Legal Counsel

Who we are 

The Economist is a leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs, published weekly in print and digital editions, and daily through our Espresso app and Economist.com. We deliver our information through a range of formats, from newspapers and magazines to conferences, films and digital editions. What ties us together is the objectivity of our opinion, the originality of our insight and our advocacy of economic and political freedom around the world.  

The Economist Group covers three businesses (The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education). Headquartered in London, The Economist Group has offices and people across the globe, and is valued by its customers for its world-class insights and rigorous analysis. We value individuals who think differently and can challenge the status quo.

What we’re looking for

We have an exciting opportunity for a Legal Counsel to join our legal team. This role will report to the Head of Legal Contracting.  The job is based in London but involves working with stakeholders across the globe, and in particular the UK, Europe and the US. 

The Legal Counsel will be a key member of the legal team advising and working primarily for The Economist Group’s B2B  businesses globally with a particular focus on complex commercial, technology, digital media and AI-related matters. The role will involve reviewing, drafting and negotiating awide range of client and supplier agreements, including software, SaaS, AI, digital products, content and data licensing arrangements, while pragmatically managing material risks (brand/reputation, financial, and legal) and facilitating business in a manner consistent with the current Economist Group policies and processes. 

Accountabilities

How you will contribute:

• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of contracts including:
• client agreements for our B2B businesses, including content licensing, subscription, sponsorship and advertising sales agreements; and
• procurement contracts for key suppliers and vendors;
• other vendor and commercial agreements for our B2C (newspaper) business.
• Provide clear, high quality legal advice and support on a wide range of commercial and corporate issues throughout the Group (including occasional negotiations with client or vendor legal teams);
• Minimise risk for The Economist Group while facilitating business.
• Help protect the Group’s brands and other intellectual property.
• Assist with the execution of the Group’s strategy, in particular in connection with commercial contract compliance and training of new hires.
• Advise the Group on legal aspects of the procurement, implementation and management of  complex technology services, digital transformation initiatives, and SaaS/supplier lifecycle management.
• Advise on B2B technology and digital content matters, including intellectual property, content licensing, complex content and data-sharing arrangements, data protection and relevant regulatory compliance.
• Keep up to date with, and understand, relevant laws and regulations globally and advise the business teams in respect of any measures to be implemented
• Work closely with Legal team members globally, Procurement, Sales, business heads, Finance  as well as all other commercial departments supported to:
• Develop a reputation as a trusted and reliable resource for contract support
• Maintain an awareness of relevant operating policies and processes (including discounting approval authorities, signatory authorities, rate cards, editorial guidelines, etc.)
• Provide coverage for Contracts colleagues when they are on holiday or unavailable for an extended period (or if urgent matters arise)
• Help maintain high ethical standards throughout the Group

Experience, skills and professional attributes

To succeed in this role it would be an advantage if you possess:

• Substantial experience in private practice or an in-house legal function with a strong background in complex commercial, technology and digital agreements 
• Knowledge of the legal and commercial issues arising from artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, including AI-related contracting, intellectual property, data rights, confidentiality, liability and risk allocation. 
• Ability to collaborate across a wide range of business stakeholders to drive initiatives through to conclusion  
• A solution driven and risk-based mindset able to succinctly identify critical areas of concern and construct legally-compliant, commercially-viable solutions  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including distilling complex legal and technical issues into clear, concise messaging 
• Exceptional time management, planning, and organisational skills, ability to deliver within tight deadlines, with strong analytical capabilities. Attention to detail is a must
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with proven experience in relationship building and partnering.
• Positive ‘can do’ attitude and a determination to succeed
• Commercial awareness and ability to understand the products and services sold by the businesses supported and the way those products / services are positioned to clients during the sales process as well as developed during the implementation process
• Experience in redlining, Microsoft Word, Google Workspace, Slack, DocuSign,  Salesforce and legal AI tools a plus.

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