HEAD OF LEGAL - ENTERTAINMENT & IP

JR United Kingdom; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global entertainment company in Slough seeks a Head of Legal to provide strategic legal advice and manage the Legal & Business Affairs team. The ideal candidate will possess over 10 years' PQE in IP law and experience in the entertainment sector. This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity to influence legal and business decisions in a dynamic environment with a strong creative legacy.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' PQE, ideally in-house within entertainment or IP-heavy sectors.
• Broad expertise in IP, licensing, and rights management.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with non-legal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal and commercial advice across core areas.
• Lead and manage the Legal & Business Affairs team.
• Draft and negotiate licensing and commercial agreements.

Skills

IP law expertise

Legal team leadership

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Education

Qualified solicitor or barrister

Job description

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HEAD OF LEGAL - ENTERTAINMENT & IP, slough

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Client:

Location:

slough, 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.