Legal Counsel

The Role

We are looking for an ambitious and highly organised individual who is articulate, curious, proactive, and thrives in a fast-paced environment across a range of projects.

Whilst the successful candidate needs to be a natural self-starter, it is also important that the candidate can work as part of a team across a range of disciplines.

We are a busy in-house legal team of five people: General Counsel, Legal Director, two Legal Counsel and a Paralegal with a separate UK and US Business Affairs team, covering all VCCP group companies globally. We are looking for a commercially minded 2-3 PQE lawyer, preferably already with some great in-house experience or a secondment, ready to throw themselves into this busy but fun team. Previous experience in advertising would be great, but a strong commercial contracts and Intellectual Property background is essential. Data privacy experience would be welcome. The role reports directly to the General Counsel. This is a hybrid role, working in the Central London office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Responsibilities:

• Reviewing, amending, and negotiating non-disclosure agreements.
• Drafting and negotiation of a variety of commercial contracts, including: creative advertising master services agreements, synchronisation agreements, framework services agreements for media planning and buying, branding services, talent agreements, influencer agreements, celebrity partnerships, production agreements, supplier contracts, and AI.
• Reviewing industry production agreements, such as PIBS and covid tripartite addendum.
• Reviewing and supporting the RFI pitch process and conflict checks.

Researching and advising on contentious and non-contentious intellectual property issues (trademarks, copyrights, and passing off), including potential issues surrounding advertisements before publication and our own brand portfolio.

• Researching advertising regulations and reviewing and advising on copy and

scripts for compliance with regulations such as CAP/BCAP, HFSS, DMCCA.

• Delivering training and updates to the legal team and wider business.
• Assisting in reviewing and updating precedent agreements and policies.
• Providing general legal support to the agency across all global offices.

Skills Required:

• Qualified lawyer, 2-3 year PQE*
• IP and Commercial experience in private practice or from an in-house

commercial team.

• Advertising/media background is useful but not essential.
• A solid understanding of commercial contracts and the ability to negotiate

independently are vital.

• Good understanding of copyright and trademark infringement.
• Pragmatic and commercially minded.
• Proactive and takes initiative.
• Ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and concisely to non-lawyers.
• Proven ability to prioritise workload and to work to tight deadlines.

*Candidates with less PQE who can demonstrate the requisite experience will also be considered.

VCCP DE&I Statement:

We believe that DE&I is about creating a strong culture of inclusion within our agency, where everyone can thrive and be their authentic self. VCCP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or ethnicity. If you require any adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know via joinus@vccp.com.