Legal Director

VCCP is the global challenger network for challenger brands. With more than 1,500 people across 13 offices in North America, EMEA and APAC, we challenge convention to create value for the world’s most ambitious organisations.

Our founding belief is It Only Works If It All Works. That’s why we bring specialists from every discipline - strategy, AI, data, media, digital, experience, branding, creativity, production, PR, CX, CRM, employee engagement and beyond - into one fully integrated challenger network.

We were founded on the principles of simplicity, collaboration and un-preciousness, and we’ve grown by staying true to them. Today, our clients include some of the world’s most recognisable and progressive brands, such as Virgin Media O2, Barclays, Cadbury, Compare the Market, Domino’s, White Claw, easyJet, Primark and Co-op.

VCCP has topped the AAR’s annual new business ranking in 13 of the last 14 years and holds multiple Agency of the Year titles. Across every company and every capability, we share the same ambition: to challenge ourselves, challenge our clients and challenge the industry for the better.

THE ROLE

We are looking for an experienced, 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 who work across all VCCP Group companies globally. Our team is made up of five people: General Counsel, Head of Legal, Senior Legal Counsel, Legal Counsel and Paralegal with a separate UK and US Business Affairs team. The role reports directly to the General Counsel.

We are looking for a commercially-minded 5+ 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 law - whether obtained in private practice, in an agency or within an in-house team supporting a marketing department - is essential, as is a strong background in commercial contracts and IP. 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.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drafting and negotiating a variety of commercial contracts, including: creative advertising master services agreements (e.g. the IPA/ISBA Creative Services Framework Agreement), agreements for media planning and buying, branding services, production agreements and supplier contracts.
• Work closely with the General Counsel and assist them with the day to day running and organisation of the legal team.
• Advising the business on developments in AI and negotiating and reviewing terms of use with AI vendors and clients.
• Researching advertising regulations and reviewing and advising on copy and scripts for compliance with regulations such as CAP/BCAP, HFSS and DMCCA.
• 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.
• Managing relationships and instructions to external counsel, advisors and vendors to the Legal Team, where appropriate.
• Delivering training and updates to the legal team and wider business.
• Providing guidance and assistance to junior members of the team.
• Assisting in reviewing and updating precedent agreements and policies.
• Reviewing, amending and negotiating synchronisation, talent and influencer agreements and celebrity partnerships.
• Providing general legal support to the agency across all global offices.

ROLE SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

• Qualified lawyer, 5+ year PQE*
• Advertising, Commercial and IP experience gained in either private practice an agency setting or within an in-house team supporting a marketing department;
• Advertising/media background essential.
• Embracing of new technology - particularly the use of AI and legal tech.
• A proven ability to improve processes - whether through technology or training.
• Solid understanding of commercial contracts and ability to negotiate independently is vital.
• Good understanding of copyright and trade mark 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.

ABOUT YOU

• Strive for excellence - be proud of your work and have meticulous attention to detail
• Be proactive with a can-do attitude - be eager to get your sleeves rolled up and learn
• Thrive on working in a high energy and fast paced environment, where no two days are the same
• Resilience to keep going in a fast paced environment
• Build rapport and able to quickly establish excellent working relationships
• Friendly and approachable
• Live and breathe the agency’s values
• Can do attitude

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.

CRIMINAL RECORDS INFORMATION

As part of our onboarding process, you will be required to complete a Criminal Records Declaration regarding any unspent convictions. For roles in finance, HR, Legal, IT or senior management, we may be required to verify your declaration with a basic DBS check, as well as an Adverse Finance and ID check.