Legal Counsel, Global Clients (Mat Cover)

Dentsu; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global media and advertising company is seeking a Legal Counsel for a 12-month maternity cover role in London. The successful candidate will support high-value client negotiations and provide legal support across several commercial contracts. This position requires a qualified solicitor with 1-3 years of experience and substantial knowledge of data protection and compliance. Flexible working arrangements are available, along with a tailored benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Tailorable benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with membership of a recognized legal professional body.
• 1-3 years' PQE in law firm or in-house.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating agreements.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support to the Global Clients legal and commercial team.
• Advise on technology, data, and compliance aspects.
• Lead negotiations on media planning and buying agreements.

Skills

Commercial agreement drafting

Negotiation skills

Data protection knowledge

Risk management

Project management

Education

Qualified solicitor or equivalent

Job description

Job Description:

Dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the world's leading organizations. Founded in 1901 in Tokyo, Japan, and now present in over 145 countries and regions, it has a proven track record of nurturing and developing innovations, combining the talents of its global network of leadership brands to develop impactful and integrated growth solutions for clients. Dentsu delivers end-to-end experience transformation (EX) by integrating its services across Media, CXM and Creative, while its business transformation (BX) mindset pushes the boundaries of transformation and sustainable growth for brands, people and society.

Purpose of the Role

As Legal Counsel, you will join the dentsu Media practice area on a 12-month fixed-term contract as maternity cover, primarily supporting the Global Clients commercial team. Acting as a business partner to the organisation, you will operate at the forefront of the media industry - building strong relationships across dentsu and supporting high-value client negotiations in collaboration with the commercial team. This team is responsible for managing both new and existing relationships with dentsu's largest multi-market media clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal support to the Global Clients legal and commercial team (as well as other senior lawyers and stakeholders), including negotiating and advising on a range of commercial contracts and projects to ensure optimal legal and commercial outcomes.
• Advise on technology, data, and compliance aspects of client agreements across dentsu, with a focus on media services and regulatory risk assessment.
• Manage contract compliance queries and provide strategic advice on interpretation, data protection, external audits, and legal risk.
• Support the development and delivery of training and risk management initiatives to align with group-wide legal standards.
• Lead negotiations on global media planning and buying service agreements, alongside associated contracts and amendments.
• Provide legal input on new business processes including conflict checks, NDAs, RFIs, and pitch support.
• Collaborate with senior lawyers on contentious matters, client audits, and ongoing contract lifecycle management.
• Work with local market legal teams to implement global agreements.

Qualifications + Skills

• Qualified solicitor or equivalent, with membership of a recognised legal professional body.
• Law firm or in-house experience (1 - 3 years' PQE)
• Experience in drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, preferably within media, advertising, or technology sectors.
• Practical knowledge of data protection and privacy law, with experience drafting and advising on data processing agreements (DPAs).
• Experience with risk and compliance management, including policy development and delivering legal training.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise effectively, and work collaboratively with legal, finance, and commercial teams.
• Commercially minded with strong drafting and negotiation skills, capable of advising stakeholders at all levels and navigating complex legal issues with confidence.

What we offer

• This is a 12-month fixed-term contract as maternity cover role.
• The team is based in our London office but operates under flexible working arrangements.
• As well as a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a benefits package that you can tailor to your needs.

Inclusion and Diversity

At Dentsu, we embrace diversity and inclusion, valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation, benefiting our employees, partners, and communities.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. Beyond recruitment, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

We recognize the importance of work-life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements for all roles. If you need reasonable adjustments due to a disability or medical condition during our recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail], quoting the reference number of the role that you are applying for. Your needs will be handled with respect and confidentiality to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

#LI-Hybrid

Location:
London

Brand:
Global Functions

Time Type:
Full time

Contract Type:
Temporary Cover (Fixed Term)