At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial legal functions and negotiate key agreements in the gaming industry.
- Company: Join Kwalee, a leading gaming powerhouse with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health cover, free snacks, and a dog-friendly office.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, generous holiday, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while working with top-tier gaming projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor or Barrister with 7+ years of commercial contracts experience.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
At Kwalee, you’ll join a gaming powerhouse that boasts a mobile empire with 1.5 billion+ downloads alongside a thriving PC & Console division that has achieved numerous global chart-topping releases across Steam, Consoles, and Amazon, driving millions of Wishlists. Most recently publishing breakout hits such as The Precinct and Town to City. It’s a unique chance to bring your expertise to a global studio that dominates both the mobile, and the indie PC and Console space.
At Kwalee, as well as a competitive salary we also offer; Private Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Assurance, Royal London Pension, a Free On-site Gym, Dog-friendly Office, LinkedIn Learning, 25 holiday days + bank holidays, and 1 day extra holiday for each year of service capped at 5.
Kwalee's Legal team are looking for a Senior Legal Counsel to lead the commercial legal function and provide pragmatic, commercially focused legal support across the business. Reporting directly to the Group Finance Director, you'll oversee legal operations across our UK and India businesses, lead a small in-house legal team and support some of the company's most commercially significant agreements with software providers, advertising networks and strategic technology partners. This role is based in our Leamington Spa studio working onsite 5 days per week, where our daily in-office collaboration fuels creativity and innovation.
Responsibilities
- Lead the commercial contracts function, drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements.
- Manage software licensing agreements, SaaS renewals and enterprise software contracts.
- Drafting and reviewing Statements of Work (SOWs), Master Services Agreements (MSAs) and supplier agreements relating to game development, including localisation, translation, QA, art, audio, consultancy and external development services.
- Support negotiations for key commercial agreements with advertising networks, user acquisition partners, technology providers and strategic service partners.
- Partner with Finance, Technology, and operational stakeholders on strategic software renewals, advertising platform agreements and procurement activities.
- Act as a trusted adviser to senior stakeholders, balancing legal risk with commercial opportunity.
- Oversee legal work-streams across the UK and India.
- Manage, mentor and develop two Legal Counsels.
- Work with external legal counsel on specialist matters, including publishing agreements where required.
- Support the company's data protection framework alongside the external Data Protection Officer.
- Manage the company's Intellectual Property register.
- Manage copyright infringement matters for published games, including takedown processes.
- Support compliance with the UK Online Safety Act and other applicable legislation.
- Develop and maintain commercial contract templates, negotiation playbooks, policies and practical legal guidance to improve consistency, streamline legal processes, reduce legal risk and enable the business to operate more efficiently.
- Manage external legal advisers and continuously improve legal processes.
Requirements
- Qualified Solicitor or Barrister (England & Wales or equivalent).
- Minimum 7 years' PQE.
- Extensive commercial contracts experience.
- Strong software licensing, SaaS and technology contracts experience.
- Experience with SOWs, procurement and supplier agreements.
- Experience negotiating with technology providers and advertising networks.
- Good working knowledge of UK GDPR.
- Experience managing external legal advisers.
- Previous people management or mentoring experience.
- Excellent commercial judgement and stakeholder management skills.
Why Kwalee?
- Generous Holiday: Start with 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays. You'll also earn an extra day for every year of service, up to 5 years!
- Flexible Working: We offer core hours that allow you to work flexibly around your life, and a bank of 'Work From Home' days to use when you need them.
- Health Cover: Private medical cover, life assurance, a solid pension plan, and cover for dental and optical care.
- Recharge: Take advantage of our on-site gym and a supportive atmosphere that prioritises your wellbeing.
- Free Food & Drink: Fuel your day with unlimited free snacks and drinks.
- Gaming Goodies: Receive Steam codes for all our game releases!
- Dog-Friendly Office: Bring your furry friend to our vibrant, fun office.
- Office Location: Leamington Spa office location, with free parking and electric charging stations.
- Merch & Events: Get exclusive Kwalee merch, enjoy fun seasonal events, and stay informed with regular town halls.
- Growth & Learning: Full access to LinkedIn Learning to support your continuous professional development.
Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
At Kwalee, we take pride in being an equal opportunity employer, where we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving creativity. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Our culture is built on celebrating the diverse voices of our team members, fuelling innovation and strengthening our connection to our players. We are dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of life, including age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We recognise the importance of self-development, career progression, and well-being in retaining our talented team. At Kwalee, we celebrate individuality and encourage everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.
Senior Legal Counsel employer: Kwalee-Lt
Kwalee is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity thrives in our dog-friendly Leamington Spa studio. With generous benefits including private medical insurance, flexible working hours, and a commitment to employee growth through LinkedIn Learning, we ensure that our team members feel valued and supported. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment that not only prioritises your well-being but also celebrates diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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.
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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 Kwalee-Lt, 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 Senior Legal Counsel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Kwalee-Lt, 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 Kwalee-Lt and the specific role of Senior 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 Kwalee-Lt’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kwalee-Lt
✨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 Kwalee-Lt.
✨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 Kwalee-Lt.