Head of Legal – Media Production Business – London

• London, UK
• Full Time

PQE: 5yrs +

Consultant: Liam Taaffe

This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all legal functions within the company, with a particular focus on content production, distribution, and rights management. The Head of Legal will provide critical legal counsel, support contract negotiations, ensure regulatory compliance, and mitigate legal risks. You will work closely with both internal teams and external partners to drive business objectives while safeguarding all legal and commercial interests.

This role is based in London and requires you to be in the office three days a week, reporting to the Chief Financial and Operating Officer.

Legal Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic guidance on all legal matters impacting content production and distribution.
• Advise on all legal matters affecting the business and, when required, instruct outside specialist legal counsel.
• Develop and implement legal strategies, policies, and best practices to safeguard the company's commercial interests.
• Monitor emerging legal trends and industry developments, advising the business on new risks and opportunities.

Contract Negotiation & Management

• Negotiate, draft, and review a wide range of commercial contracts, including production agreements, talent contracts, licensing deals, distribution agreements, and co-production arrangements.
• Manage the structuring and negotiation of licensing and content acquisition deals, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Advise on the terms of joint ventures, partnerships, and other strategic business relationships.
• Resolve disputes and handle matters related to potential litigation with clients, vendors, and external parties.

Intellectual Property & Rights Management

• Provide expert legal counsel on intellectual property matters, including copyright, trademarks, and related rights.
• Oversee the clearance and management of IP rights across all production projects.
• Collaborate with production and development teams to secure necessary rights for content creation, production, and distribution.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure the company complies with all relevant laws and regulations affecting content creation, production, distribution, and intellectual property.
• Identify legal risks and implement strategies to mitigate them, providing proactive advice to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with data protection laws, privacy regulations, and industry-specific standards.

• Legal Expertise: Significant experience in content production across various platforms (network & streaming TV, social and digital channels, and audio), content and IP distribution, and media law.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the media industry, including production processes, distribution models, licensing, and international sales.
• Negotiation: Demonstrated expertise in negotiating complex commercial agreements and resolving contractual disputes.
• Risk Management: Strong ability to assess and manage legal, commercial, and reputational risks.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.

• Degree: Law degree (LLB or equivalent).
• Admission: Qualified lawyer (Solicitor, Barrister, or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in legal and business affairs within the television or media sector.

• Commercial Acumen: A strong business mindset with the ability to align legal strategies with commercial objectives.
• Problem Solving: A proactive, solution-oriented approach to complex legal and business challenges.
• Leadership: Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and provide clear guidance.
• Integrity & Discretion: High level of professionalism and confidentiality in handling sensitive legal matters.