At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a part-time General Counsel, providing legal advice on media law and content regulation.
- Company: The BBFC is the UK's independent body for film classification, promoting safe viewing for families.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and a supportive environment focused on professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of media regulation while protecting children from harmful content in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with at least two years' experience in commercial contracts and media law.
- Other info: This role offers a unique chance to influence legal practices in an evolving digital landscape.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 54000 £ per year.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation and the UK's independent body for issuing age ratings for films and digital content. Our mission is to empower audiences, especially parents, to make informed decisions about what their families watch and to protect children and vulnerable adults from potentially harmful content.
The BBFC is seeking a dynamic part-time General Counsel to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to provide legal advice and support across a broad range of legal and regulatory matters impacting our unique and high-profile organisation. This is a new position which offers the chance to shape the role while working on a variety of commercial contracts, business projects, and general legal matters.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Providing accurate, relevant, and timely advice to the Board, senior management and other members of staff on legal topics relevant to the BBFC such as media law and content regulation, its commercial trading subsidiaries (BBFC Technology Ltd) and our classification products and services. Managing and mitigating legal risks by designing and implementing company policies and procedures. Ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations that apply to the BBFC and its subsidiaries.
- Contracts and Commercial: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts with customers, coordinating contract renewals for Digital Video Service Licenses, handling commercial work (NDAs, supplier agreements), and drafting/reviewing tenancy contracts.
- Intellectual Property: Intellectual Property defense and protection related to BBFC Technology classification and metadata generation products. Handling trademark applications, registrations and infringements for new products and services.
- Employment Law: Providing legal support to HR on employment matters, drafting/reviewing employment contracts for employees and Boards, and advising on new company set up and employee transfers (TUPE).
- Corporate Governance and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the BBFC and its subsidiaries governance structures align with best practices. Legal support for setting up new companies. Advise on ethical policies, including those related to GDPR and data privacy.
- Strategic Business Support including Media Law: Legal support for media law and content regulation matters. Legal support for corporate transactions such as Mergers and Acquisitions.
Additional information: The post holder must accept responsibility for ensuring that the policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times. The post holder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means in line with General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR) the Data Protection Act 2018.
Person Profile:
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and legal drafting skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly and concisely to non-legal colleagues.
- Skilled in teamwork with a highly collaborative approach to legal practice.
- Ability to work independently, manage a diverse workload, and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- A proactive and commercially focused approach with a strong understanding of business needs.
Qualifications and experience:
- Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales (or equivalent common law jurisdiction).
- At least two years post-qualification experience.
- Strong experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
- Good understanding of intellectual property law.
- Good understanding of EU AI Act and forthcoming UK legal frameworks relating to AI and AI Ethics.
- Good understanding of GDPR and data privacy.
- Experience in media law or content regulation.
- Experience with corporate governance matters is desirable.
Terms of appointment: The appointment is permanent. BBFC is committed to equal opportunities in all its activities and all posts are subject to reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010.
What We Offer:
- Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 FTE (£42,000 - £54,000 pro rata)
- Part time: 0.6 FTE (3 days a week)
- Hybrid working (minimum of 1 day per week in the office)
- 25 days holiday per full year (pro rata)
- Group personal pension plan
- Non-contributory life assurance
- Employee assistance support
- Opportunity to influence the future of media regulation in the UK and protect children from harmful content.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes professional development.
General Counsel (Part-Time) employer: BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION
Contact Detail:
BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Counsel (Part-Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the BBFC's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to protecting audiences, especially children, will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your passion for their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in media law and content regulation. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on recent developments in AI legislation and media law. Being knowledgeable about current trends and changes in regulations will show your proactive approach and readiness to tackle the challenges the BBFC faces.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with commercial contracts and intellectual property law in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex legal issues in previous roles, as this will highlight your suitability for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace General Counsel (Part-Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the General Counsel position at the BBFC. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in media law, intellectual property, and corporate governance. Provide specific examples of how your skills align with the duties outlined in the job profile.
Showcase Your Skills: Demonstrate your analytical, problem-solving, and legal drafting skills in your application. Use clear and concise language to explain complex legal issues you have handled in the past, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively with non-legal colleagues.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalised cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the BBFC's mission. Mention how your values align with their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and express your interest in contributing to their innovative projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH BOARD OF FILM CLASSIFICATION
✨Understand the BBFC's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp the BBFC's mission to empower audiences and protect vulnerable groups. This understanding will help you articulate how your legal expertise aligns with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to their values.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience in media law, content regulation, and intellectual property. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully navigated similar legal challenges in previous roles, particularly in a fast-paced environment.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Skills
The role requires strong teamwork and communication skills. Think of instances where you've worked collaboratively with non-legal colleagues or senior management to solve complex issues. This will show that you can effectively bridge the gap between legal and business needs.
✨Stay Updated on Legal Changes
Demonstrate your proactive approach by discussing recent changes in legislation that could impact the BBFC, such as the EU AI Act or GDPR updates. Showing that you're informed about current legal trends will highlight your commitment to ongoing professional development.