Senior Legal Counsel in London, United Kingdom

Company description

Publicis Groupe (https://www.publicisgroupe.com/en/the-groupe/about-publicis-groupe) is one of the largest advertising agency holding companies in the world and a global leader in the fields of marketing, communications, and digital transformation. A Connecting Company for the Connected Age, Publicis Groupe delivers winning solutions for clients through the Power of One – driven by a common purpose, a powerful spirit, shared behaviours, great character and a relentless focus on our clients. Publicis Re:Sources is the backbone of Publicis Groupe. Re:Sources has grown to 5,000+ professionals servicing a network of prestigious agencies across the globe supporting 63+ markets. Re:Sources is Publicis Groupe’s Shared Services Platform. We provide Publicis Groupe agencies with the business solutions, technology platforms and expertise they need to transform, innovate and increase productivity.

Overview

An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Legal Counsel to join the Commercial Lega l team for Publicis Re:Sources. This role will be based in our London office. Please only apply if you have the right to work in UK.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise the Publicis Media agencies in the UK on all commercial legal aspects of their business, with a large focus on media planning & buying services (traditional and digital advertising) for global clients managed from the UK, as well as other media related service offerings including data and technology, partnerships, content clearance, influencer agreements and affiliate marketing;

• Draft, revise and negotiate media service agreements and other commercial contracts with clients, vendors and third party suppliers;

• Coordinate, manage & draft the legal response to new clients’ pitch proposals;

• Coordinate and manage multi-market agreements, including client master service agreements and global agreements with media owners;

• Provide strong partnership and guidance to business stakeholders on risks, and challenges; propose and brainstorm related approaches and solutions;Develop legal precedents, best practices and processes, to include partnering with the media agencies to ensure ongoing compliance with client agreements, as well as partnering with members of legal teams in other markets to advocate a consistent global approach;

• Drive, and support others to drive, team initiatives to help improve ways of working, efficiency and the value of the Legal team to the business;

• Keep up to date and ensure awareness of current issues affecting the media and marketing industry and their implications on client contract negotiations, including where necessary specifics relating to Publicis’ healthcare clients

• Flexibility and willingness to take on work from other business areas of the Publicis Groupe to ensure that the legal team can manage the overall workload efficiently and that all members of the legal team have an understanding of the business as a whole;

• Be familiar with the main principles of GDPR compliance processes and provide related data protection advice;

• Ensure business stakeholders are kept up to date on key legal risks and best practices, with appropriate training;

• Advise the agencies in relation to disputes and litigation resolution, providing internal reports and manage outside counsel where used;

• Train members of the legal team on commercial legal considerations in the media agency space and related approaches including sharing UK approaches and knowledge with members of legal teams in other markets.

Qualifications

Experience/Qualifications/Certifications:

• Qualified Solicitor (or equivalent) with solid experience and at least 5 years’ experience in an in-house or law firm environment. In-house experience valued.

Knowledge:

• Excellent knowledge of commercial contract law;

• Extensive experience of large complex commercial contract drafting and negotiation;

• Previous experience of negotiations in a competitive/pitch environment preferred;

• Previous experience of media planning and buying and/or healthcare/pharmaceutical industry helpful.

Skills (including technology)

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills; always maintaining pragmatism;

• Strong ability to assess risk, work under pressure, juggle and prioritise numerous matters;

• Demonstration of a pragmatic, commercial and strategic approach to legal challenges;

• Strong research skills;

• Very comfortable using and advising on technology.

Attributes/behaviours

• Flexible, collaborative and strong team working skills;

• Effective and proven abilities to build client relationships and manage stakeholder expectations;

• Ability to remain resilient and vigilant in a demanding environment;

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with an ability to articulate legal risks and challenges in a clear, understandable and commercial way;

• Excellent attention to detail.

Additional information

We offer a hybrid working pattern of 3 days in the office and 2 days WFH. Our main office is located in the iconic Television Centre (TVC) at White City, London.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing a fair assessment process and are happy to discuss and explore reasonable adjustments during the hiring process. Publicis Groupe UK fosters and inclusive environment through our inspirational Employee Action Groups (EAGs).

We have a comprehensive benefits offering. Our full health and lifestyle benefits package will be shared with you, when you join us. In addition to key benefits like Pension, Life Assurance, Income Protection and Private Medical, some of our other benefits are:

• Annual Leave (25 days plus 8 bank holidays), increasing after 5 years, by 1 day per additional service up to 30 days. Birthday Day Of f that can be used in your birthday month and the opportunity to Buy or Sell Holiday at the start on each year.

• Flexible Bank Holidays, you can switch the 2 Easter bank holidays for other days of your choosing . Reflection Days for time away from work to focus on what works best for you. Work your World , after completion of one year, you have the opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis Groupe office, for up to 6 weeks a year.

• Help@Hand, our lifestyle and wellbeing app that supports you and your family; 24/7 Helpline, Remote GPs, Medical or 2nd Opinion, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Physiotherapy, 1-2-1 Lifestyle Coaching, Nutritional Consultations, Savings & Discounts and lots more.

• Inclusive Policies to support you and your family including enhanced Family Leave, Disability, Carers, Transitioning at Work, Flexible Working, Menopause.

• Local discounts, restaurants & retailers in Westfield White City. Onsite Café with complimentary breakfast, a subsidised lunch menu, and an in-house barista.