Publishing Ethics Counsel | Content Contracts & Compliance

Elsevier; City Of London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Elsevier seeks a Company Counsel to join our London-based legal team, reporting to the General Counsel, Content. You will provide legal and transactional support across publishing ethics, rights clearance, contracts, disputes, and compliance to enable business objectives.

You will work with cross-functional teams to deliver practical advice, develop standardised templates and processes, and help shape risk-aware, compliant publishing practices worldwide.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer in UK or recognised common/civil law jurisdiction.
• Experience in a law firm or in-house legal department.
• Publishing or IP experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in developing AI fluency.

Responsibilities

• Advising on publishing ethics and research integrity issues, contracts, disputes and compliance.
• Developing and negotiating contracts with rightsholders and identifying key risks.
• Assessing legal and reputational risks for content acquisition and balancing with commercial needs.
• Developing templates, training, processes and policies.
• Communicating advice clearly with practical recommendations and timelines.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve optimal results while minimising risk.
• Identifying recurring issues to improve guidance and standardisation.

Skills

Legal Drafting

Contract Negotiation

UK Law

Stakeholder Management

AI Fluency

Communication

Team Player

Education

Qualified lawyer (UK/ common law)

Job description

Elsevier seeks a Company Counsel to join our London-based legal team, reporting to the General Counsel, Content. You will provide legal and transactional support across publishing ethics, rights clearance, contracts, disputes, and compliance to enable business objectives.

You will work with cross-functional teams to deliver practical advice, develop standardised templates and processes, and help shape risk-aware, compliant publishing practices worldwide.