Legal Counsel

Frontier Developments plc; Hartford; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading video game developer in the UK seeks a Legal Counsel to safeguard intellectual property, support innovative projects, and advise on diverse legal matters. The ideal candidate will have 5-8 years of experience as a qualified solicitor, focusing on commercial contracts and IP management. This role supports a creative and collaborative environment, playing a critical part in the development of immersive gaming experiences.

Benefits

Success-based annual bonus

Share option schemes

Private family healthcare

Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

Cycle to Work scheme

Free Gym or Gym Subsidy

Qualifications

• 5-8 years PQE in commercial contracts and IP management.
• Familiarity with employment law, consumer protection law, and data privacy law.
• Excellent drafting and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate commercial contracts and licensing agreements.
• Manage IP portfolio and advise on legal issues.
• Mentor junior members of the legal team.

Skills

Commercial contracts

IP management

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Qualified solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

Role Overview

As Legal Counsel, you'll play a pivotal role in safeguarding our IP, supporting innovative projects, and advising on a wide range of legal matters that influence our games and partnerships. Reporting to the General Counsel, you'll work closely with Development, Publishing and wider teams across the company.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts, including media and influencer agreements, service, partnership and licensing agreements.
• Handle actor/talent agreements and music licensing agreements, including with external licensing support.
• Lead on IP Partner licence agreements and advise on existing and in‑negotiation licence deal terms.
• Support IP portfolio management (trademarks, patents, copyrights) to ensure protection and enforcement of rights.
• Provide advice on IP‑related issues such as infringement, brand usage, and licensing.
• Assist employment contract drafting and amendments.
• Advice on consumer protection laws and regulations affecting our games.
• Help maintain player‑facing documentation, e.g. EULAs, UGC terms and website content.
• Assist Customer Support with escalated player disputes and complaints, ensuring resolution in line with legal requirements and community rules.
• Support governance processes and policy drafting.
• Provide proactive guidance on emerging AI regulations.
• Draft/review data processing agreements and ensure compliance with data protection laws.
• Assist with data breach responses when required.
• Mentor and coach junior members of the legal team and assist in delivering training and development initiatives.
• Draft and update guidance and policies.

You will work with talented and passionate people to support, develop or publish our sophisticated and enduring games, in a creative, collaborative and inclusive environment. We love what we do, and we work hard to provide outstanding experiences for our players.

Qualifications

• England & Wales qualified solicitor, ideally 5‑8 years PQE.
• Strong experience of commercial contracts, IP management, and technology‑related legal issues.
• Ability to make timely, informed decisions that balance risk and opportunity to the business.
• Familiarity with employment law, Intellectual Property law, consumer protection law, and data privacy law.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills, with strong problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop strong relationships and become a trusted business partner.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn and take on new challenges.

Bonus if you have

• Experience in music licensing, talent agreements, marketing agreements and/or CAP code.
• Experience supporting a listed company.
• Awareness of legislation and regulation affecting the video games industry.

About Frontier

Frontier is an independent video game developer and publisher, crafting immersive gaming experiences with fun gameplay and unparalleled artistic quality. Renowned for its iconic creative management simulation games, Frontier captivates players worldwide with immersive and authentic game worlds. The modern studio is located in the vibrant technology hub of Cambridge (UK). The talented team at Frontier are dedicated to nurturing our existing portfolio and delivering our exciting future roadmap.

Frontier's portfolio includes critically acclaimed titles such as Elite Dangerous, Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo, Jurassic World Evolution and Jurassic World Evolution 2, plus an exciting roadmap of future releases.

Wellbeing is a big focus at Frontier, and we are continually evolving how we can support our people. We encourage a healthy work/life balance and provide a range of wellbeing activities, initiatives and sessions to support both mental and physical health.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a success‑based annual bonus, share option schemes, life assurance, private family healthcare, flexitime working hours, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, in‑house subsidised catering, support with relocation, a Cycle to Work scheme, free bike servicing, and social activities and events. We strive to create an environment where everyone can fully demonstrate their capability and potential. If you therefore need any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please speak to your Talent Acquisition representative.

Benefits

• Training Provided
• Regular team and company events
• Free drinks, fruit or food
• Flexible working
• Free Gym or Gym Subsidy
• Private Medical/Dental healthcare
• Bonus/Reward Scheme
• Childcare Vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Stock Options