Junior In-house Counsel (Thomson Reuters Foundation)

Requirements

• We are seeking a Junior In‑House Counsel with at least 3 year PQE, to join our legal team on a part-time basis
• A lawyer with strong commercial legal skills (experience with data protection law, intellectual property law and contract law would be a plus). You will have 3-5 years post-qualification experience in private practice or in an in‑house team
• While expertise in all of the legal areas outlined above is not essential, broad legal and commercial knowledge and the ability to issue spot is critical
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and responsibly use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support legal research, contract review, drafting, risk identification
• Experience or a demonstrated interest, in the pro bono sector, with knowledge of key global development trends and/or experience working with the charitable, philanthropic or social enterprise sector
• Proven ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders, from senior corporate executives and partners of top law firms to social entrepreneurs, NGOs, media organisations, funders, multilateral organisations and any other beneficiaries of our services
• Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines to drive projects to completion
• An independent self‑starter with an ability to design their own agenda and take responsibility to advance and complete projects
• A strong team player, able to communicate effectively with a global team

What the job involves

• Join a team that leverages media, legal and data‑driven expertise to strengthen independent journalism, expand access to the law, and promote responsible business worldwide
• The Thomson Reuters Foundation is the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, a global leader in news and information services
• As an independent charity registered in the UK, EU and the USA, we work to foster free, fair and informed societies by harnessing the power of the media, the law and data intelligence
• Through our programmes, we inform, empower and equip key actors working in our areas of focus so that their decisions can have a positive impact on people, society and the environment
• Our unique combination of media and legal expertise enables us to deliver impactful programmes, pro bono legal services, research, news and convenings that support a more just and sustainable world
• This role offers the opportunity to develop a broad commercial legal skillset within an international, mission‑driven organisation
• Reporting to the In‑House Counsel, you will support on a wide range of legal matters, with a primary focus on drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements, while also contributing to advisory work across intellectual property, media law, and data protection
• The role is well suited to a commercially minded lawyer who is eager to build in‑house experience, work across diverse legal areas, and engage with a wide range of global stakeholders in support of the Foundation’s mission
• Please note that this is a Part‑Time position (21hrs per week)
• Draft, review, and negotiate a range of commercial contracts and agreements, (including partnership agreements, grants, licensing agreements, service contracts, website terms & conditions)
• Legal Advisory: Provide support and develop expertise in the following areas:
• Intellectual Property Law- Support protection and management of the Foundation’s intellectual property and licences
• Media Law- Support on media law issues including defamation, content partnerships and licensing
• Privacy and Data Protection Law- Support compliance with applicable privacy and data protection regulations
• Develop and maintain legal templates, guidance documents, and tools to enhance service delivery
• Manage and update the internal legal resource hub and serve as the primary contact for related queries