Beyond the boardroom: How legal expertise can support life‑saving causes

For Jason Edel, Head of Legal, EMEA at a global asset manager, becoming a trustee was never about adding another line to his CV. It was about finding a cause where the impact was impossible to ignore.

As a Trustee of Chain of Hope, a charity founded in 1995 by Sir Magdi Yacoub, Jason supports an organisation dedicated to delivering life‑saving cardiac care to children in developing and conflict‑affected regions.

Through partnerships with world‑class surgeons, hospitals and institutions, Chain of Hope either flies specialist medical teams into countries to perform planned surgeries or brings children to centres of excellence where treatment would otherwise be out of reach.

“It’s the most fantastic of causes,” Jason says. “The provision of much‑needed cardiac care for the poorest children across the globe is incredibly powerful.”

Choosing the right cause

Jason was deliberate in his approach to finding a trustee role. Rather than taking on a position for its own sake, he focused on whether he could add meaningful value.

“When I was identifying which trustee role I wanted to take up, it was important to me that there was a real value‑add,” he explains. “That came down to two questions: does the charity provide societal value, and could my skills be put to good use in helping it achieve its goals?”

Meeting Chain of Hope’s CEO, Emma Scanlan, and the wider trustee group cemented his decision. “I was hugely impressed by their work and dedication,” he says. “It was also clear that my skills as a lawyer were very different from those of the medical professionals, accountants and business leaders already involved – and that different lens really matters.”

Legal judgement beyond the boardroom

Jason’s day‑to‑day role as a senior in‑house lawyer closely mirrors the demands of trustee life. As Head of Legal, EMEA, he is used to operating at leadership level, managing risk, assessing complex information and making decisions that stand up to scrutiny.

“Given my responsibilities, I have to be organised, efficient, decisive and solution‑oriented,” he says. “I manage legal and business risks and advise on laws, rules and regulations. Those same skills are incredibly valuable to my trustee role.”

At Chain of Hope, Jason sits on the trustee board and risk committee, where those capabilities come into sharp focus. “I’m comfortable dealing with large volumes of information, complex issues and judgement calls,” he explains. “That translates directly into how I contribute as a trustee.”

Better decisions through diverse perspectives

One of the aspects Jason values most about trustee work is the diversity of thinking around the table. In a charity made up of medical experts, operational leaders and financial specialists, his legal perspective adds balance rather than dominance.

“I genuinely believe better decisions are made when there’s a multi‑skill contributor model,” he says. “My experience allows for a different perspective to be considered, particularly around risk and governance.”

That contribution, while indirect, is deeply meaningful to him. “I get personal satisfaction from knowing that, in some small way, I can help a child have a better chance of life,” Jason reflects. “The work I do helps minimise the risks inherent in running the charity, which ultimately supports its ability to deliver care.”

Personal fulfilment and professional growth

Serving as a trustee has been rewarding for Jason on multiple levels. Personally, it provides purpose beyond his corporate role. Professionally, it sharpens his judgement and broadens his experience.

“My work with Chain of Hope builds on my board experience and gives me the opportunity to interact with specialists from a wide range of sectors,” he says. “I also benefit from learning how others approach problems. It makes me a more rounded lawyer.”

The role has also expanded his network in unexpected ways. “I’ve met so many interesting people and learnt a huge amount,” he adds. “It’s a reminder that some of the most valuable learning happens outside your immediate working environment.”

Advice for aspiring trustees

For other legal professionals considering a trustee role, Jason is unequivocal. “I would recommend it to any of my peers,” he says. “The benefits are significant: personal growth, satisfaction, and the chance to extend your connections beyond your day‑to‑day network.”

His advice is also practical. “The experience is most rewarding when you find a charity you really identify with,” he says. “I was very particular in my search, and I’ve been very fortunate as a result.”

From a professional perspective, the value is clear. “Acting as a trustee provides meaningful board experience that translates directly into corporate life,” Jason notes. “It strengthens how you think, how you advise and how you lead.”

Jason’s experience is a reminder that the skills honed in senior legal roles can have a powerful impact beyond the corporate sphere, helping organisations with limited resources make better decisions, manage risk effectively and ultimately change lives.

Taylor Root Trustee Network

At Taylor Root, our Trustee Network brings together legal professionals committed to applying their expertise in new and rewarding ways. We support lawyers exploring or developing their trustee careers, and connect them with opportunities to make an impact. Find out more here.