Financial Times
Legal Counsel - 3 month FTC, immediate start
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Financial Times – Commercial Contracts Lawyer (Maternity Cover)
About Us
The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded.
Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create meaningful work, and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.
Our warm, collaborative culture connects you with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations, and wellbeing.
Build a newsworthy career at the FT, with no fixed path and endless opportunities to develop new skills.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected, and valued. A supportive workplace allows employees to be themselves and operate to their full potential. A key focus is addressing barriers faced by underrepresented groups.
The Role
The Financial Times is recruiting for maternity cover for one of our commercial contracts lawyer roles, available in two formats:
- Based at our Belfast office (Northern Ireland)
- Fully remote (anywhere in the UK)
This is a three-month fixed-term maternity cover position requiring an immediate start.
The FT’s highly regarded in-house legal team, based across London and Belfast, consists of four commercial lawyers who report to a Senior Legal Counsel (also based in Belfast) and the FT’s deputy company secretary. The Belfast team supports key business divisions, including:
- FT corporate subscriptions and licensing
- FT Live (global conferences & events)
- FT Longitude (thought leadership)
- FT Specialist titles range
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Remote or Hybrid Working
The fixed-term role offers flexibility with full remote work (UK-wide) or hybrid working (Belfast or London office).
Key Responsibilities
- Advise FT business units on contracts with clients from diverse industries and jurisdictions
- Negotiate contractual terms with external customers
- Provide highly responsive, commercial legal advice
- Manage contracts (typically standard templates) that may require complex negotiation
- Ensure contract templates align with FT’s business model and update them as needed
- Deliver contract-related training to business partners
- Utilise leading legal AI tools to develop and implement agentic solutions, improving workflow efficiency and legal advisory quality
Required Skills & Experience (Essential)
- Solicitor qualified in the UK
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Strong commercial contract drafting expertise, with a deep understanding of:
- Copyright
- Licensing
- indemnity
- Liability issues
- Demonstrates commercial awareness that links legal advice to strategic business objectives
- Highly organised, adaptable, with strong prioritisation and clear communication skills (internal and external)
- Ability to build strong relationships within the legal team and wider business
Desirable
- Previous in-house legal experience
- A forward-thinking approach to legal practice, with:
- Interest or experience in legal AI technology
- Ability to design workflow solutions that improve efficiency and streamline advisory processes
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Benefits
Our best-in-class benefits extend to all offices, including generously funded:
- Annual leave
- Medical coverage
- Inclusive parental leave
- Subsidised gym memberships
- Community support initiatives
While our approach is primarily 50-50 hybrid working (subject to role-specific needs), flexible arrangements remain possible. We'll continue to operate with care, balancing flexibility, collaboration, and team cohesion.
FT is a disability-confident employer and signatory to the Valuable 500 initiative. We aim to support accessibility at every stage of the process. Please let us know if adjustments or accommodations are required.
Further Information
At the FT, we embrace innovation and technology, and we understand the role AI can play in recruitment. Where applicable, it is acceptable to use AI tools to assist candidates. However, authenticity and accuracy are critical—ensure all information aligns with your actual skills, experience, and qualifications.
Hiring Security Notice
Be aware of fraud alerts and do not provide personal/financial information to third parties under any circumstances. Legitimate Financial Times opportunities will guide candidates to apply via our official careers website. The FT will never solicit financial payments or referrals during hiring.
Additional Opportunities
If you are interested in working at the FT but this role doesn’t match your preference, you can join our Talent Community for updates, exclusive job insights, and exclusive features.
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