Legal Counsel - Commercial

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 Economist.com and our App. 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 SVP - Legal. 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 for The Economist Group’s various media businesses globally, (i) reviewing, drafting and negotiating supplier/vendor and client contracts; and (ii) providing legal advice on all aspects of the global operations of The Economist Group, including licensing and brand/IP protection, product development, marketing and advertising, strategic partnerships and corporate/M&A matters, in all cases 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:

• Provide clear, high quality legal advice and support on a wide range of commercial and corporate issues throughout the Group.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of contracts including:
• procurement contracts for key technology, SaaS and operational suppliers and vendors;
• client agreements for our B2B businesses, including content licensing, subscription, sponsorship and advertising sales agreements; and
• editorial and other  print, digital, audio and film-related agreements.
• Advise Product team on consumer law requirements for our websites, Apps and other platforms (including new features and functionalities).
• Advise the Marketing team on compliance requirements in respect of marketing and advertising campaigns, customer communications and other marketing initiatives.
• Ensure that the Group and its websites comply with applicable laws and regulations, for example relating to e-commerce, marketing and advertising.
• Provide legal advice on complex data protection and privacy matters across the Group, including UK, EU and international privacy laws, regulatory compliance and data-related contractual arrangements.
• Advise on legal and regulatory issues relating to artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and the commercial use of data, including data licensing, intellectual property, risk management and the development and deployment of AI-driven products and services.
• Help protect the Group’s brands and other intellectual property, including IP enforcement, content takedowns and syndication, and rights-clearance queries.
• 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.
• Manage and maintain contract templates and guidance, ensuring alignment with group policies and brand-protection standards.

Experience, skills and professional attributes

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

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• Admitted as a lawyer in the UK or a relevant EU jurisdiction (minimum 3 PQE). 
• Ability to collaborate across a wide range of business stakeholders to drive initiatives through to conclusion  
• A 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, with strong analytic 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
• 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.

#LI-Hybrid