HEAD OF LEGAL - ENTERTAINMENT & IP

JR United Kingdom; London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global entertainment company in London seeks a Head of Legal to manage legal operations and provide strategic advice across various departments. The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of PQE in the entertainment sector, strong IP law expertise, and the ability to lead legal teams effectively. This role promises engagement with diverse legal matters within a dynamic creative environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' PQE in entertainment, media, or IP-heavy sectors.
• Experience in leading and developing legal teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with non-legal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal and commercial advice across core areas.
• Draft and negotiate licensing and commercial agreements.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and advertising regulations.

Skills

IP rights management

Drafting and negotiating agreements

Team leadership

Interpersonal communication

Commercial problem-solving

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister

Job description

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HEAD OF LEGAL - ENTERTAINMENT & IP, london

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Client:

Location:

london, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

1

Posted:

22.08.2025

Expiry Date:

06.10.2025

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Job Description:

HEAD OF LEGAL - ENTERTAINMENT & IP
CENTRAL LONDON, HYBRID
10+ YEARS' PQE
About the Opportunity
A rare opportunity has arisen for a senior lawyer to step into the role of Head of Legal at a leading global entertainment company, spanning film, TV, theatre and music. The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience in and a passion forthe creative industries and a deep understanding of IP law,in particular across film/TV, music, theatre and publishing.
Reporting directly to the General Counsel, you’ll be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Legal & Business Affairs team. You'll act as a key legal business partner across all departments, supporting everything from licensing and production to brand protection and compliance.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal and commercial advice across the company’s core areas: theatre, screen, music, publishing, merchandise, and marketing
• Lead and manage the Legal & Business Affairs team, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture
• Draft and negotiate a wide range of licensing, production, and commercial agreements
• Oversee IP rights management, including copyright and trademark protection, renewals, and enforcement
• Advise on content rights, music licensing, publishing deals, and co-productions across global markets
• Ensure compliance with data protection, marketing, and advertising regulations
• Liaise with international partners, consultants, estates, and agents
• Support the General Counsel in managing legal risk, disputes, and external legal counsel

About You
You must be a qualified solicitor or barrister with:

• 10+ years’ PQE, ideally in-house within entertainment, media or IP-heavy sectors
• Broad expertise in IP, licensing, and rights management, with experience across theatre, screen, music or publishing
• A commercially-minded, pragmatic approach to legal problem-solving
• Demonstrable experience leading and developing legal teams
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work with non-legal stakeholders and creatives
• Excellent drafting, negotiation and risk management skills
• A genuine interest in the arts and entertainment sectors

This is a high-impact role in a company with a storied creative legacy and a forward-looking approach to content, licensing, and global expansion. You’ll get the opportunity to work across a unique and world-renowned catalogue, partner with passionate creative and commercial teams, lead a talented legal team while working closely with an experienced and supportive General Counsel and influence strategic legal and business decisions across a truly multi-platform entertainment business
To apply or express interest in this confidential opportunity, please submit your CV. Candidates with suitable experience will be contacted with further information and to set up a confidential discussion.