Introduction
Who we are
The Economist is a leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs, published weekly in print and digital editions, and daily through our Espresso app and Economist.com. We deliver our information through a range of formats, from newspapers and magazines to conferences, films and digital editions. What ties us together is the objectivity of our opinion, the originality of our insight and our advocacy of economic and political freedom around the world.
The Economist Group covers four main business areas (The Economist, Economist Intelligence, Economist Impact and Economist Education). Headquartered in London, The Economist Group has offices and people across the globe, and is valued by its customers for its world-class insights and rigorous analysis. We value individuals who think differently and can challenge the status quo.
What we’re looking for
We have an exciting opportunity for a Legal Counsel to join our legal team. This role will report to the Head of Legal Contracting. The job is based in London but involves working with stakeholders across the globe, and in particular the UK, Europe and the US. We have a hybrid work policy of two days in the office (as a minimum).
The Legal Counsel will be a key member of the legal team advising and working primarily for The Economist Group’s B2B businesses globally, reviewing, drafting and negotiating client contracts and supplier/vendor contracts; and providing legal advice on various aspects of the global operations of The Economist Group, including licensing and brand/IP protection, disputes and marketing and advertising, while pragmatically managing material risks (brand/reputation, financial, and legal) and facilitating business in a manner consistent with the current Economist Group policies and processes.
Accountabilities
How you will contribute:
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of contracts including:
- client agreements for our B2B businesses, including content licensing, subscription, sponsorship and advertising sales agreements;
- procurement contracts for key suppliers and vendors;
- other vendor and commercial agreements for our B2C (newspaper) business.
- Provide clear, high quality legal advice and support on a wide range of commercial and corporate issues throughout the Group;
- Minimize risk for The Economist Group while facilitating business;
- Help protect the Group’s brands and other intellectual property;
- Assist with the execution of the Group’s strategy, particularly in connection with commercial contract compliance;
- Keep up to date with, and understand, relevant laws and regulations globally and advise the business teams in respect of any measures to be implemented;
- Work closely with Legal team members globally, Procurement, Sales, business heads, Finance as well as all other commercial departments supported to:
- Develop a reputation as a trusted and reliable resource for contract support;
- Maintain an awareness of relevant operating policies and processes (including discounting approval authorities, signatory authorities, rate cards, editorial guidelines, etc.);
- Provide coverage for Contracts colleagues when they are on holiday or unavailable for an extended period (or if urgent matters arise);
- Help maintain high ethical standards throughout the Group.
Experience, skills and professional attributes
To succeed in this role it would be an advantage if you possess:
- Admitted as a lawyer in the UK or a relevant EU jurisdiction;
- Ability to collaborate across a wide range of business stakeholders to drive initiatives through to conclusion;
- A solution driven and risk-based mindset able to succinctly identify critical areas of concern and construct legally-compliant, commercially-viable solutions;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including distilling complex legal and technical issues into clear, concise messaging;
- Exceptional time management, planning, and organisational skills, with strong analytic capabilities. Attention to detail is a must;
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with proven experience in relationship building and partnering;
- Positive ‘can do’ attitude and a determination to succeed;
- Commercial awareness and ability to understand the products and services sold by the businesses supported and the way those products/services are positioned to clients during the sales process as well as developed during the implementation process.
