Company Description
French Connection is a design-led British brand creating distinctive womenswear, menswear, accessories, and home products for modern lifestyles. Since 1972, the brand has focused on timeless, affordable quality with innovation at its core, designing and developing all collections from its Camden, London head office. French Connection distributes globally through retail stores, e-commerce, wholesale, and licensing channels, offering a premium customer experience. The company promotes a dynamic, collaborative culture where employees proudly represent the brand and its bold personality. French Connection continues to push boundaries through impactful campaigns and support for emerging talent.
About the Role
French Connection is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Legal to act as the company's sole in-house legal adviser. Working closely with the Owners and Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic and pragmatic legal advice across the business, with a particular focus on international licensing, intellectual property, commercial agreements and retail operations.
This is a senior, hands-on role requiring strong commercial judgement, independence and the ability to manage a broad range of legal matters across an international business. The Head of Legal is a part-time, on-site role based in Camden Town.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the principal legal adviser to the Owners and Executive Leadership Team, providing commercially focused advice on legal matters, business initiatives and risk management.
- Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of international licensing, manufacturing, distribution, technology and other commercial agreements.
- Oversee the management and protection of the company's intellectual property portfolio, including trademarks, brand licensing, enforcement and international brand protection.
- Advise on legal and regulatory matters relating to advertising, marketing, e-commerce, consumer protection and product safety.
- Provide legal guidance on employment law, data protection, technology, sustainability, ethical sourcing and supply chain compliance.
- Support corporate governance, commercial property matters and the development of appropriate legal policies and compliance frameworks.
- Identify and advise on emerging legal and regulatory risks, ensuring relevant stakeholders are informed of developments affecting the business.
- Manage external legal advisers, disputes, litigation and regulatory matters across relevant jurisdictions.
Experience & Skills
- Qualified solicitor or equivalent legal professional with substantial relevant experience, ideally including senior in-house responsibility.
- Expertise in negotiating complex international licensing and commercial agreements.
- Expertise in intellectual property, brand licensing and trademark portfolio management.
- Broad commercial legal knowledge, with the ability to advise across multiple business functions and jurisdictions.
- Excellent commercial judgement, negotiation and communication skills, with the confidence to advise senior leadership.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and engage external legal specialists where required.
- Experience within fashion, retail, consumer brands, FMCG or international licensing is highly desirable.
Head of Legal in Camden Town employer: French Connection
At French Connection, we pride ourselves on fostering a creative and collaborative work environment in the heart of London. As a midweight Digital Designer, you'll have the opportunity to shape our digital presence while benefiting from a culture that encourages innovation and professional growth. With access to ongoing training and a supportive team, you'll thrive in a role that not only values your contributions but also offers unique insights into the dynamic world of fashion e-commerce.
