Exposure to interdisciplinary or cross-jurisdictional projects.
We recognise that strong candidates may not meet every single requirement listed. If you have most of the skills and experience outlined, and are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to CCLI's mission, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Working at CCLI

CCLI offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of legal thinking and market transformation. As part of a small but influential team, you'll engage with global experts and contribute to shaping the legal foundations for better climate and nature governance across the financial system.

As a small and ambitious charity, we expect team members to take initiative and contribute across the organisation. This includes helping to deliver high-quality legal analysis, producing communications content, supporting with tracking deliverables, monitoring and evaluating impact, reporting to funders, and assisting with our shared operational infrastructure. In return, you will gain exposure to leading international work, have space to innovate, and see the tangible impact of your contribution.

We offer flexible working arrangements, including remote or hybrid options and access to a London-based co-working space.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining your interest in the role and your suitability to:

Natalie Shippen (Executive Director) at natalie.shippen@commonwealthclimatelaw.org. Subject line: Communications Paralegal.

The deadline to apply is

31 August 2025

, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage early applications.

Equal opportunities

CCLI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 32,000.00-38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London EC1V 2NX

Reference ID: CCLI Communications Paralegal