Legal Counsel New London - Commercial

Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight. Across our three businesses - The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education - we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries.

As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised.

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 a wide 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 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.

Working Arrangements

The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required.

What we offer

Our benefits package is designed to support your wellbeing, growth, and work-life balance. It includes a highly competitive pension or 401(k) plan, private health insurance, and 24/7 access to counselling and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program. We also offer a range of lifestyle benefits, including our Work From Anywhere program, which allows you to work from any location where you have the legal right to do so for up to 25 days per year. In addition, we provide generous annual and parental leave, as well as dedicated days off for volunteering and even for moving home. You will also be given free access to all The Economist content, including an online subscription, our range of apps, podcasts and more.