Legal Counsel

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.

LEGAL COUNSEL - 12 MONTH CONTRACT (Maternity Cover)

THE ROLE

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 proactive, highly organised Legal Counsel to who is articulate, embracing of new technology, and thrives in a creative 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. 

To be a success in our team, you should be a commercially minded lawyer with a minimum of 2 years’ PQE, preferably already with some great in-house experience or a secondment, ready to throw yourself into this busy but fun team. Previous experience in advertising/marketing/creative industries would be great but a strong commercial contracts and IP background is essential. Data privacy experience would be welcome. This is a hybrid five-day-a-week role, working in the Central London office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Reviewing, amending and negotiating non-disclosure agreements.
• Drafting and negotiating of a variety of commercial contracts, including: client master services agreements, synchronisation agreements, framework services agreements for media planning and buying, branding services, talent agreements, influencer agreements, celebrity partnerships, production agreements, releases, supplier contracts and AI.
• 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.
• Researching advertising regulations and reviewing and advising on copy and scripts for compliance with regulations such as CAP/BCAP, LHF/HFSS, DMCCA.
• Delivering training and updates to the legal team and wider business.
• Assisting in reviewing and updating precedent agreements.
• Providing general legal support to the agency across all global offices.

ROLE SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

• Qualified lawyer, minimum 2 years’ PQE* (lawyers of more senior qualification are also welcome).
• IP and Commercial experience in private practice or from an in-house team.
• Openness to learn to work with legal tech tools, such as LawVu.
• Advertising/media background useful but not essential.
• Solid understanding of commercial contracts and a proven ability to negotiate independently is vital.
• Good understanding of copyright and trade mark infringement.
• 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 pragmatic attitude - be eager to get your sleeves rolled up and learn.
• Thrive working in a high energy and fast paced environment, where no two days are the same.
• Build rapport and able to quickly establish excellent working relationships 
• Friendly and approachable.
• Live and breathe the agency’s values.

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.