Senior Counsel, Litigation - EMEA

PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in entertainment producing The PlayStation family of products and services including PlayStation5, PlayStation4, PlayStationVR, PlayStationPlus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more. PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity.

We are seeking an experienced legal counsel to join our EMEA Litigation team. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of post-qualification experience in UK law, and a proven track record of working across jurisdictions in EMEA. You will be part of the Litigation and Competition team in EMEA, and work closely with litigation colleagues globally. You will report into the Senior Director - Competition and Litigation, EMEA. The legal team at PlayStation is a lively and dynamic environment, where creativity and collaboration are key. We value personalities that bring energy and enthusiasm to the table, making our workplace anything but stuffy.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the management of a growing docket of large and complex litigation matters across EMEA, working with outside counsel.
• Support SIE’s engagement in ongoing litigation, including on disclosure, factual and expert witness evidence, trial preparation and settlement negotiations.
• Design and implement strategic approaches to managing litigation risks and resolving disputes, and identify opportunities to shape our broader legal strategy with a view to managing litigation risks.
• Manage a range of pre-litigation claims across EMEA, including investigating potential claims or complaints, engaging in pre-litigation correspondence and supporting ad-hoc requests from colleagues across Legal and business teams.
• Develop pre-litigation and litigation processes, with the aim of improving effectiveness and efficiency.
• Work closely with colleagues in Legal, Policy and Communications on the management of high-profile matters.
• Advise Legal and business teams, including senior stakeholders, on litigation risks.
• Assist with developing policies and guidelines for business and Legal teams.
• Work closely with team members, including paralegals, and collaborate with counterparts globally.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of the video game industry, SIE’s products and services, and relevant laws.

Qualifications:

• LLB or equivalent with a minimum of 10 years post-qualification experience in a litigation or disputes group in a top tier law firm and/or in-house legal department of a company supporting business needs across EMEA or globally.
• Qualified lawyer in the UK with experience of working across jurisdictions in EMEA or globally.

We are looking for:

• Extensive experience of leading large and complex litigation and dispute matters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and sound judgement.
• An excellent understanding of litigation risk and a strategic and commercial mindset.
• A comfort with navigating ambiguity and taking decisions in an environment characterised by dynamism and constant change.
• The desire and ability to develop a function, continually identifying and implementing improvements in effectiveness and efficiency.
• The ability to build strong internal relationships, collaborating across the organisation, including within Legal, and more broadly, to effectively manage litigation matters and litigation risks.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to brief and advise senior stakeholders on litigation risks and strategy.
• The ability to manage outside counsel relationships and budgets across EMEA.
• As a senior member of the broader Legal team, a willingness to actively contribute to team and departmental initiatives.
• A positive spirit and a sense of humour, because we believe that work should be fun.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working
• Discretionary bonus opportunity
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Scheme
• London Allowance (if applicable)
• 25 days holiday per year
• On Site Gym
• Subsidised Café
• Free soft drinks
• On site bar
• Access to cycle garage and showers

Equal Opportunity Statement: Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond. PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.