Financial Times
Legal Counsel
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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 work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.
In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.
Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.
Build a newsworthy career at the FT.
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 is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.
The Role
We are looking for a Legal Counsel to join the FT’s legal team, acting as a key legal contact for several areas of the business, including Product & Technology, Ad Tech and Payment Processing.
You will develop a strong understanding of the commercial and operational needs of these teams, providing practical legal advice and supporting them across a broad range of technology-focused commercial matters. A significant part of the role will involve drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements including software licences, SaaS agreements, software development agreements, service level agreements and data processing agreements.
You will work closely with business partners on a daily basis, including senior management, as well as colleagues across Procurement, Compliance and Cyber. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of law, technology and commercial decision-making within a leading global news and information organisation.
Key Responsibilities
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- Act as a key legal contact for business areas including Product & Technology, Ad Tech and Payment Processing.
- Provide clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice that reflects the operational needs of the business.
- Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of technology and commercial agreements, including software licences, SaaS agreements, software development agreements and service level agreements.
- Advise on data protection matters and draft and negotiate data processing agreements, including in relation to Ad Tech, cookies and similar technologies.
- Build effective working relationships with stakeholders across the business, including senior management.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues in Procurement, Compliance and Cyber on relevant legal and commercial matters.
Required Skills and Experience
- Qualified to practise English law, with at least two years’ PQE.
- A genuine interest in working for a leading business news and information organisation.
- Excellent understanding of commercial and contract law principles.
- Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, particularly technology contracts, including software licences, SaaS agreements, software development agreements and service level agreements.
- Strong knowledge of data protection law, including GDPR, with experience drafting and negotiating data processing agreements, including in the context of Ad Tech, cookies and similar technologies.
- Ability to manage the demands and competing priorities of a fast-paced in-house environment.
- A commercially minded approach, with the confidence and credibility to communicate effectively with stakeholders at different levels of the organisation.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong, collaborative working relationships.
Desirable
- Training at a leading UK law firm.
- Previous in-house experience.
- Experience advising on the legal risks associated with generative AI, or a genuine interest in developing expertise in this area.
What's in it for You?
Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.
Get help with your application
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We currently operate a hybrid model which requires staff to work onsite 50% of the time, subject to role requirements & regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for all roles. We believe this balanced approach supports flexibility and protects our culture, making collaboration and communication easier, building stronger relationships and team cohesion, and supporting peer learning. We reserve discretion on reasonable notice to change this approach either generally or for specific individuals or teams.
Accessibility
We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.
Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Further Information
At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.
Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact talent@ft.com.
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