Legal Counsel (Maternity Cover) in London

Inhouse Legal Counsel to support the New Look business on a high variety of legal matters. Reporting into Senior Legal Counsel. Successful candidate will join a Legal, Data Privacy and CoSec team, that consists of 2 other lawyers within the legal team, bringing the total lawyers up to 4 to a wide range of legal matters.

Particular focus on IP management and advice, ESG matters, ASA and consumer protection regulations and drafting and negotiating commercial contracts. Collaborating cross-functionally with key stakeholders, including Procurement, BMD and Product/Quality/ESG teams to provide commercially focused advice to support business objectives and manage legal and regulatory risk.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial contracts (including terms and conditions, distribution agreements, consultancy agreements, supply/purchase agreements, agency agreements, franchise/international development agreements and arrangements with third party e-com partners). Particular emphasis on influencer, media and tech contracts can be expected.
• Advising on terminations/renewals of commercial agreements.
• Advising on sales and marketing, promotions and competitions. Review advertising campaigns, promotional materials, influencer arrangements, social media content, and sustainability claims to ensure compliance with ASA Codes.
• Advising on compliance with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) and related UK consumer protection legislation.
• Supporting responses to regulatory inquiries, investigations, and enforcement actions involving consumer protection and advertising matters.
• Assisting with corporate/company secretarial matters such as drafting Powers of Attorney and corporate projects.
• Advising on ESG-related legal and regulatory requirements, including sustainability reporting, corporate governance, human rights, supply chain due diligence, and responsible business practices.
• Support the development and implementation of ESG policies, frameworks, and governance initiatives.
• Review and advise on sustainability claims, marketing materials, and public disclosures to mitigate risks, and monitor emerging ESG regulations and industry developments and provide practical guidance to business stakeholders.
• Managing the IP search function for design and trademarks internally, including providing strategic advice on IP protection, enforcement and infringement risks, and engaging and taking advice externally when necessary, under supervision.
• Providing ad hoc advice to the business on an array of other matters that may include standard terms & conditions, NDAs, competitions & promotions, advertising & marketing, e-commerce/online, software/IT licensing, wholesale & retail issues, regulatory compliance, consumer law matters, anti-trust, dispute resolution etc.
• Drafting and negotiating a broad range of technology and commercial agreements, including software licensing agreements, SaaS and cloud services agreements, professional services agreements etc.
• Managing upwards, keeping the General Counsel and Senior Legal Counsel and other Commercial Solicitors in the team informed about important issues and able to present clearly and precisely, enabling others to understand the key facts and issues.
• Staying up to date with legal developments and key business information and is aware of the marketplace and the company’s position within it.
• Cultivating and maintaining a business partner relationship with internal stakeholders and external counsel.
• Identifying, developing and delivering legal training to support key areas of the business (i.e. Marketing, Intellectual Property etc).
• Coordinating projects, liaising with and managing external law firms to obtain advice (UK and overseas).

WHO YOU ARE:

• Must be England and Wales (or similar jurisdiction) qualified lawyer with IP experience.
• Must have IP experience and previous In house or strong in house secondment experience post qualification.
• Must understand ASA advertising standards, DMCCA consumer protection requirements, and CMA regulatory frameworks, with the ability to advise stakeholders on compliance risks and best practices.
• Preferred experience and understanding of ESG-related legal, regulatory, and sustainability matters.
• Preferred understanding of technology, and experience in advising on, drafting, and negotiating technology contracts, including SaaS agreements, software licences, and Master Services Agreements (MSAs).

WHATS IN IT FOR YOU:

• 40% staff discount plus friends & family discounts throughout the year.
• Access to our reward platform for external discount and offers.
• Private pension scheme.
• Profit related bonus scheme.
• Option to join our Healthcare Private Medical Scheme.
• Virtual GP access for you and your children – it allows you to speak to a doctor at a time and date that suits you.
• All employees are covered by our life assurance policy from day one.
• Unlock extra leave with our buy more holiday scheme.
• Celebrate YOU! Enjoy an extra paid day off on your birthday each year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, and shared parental leave (eligible after 2 years service).
• Spread the cost of your commute with interest-free season ticket loans.
• Do your bit for the environment and save money with our Cycle2Work scheme.
• We're proud to partner with the Retail Trust and Fashion & Textile Children's Trust.