Apply here by 14 December 2021
Role title: Legal Counsel, Permanent
ROLE OVERVIEW
Universal Pictures Content Group (UPCG) is an independent mini-studio within the infrastructure of Universal Pictures Filmed Entertainment Group, and distribution footprint of NBCUniversal. With offices around the world and central headquarters in London, UPCG discovers, acquires and produces a diverse range of quality content across a multitude of genres (film, stand-up comedy, TV drama/sitcoms, music, sports, documentary, family entertainment, events & special interest) for global distribution.
We are seeking a commercially minded and business savvy, qualified solicitor on a permanent basis. Prior experience working in-house in the media sector is highly desirable, although we will consider candidates with corporate and/or commercial experience from private practice. Ideally 2-4 yrs PQE, qualified in the UK or another common law jurisdiction.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The role is broad in nature and requires a high energy, dynamic, reliable and pro-active team member. Experience in commercial environments is imperative, with a natural aptitude for the interactivity between the creative, commercial, production and corporate worlds. Responsibilities will include driving the Business and Legal Affairs work across a wide variety of matters and projects on a day to day basis, including:
- Structuring, negotiating and drafting content acquisition agreements in relation to finished productions and pre-buys for feature films/documentaries – this may include review of ancillary documents such as financing documents, NOAs, IPAs and security agreements;
- Working across ad hoc new business development projects such as the establishment of apps, websites and D2C AVOD/SVOD services in spaces adjacent to general entertainment (e.g. fitness/wellbeing);
- Negotiating and drafting agreements in the development and production fields, such as with writers, authors, development producers, directors, actors, talent and composers and also first look agreements and book options;
- Understanding issues relating to and providing advice on rights clearance, compliance, chain of title, IP infringement, and legal delivery for feature films and documentaries;
- Working with broadcasters/platforms that commission titles and negotiating and drafting commissioning agreements in respect of the same; and
- Liaising internally at NBCUniversal with cross disciplinary teams and externally with other studios, distributors, platforms, talent, creative and production personnel.
ABOUT YOU
The role requires someone who:
- Is genuinely passionate about working on the creation and distribution of exciting content and seeking to learn as much as possible about all aspects of the media industry;
- Is resilient and able to thrive in high-pressure situations;
- Enjoys working in a deal-based environment with fixed deadlines;
- Is a team player who is committed and dedicated to the team and will always go the extra mile;
- Has a positive can-do attitude;
- Has excellent drafting skills and attention to detail;
- Is adept at multi-tasking and can manage a high volume of matters, often switching between tasks on a day to day basis;
- Is self-motivated and seeks personal development through working with, learning from and observing more seasoned media lawyers;
- Is consistently reliable and works to build trust with their manager and business stakeholders;
- Is solutions-orientated and genuinely enjoys solving commercial and corporate problems; Always adopts a commercial approach having regard to the law and risk profile of the deal.
- Is able to self-manage and also to operate in a supportive team environment, instinctively feeding in to the improvement of the team’s systems, templates and processes where applicable.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Suitable candidates must be able to demonstrate as much of the above through their CV (both in respect of professional path and extra-curricular achievements) and in interview.
Apply here by 14 December 2021
