Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Negotiable

About the Role
The Financial Times (FT) is a globally recognised news organisation known for its authority, integrity and accuracy. We are seeking a Legal Counsel to join our legal team, acting as a key legal contact for business areas including Product & Technology, Ad Tech and Payment Processing. In this role, you will provide practical legal advice tailored to the commercial and operational needs of these teams, focusing on technology-related commercial matters. Your responsibilities will include drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of agreements such as software licences, SaaS agreements, software development agreements, service level agreements and data processing agreements. You will collaborate closely with senior management and colleagues across Procurement, Compliance and Cyber, working at the intersection of law, technology and commercial decision-making within a leading global news and information organisation.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We value unique perspectives and strive to create a workplace where all voices are heard, respected and valued. We are committed to removing barriers and fostering an inclusive environment that supports everyone to operate at their full potential.

Working Model
We currently operate a hybrid working model requiring staff to work onsite approximately 50% of the time, subject to role requirements and regular review. Flexible working requests are considered, balancing flexibility with collaboration and team cohesion.

Accessibility
We are a disability confident employer and a Valuable 500 signatory, committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and beyond.

Experience
- Qualified to practise English law with at least two years’ PQE.
- Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, particularly technology contracts including software licences, SaaS agreements, software development agreements and service level agreements.
- Solid knowledge of data protection law including GDPR, with experience drafting and negotiating data processing agreements, especially in relation to Ad Tech, cookies and similar technologies.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced in-house environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong, collaborative working relationships.
- A commercially minded approach with confidence and credibility to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

About You
- A genuine interest in working for a leading business news and information organisation.
- Strong understanding of commercial and contract law principles.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams including Procurement, Compliance and Cyber.
- Interest or experience in advising on legal risks associated with generative AI is desirable.

Qualifications
- Qualified solicitor or equivalent to practise English law.
- Training at a leading UK law firm is desirable.
- Previous in-house legal experience is advantageous.