Legal Manager

Type of Paper: Position Description
Position Title: Legal Manager
Department: Legal and Governance
Direct Reports: Deputy Director, Legal and Governance
Location: BWF Headquarters, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Deadline: 18 September 2026
Submission: Requirements

Applicants are requested to submit:

• A current curriculum vitae (CV); and
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining their suitability for the role, including relevant experience, qualifications and key achievements.

BWF Contact: Richard Vaughan – COO@bwf.sport
Preference: Malaysian citizens are preferred.

 

1. Position Overview

The Legal Manager provides specialist legal expertise and support across the Badminton World Federation (BWF), ensuring that legal, governance, integrity and commercial matters are managed effectively and in alignment with the organisation’s objectives. Working closely with the Deputy Director, Legal and Governance, the role supports the development and implementation of legal frameworks, governance initiatives and regulatory programmes that safeguard the interests, reputation and integrity of the BWF. Through collaboration with departments across the organisation, the Legal Manager contributes to sound decision-making, risk management and the successful delivery of strategic projects in an international sporting environment.

2. Position Purpose

Reporting to the Deputy Director, Legal and Governance, the Legal Manager is responsible for providing legal advice and specialist support on a broad range of legal, governance, integrity and commercial matters across the BWF. The role supports the organisation's legal and governance projects, assists in the review and drafting of contracts, policies and regulations, and helps ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Working across multiple departments, the Legal Manager plays a key role in managing legal risk, supporting organisational initiatives and promoting good governance practices that enable the BWF to achieve its strategic objectives and continue the global development of badminton.

3.  Key Responsibilities

Reporting to and assisting the Deputy Director, Legal and Governance, the Legal Manager is responsible for the following:

3.1  General Legal

• Providing general legal support and assistance including legal opinions and research on various legal issues (sporting, disciplinary, contract, governance, data privacy), related to the day-to-day business of the BWF.
• Reviewing and making recommendations for amendments to BWF Statutes – BWF Constitution, regulations, codes, and policies.
• Reviewing regulations related to the governance structure of the BWF and making recommendations to the Governance and Ethics Commission on enhancing the governance, ethics and sport integrity framework for the BWF.
• Reviewing, vetting and drafting of contracts and agreements such as service agreements, research agreements, product certification, licencing, etc.
• Assisting in the registration of BWF intellectual property and in conducting any oppositions and/or advice on litigation related to the Marks and property.
• Providing advice on membership and constitutional issues including assessment of Member Association constitutions and compliance.
• Interfacing closely with and advising staff on various legal queries arising out of their work and related to sporting and non-sporting matters.
• Providing prompt and concise legal advice and specific solutions-driven support to other BWF departments.BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION
• Provide advice on legal aspects of letters and formal communications.

3.2  Sports Law

• Providing legal opinions (supported by appropriate prior legal research) on sports law matters and related proceedings (i.e. integrity, disciplinary matters).
• Providing support to the Deputy Director, Legal and Governance, in relation to legal cases brought before BWF disciplinary bodies and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
• Acting where required, as an ad hoc clerk for BWF disciplinary bodies in sporting, disciplinary, and any contentious matters brought before such bodies.
• Liaising and interfacing with external sports-related entities such as the World Anti-Doping Agency and Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
• Providing advice on rules system, investigations, jurisdiction and case management related to the integrity of sport - match-fixing and anti-doping and developing protocols and procedures around investigations in this area.

3.3  Governance Audit and Assessment

The role requires experience in conducting governance audits and organisational assessments within sporting organisations or comparable not-for-profit environments. The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to:

• Review governance structures against established governance frameworks and international best practice.
• Assess organisational policies, procedures and governance documentation for effectiveness, completeness and compliance.
• Undertake evidence-based governance assessments across Member Associations using structured assessment tools.
• Prepare governance reports identifying strengths, risks, compliance issues and recommended actions.
• Support organisations in implementing governance improvement plans and monitoring ongoing progress.
• Apply sound judgement, discretion and professionalism when undertaking sensitive governance reviews.

4. Key Relationships

Internal: Secretary General, COO, Directors, Deputy Director, Legal and Governance, Managers, Disciplinary Panels Council, Committees and all BWF staff

External: BWF Member Associations, Continental Confederations, World Anti-Doping Agency, National Anti-Doping Organisations, Anti-Doping Laboratories and Investigators

5. Qualifications & Experience

Requirements should preferably be as follows – this will be used as selection criteria:

5.1 Qualifications

• Law degree (LL.B or J.D.) from a recognised university
• Admission to practice law
• Postgraduate qualifications are an asset
• Good standing with bar association or regulatory body

5.2 Experience / Knowledge

• 1-3 years of post-qualification legal experience, preferably with exposure to sports law, governance, regulatory frameworks, and/or data protection
• Proven experience in drafting contracts, governance matters, dispute resolution, and/or supporting integrity-related work
• Experience in sports, or interacting or working within international or national sport federations is a plus
• Experience advising senior leadership and cross-cultural stakeholders is a plus

5.3 Skills / Qualities

 Legal and Technical

•  Good understanding of international sports law frameworks
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations across jurisdictions
• Contract and regulatory law, especially in a sporting context
• Knowledge of compliance standards would be an asset

Communication and Interpersonal

• Ability to communicate complex legal issues in a clear, diplomatic, and actionable manner
• Skilled in working with diverse international stakeholders (e.g., member federations, athletes, sponsors)
• Excellent writing skills for drafting clear regulations, legal memos, and board-level communications

Digital Proficiency

• Proficiency with contract management systems, compliance tools, and legal databases
• Familiarity with AI tools for legal research, document review, and regulatory monitoring is a plus
• Understanding of emerging issues at the intersection of sport, tech, and governance (e.g., AI ethics, data privacy)

6. Working Environment

This role operates within an international sporting environment supporting more than 203 Member Associations worldwide. The position requires collaboration across multiple time zones and occasional international travel to support governance meetings, Council activities and major BWF events.

Applications can be made by clicking the link to the 'Apply ' button.