Senior Legal Associate in London

Our client is a world class design and branding agency who are looking for a Senior Legal Associate to join them on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract from May 2026, reporting to the Global Chief Legal Officer (GCLO).

Legal is a strategic partner to the whole business, working closely with creative, strategy and client teams to enable ambitious work while managing risk with clarity and commercial rigour. This is an opportunity for an experienced legal professional to take ownership of a broad and dynamic remit within a global agency environment. The role would suit someone who thrives in a fast-moving, creative setting and enjoys partnering closely with stakeholders to deliver commercially grounded legal solutions.

To be well suited, you will demonstrate a strong legal background aligned to the below requirements, alongside a clear interest in working within a creative or media business and an understanding of the commercial realities of agency life. You will be an empathetic and pragmatic communicator, able to translate complex legal concepts into clear, business-aligned advice while maintaining robust legal standards.

Key areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

• Commercial and Contractual: Lead on the review, mark-up, and negotiation of Master Services Agreements (MSAs); Advise stakeholders on contractual risk areas and coordinate approvals for any deviations from agreed contractual guardrails; Oversee and manage contract renewals with relevant business leads; Review and negotiate NDAs, and draft bespoke agreements.
• Intellectual Property: Provide clear, solution-focused advice on copyright, ownership, and infringement risks across creative outputs; Advise on the intersection between AI-generated content and IP risk; Support initial trademark reviews and related advice; Collaborate with Creative Services teams on licensing queries, copyright issues, and template updates; Maintain and update licensing and copyright assignment templates.
• AI and Emerging Technology: Support the rollout and ongoing development of AI initiatives, advising on legal considerations of AI tools, platforms, and processes; Participate in internal AI working groups and deliver against agreed priorities; Review and update internal and external AI policies and playbooks, drafting new documentation where required; Review AI platform terms and conditions in collaboration with global IT teams, providing risk analysis and mitigation strategies; Advise creative and account teams on client AI policies, procurement of AI assets and internal AI-generated content; Prepare clear summaries of client AI requirements for wider teams.
• Data Privacy and GDPR Compliance: Review and mark-up Data Processing Agreements and related data protection clauses; Complete and file internal DPIAs where required; Advise on data protection risks relating to internal projects.
• Litigation: Coordinate with external counsel on employment and commercial disputes; Review external advice and draft related documentation; Liaise with insurers to confirm coverage and ensure alignment.
• Internal Training and Compliance: Create and update contract templates and internal documentation in response to regulatory or process changes; Draft and amend internal and external policy documents; Develop clear contract summaries and deliver training sessions to non-legal teams.

General Principles of the Role:

• Act always with professionalism, honesty, and integrity.
• Escalate where there is risk of legal or regulatory breach.
• Provide independent and impartial advice, free from conflicts of interest.
• Maintain confidentiality unless disclosure is required or permitted by law.
• Develop a strong understanding of the business to ensure legal advice aligns with organisational strategy and objectives.

Requirements:

To be best suited to this role you will be a UK qualified Solicitor with approximately 5 to 8 years’ PQE, with strong experience in commercial contracts and intellectual property. You will also be able to demonstrate:

• Experience within a consultancy, agency or creative business environment is highly desirable.
• Strong working knowledge of UK commercial contracting, intellectual property, and data privacy.
• Experience advising on AI-related risk or emerging technologies is advantageous.
• Confidence managing litigation processes with oversight of external counsel.
• Commercial awareness and comfort operating within areas of legal nuance.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate legal complexity into practical guidance.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Sound judgement on when to escalate and when to act independently.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build relationships across senior stakeholders, creative teams, and corporate functions.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary + strong overall benefits.
• Hybrid working (minimum 2 days in office).
• Central London location.
• Private healthcare (including dental) + income protection & life insurance.
• 25 days holiday + Christmas/New Year closure + birthday off + summer day close.

Please apply with a cover letter detailing your interest & match to the role, an idea of your availability and right to work in the UK. Successful candidates will be contacted within 5 days.