At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice on tech and commercial matters while drafting key agreements.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a leading global news organisation committed to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, medical cover, gym memberships, and a hybrid work model.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact at the intersection of law, technology, and journalism.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with experience in commercial contracts and data protection.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
This job is with Financial Times, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
About Us
The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.
The Role
We are looking for a Legal Counsel to join the FT’s legal team, acting as a key legal contact for several areas of the business, including Product & Technology, Ad Tech and Payment Processing. You will develop a strong understanding of the commercial and operational needs of these teams, providing practical legal advice and supporting them across a broad range of technology-focused commercial matters. A significant part of the role will involve drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements including software licences, SaaS agreements, software development agreements, service level agreements and data processing agreements. You will work closely with business partners on a daily basis, including senior management, as well as colleagues across Procurement, Compliance and Cyber. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of law, technology and commercial decision-making within a leading global news and information organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a key legal contact for business areas including Product & Technology, Ad Tech and Payment Processing.
- Provide clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice that reflects the operational needs of the business.
- Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of technology and commercial agreements, including software licences, SaaS agreements, software development agreements and service level agreements.
- Advise on data protection matters and draft and negotiate data processing agreements, including in relation to Ad Tech, cookies and similar technologies.
- Build effective working relationships with stakeholders across the business, including senior management.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues in Procurement, Compliance and Cyber on relevant legal and commercial matters.
Required Skills and Experience
- Qualified to practise English law, with at least two years’ PQE.
- A genuine interest in working for a leading business news and information organisation.
- Excellent understanding of commercial and contract law principles.
- Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, particularly technology contracts, including software licences, SaaS agreements, software development agreements and service level agreements.
- Strong knowledge of data protection law, including GDPR, with experience drafting and negotiating data processing agreements, including in the context of Ad Tech, cookies and similar technologies.
- Ability to manage the demands and competing priorities of a fast-paced in-house environment.
- A commercially minded approach, with the confidence and credibility to communicate effectively with stakeholders at different levels of the organisation.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong, collaborative working relationships.
Desirable
- Training at a leading UK law firm.
- Previous in-house experience.
- Experience advising on the legal risks associated with generative AI, or a genuine interest in developing expertise in this area.
What's in it for You?
Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here. We currently operate a hybrid model which requires staff to work onsite 50% of the time, subject to role requirements & regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for all roles. We believe this balanced approach supports flexibility and protects our culture, making collaboration and communication easier, building stronger relationships and team cohesion, and supporting peer learning.
Accessibility
We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Further Information
At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all. Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact talent@ft.com.
Legal Counsel employer: Financial Times
The Financial Times is an exceptional employer that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a warm and collaborative culture where employees can thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, the FT offers a range of benefits including generous annual leave, medical cover, and a flexible hybrid working model, ensuring that you can balance your professional and personal life while contributing to impactful journalism. Join a diverse community of experts and enjoy opportunities that challenge and inspire you in a role that connects influential decision-makers across the globe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Financial Times, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Financial Times, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Financial Times and the specific role of Legal Counsel. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Financial Times’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Times
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Financial Times.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Financial Times.
