At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate commercial agreements while supporting legal advisory across various areas.
- Company: Join the Thomson Reuters Foundation, a global leader in media and legal expertise.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, market-leading benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Part-time role (21hrs/week) with excellent career growth in a mission-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social justice and work with diverse global stakeholders.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years PQE with strong commercial legal skills; experience in data protection and IP law is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the Thomson Reuters Foundation
Join a team that leverages media, legal and data-driven expertise to strengthen independent journalism, expand access to the law, and promote responsible business worldwide. The Thomson Reuters Foundation is the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, a global leader in news and information services. As an independent charity registered in the UK, EU and the USA, we work to foster free, fair and informed societies by harnessing the power of the media, the law and data intelligence. Through our programmes, we inform, empower and equip key actors working in our areas of focus so that their decisions can have a positive impact on people, society and the environment. Our unique combination of media and legal expertise enables us to deliver impactful programmes, pro bono legal services, research, news and convenings that support a more just and sustainable world.
About the role
We are seeking a Junior In‑House Counsel with at least 3 years PQE, to join our legal team on a part-time basis. This role offers the opportunity to develop a broad commercial legal skillset within an international, mission-driven organisation. Reporting to the In-House Counsel, you will support on a wide range of legal matters, with a primary focus on drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements, while also contributing to advisory work across intellectual property, media law, and data protection. The role is well suited to a commercially minded lawyer who is eager to build in-house experience, work across diverse legal areas, and engage with a wide range of global stakeholders in support of the Foundation’s mission. Please note that this is a Part-Time position (21hrs per week).
As a Junior In-House Counsel within the Thomson Reuters Foundation, you will:
- Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial contracts and agreements, including partnership agreements, grants, licensing agreements, service contracts, website terms & conditions.
Legal Advisory: Provide support and develop expertise in the following areas:
- Intellectual Property Law: Support protection and management of the Foundation’s intellectual property and licences.
- Media Law: Support on media law issues including defamation, content partnerships and licensing.
- Privacy and Data Protection Law: Support compliance with applicable privacy and data protection regulations.
Develop and maintain legal templates, guidance documents, and tools to enhance service delivery. Manage and update the internal legal resource hub and serve as the primary contact for related queries.
About You
To be our Junior In-House Counsel, you will likely have:
- A lawyer with strong commercial legal skills (experience with data protection law, intellectual property law and contract law would be a plus).
- 3-5 years post-qualification experience in private practice or in an in-house team.
- Broad legal and commercial knowledge and the ability to issue spot is critical.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively and responsibly use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support legal research, contract review, drafting, risk identification.
- Experience or a demonstrated interest in the pro bono sector, with knowledge of key global development trends and/or experience working with the charitable, philanthropic or social enterprise sector.
- Proven ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders, from senior corporate executives and partners of top law firms to social entrepreneurs, NGOs, media organisations, funders, multilateral organisations and any other beneficiaries of our services.
- Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines to drive projects to completion.
- An independent self-starter with an ability to design their own agenda and take responsibility to advance and complete projects.
- A strong team player, able to communicate effectively with a global team.
The candidate must already have legal status to work in the UK as the Foundation will not source a work permit or visa on their behalf. Please note that the closing date for applications is Wednesday 24th June.
What’s in it For You?
- Global Perspective and Impact: Interested in working for a dynamic global organization with a focus on social impact? With hubs all over the world from Bangkok to Madrid to Rio de Janeiro, join a truly international team with a shared goal of helping to build societies around the world that are free, fair, and informed.
- Unique Approach: Our expertise in media and the law is world class. We combine the power of both to address the critical issues faced by humanity.
- Our Relevance: With a focus on advancing media freedom, fostering more inclusive economies and promoting human rights, our work has never been more needed than right now.
- Industry Competitive Benefits: We offer competitive salary packages and market-leading benefits.
- Learning & Development: We are dedicated to the continual professional development of our employees and offer access to both in-house and external training opportunities.
About Thomson Reuters Foundation
The Thomson Reuters Foundation is the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, the global news and information services company. As an independent charity, registered in the UK and USA, we leverage our media, legal and data driven expertise to strengthen independent journalism, enable access to the law and promote responsible business. Through news, media development, free legal assistance and data intelligence, we aim to build free, fair and informed societies.
About Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters informs the way forward by bringing together the trusted content and technology that people and organizations need to make the right decisions. We serve professionals across legal, tax, accounting, compliance, government, and media. Our products combine highly specialized software and insights to empower professionals with the data, intelligence, and solutions needed to make informed decisions, and to help institutions in their pursuit of justice, truth, and transparency. Reuters, part of Thomson Reuters, is a world leading provider of trusted journalism and news.
We are powered by the talents of 26,000 employees across more than 70 countries, where everyone has a chance to contribute and grow professionally in flexible work environments. At a time when objectivity, accuracy, fairness, and transparency are under attack, we consider it our duty to pursue them. Sound exciting? Join us and help shape the industries that move society forward.
As a global business, we rely on the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all employees to deliver on our business goals. To ensure we can do that, we seek talented, qualified employees in all our operations around the world regardless of race, color, sex/gender, including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, citizen status, veteran status, or any other protected classification under applicable law. Thomson Reuters is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer providing a drug-free workplace.
We also make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs in accordance with applicable law.
More information on requesting an accommodation here.
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More information about Thomson Reuters can be found on thomsonreuters.com.
Junior In-house counsel - Thomson Reuters Foundation in London employer: Thomson Reuters
The Thomson Reuters Foundation is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Junior In-House Counsel to develop a broad commercial legal skillset within a mission-driven organisation. With a strong focus on social impact, competitive benefits, and a commitment to employee growth through continuous professional development, you will be part of a diverse global team dedicated to fostering free, fair, and informed societies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior In-house counsel - Thomson Reuters Foundation in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with in-house roles. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Thomson Reuters Foundation's mission and values. Show us that you’re not just a lawyer, but someone who genuinely cares about making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior In-house counsel - Thomson Reuters Foundation in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Junior In-House Counsel role. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial law, data protection, and intellectual property, as these are key areas for us.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for the Thomson Reuters Foundation's mission shine through. Share any experiences or interests you have in the pro bono sector or social impact work to show us you're a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our official website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomson Reuters
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of commercial contracts, intellectual property, and data protection laws. Be ready to discuss how these areas relate to the Thomson Reuters Foundation's mission and how you can contribute to their legal team.
✨Show Your Passion for Social Impact
The Thomson Reuters Foundation is all about making a difference. Be prepared to share your experiences or interests in the pro bono sector and how they align with the Foundation's goals. This will show that you're not just a lawyer, but someone who genuinely cares about the impact of their work.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific legal scenarios, especially those related to media law or contract negotiations. Think through some examples from your past experience where you successfully navigated similar challenges.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be working with a diverse range of stakeholders, practice how you would communicate effectively with different audiences. Think about how to tailor your communication style to suit senior executives, NGOs, and other partners, showcasing your adaptability and teamwork skills.
