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 for the 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.