About Us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The Role

We are looking for a Legal Counsel to join the FT’s legal team, acting as a key legal contact for several areas of the business, including Product & Technology, Ad Tech and Payment Processing.

You will develop a strong understanding of the commercial and operational needs of these teams, providing practical legal advice and supporting them across a broad range of technology-focused commercial matters. A significant part of the role will involve drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements including software licences, SaaS agreements, software development agreements, service level agreements and data processing agreements.

You will work closely with business partners on a daily basis, including senior management, as well as colleagues across Procurement, Compliance and Cyber. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of law, technology and commercial decision-making within a leading global news and information organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a key legal contact for business areas including Product & Technology, Ad Tech and Payment Processing.
• Provide clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice that reflects the operational needs of the business.
• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of technology and commercial agreements, including software licences, SaaS agreements, software development agreements and service level agreements.
• Advise on data protection matters and draft and negotiate data processing agreements, including in relation to Ad Tech, cookies and similar technologies.
• Build effective working relationships with stakeholders across the business, including senior management.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in Procurement, Compliance and Cyber on relevant legal and commercial matters.

Required Skills and Experience

• Qualified to practise English law, with at least two years’ PQE.
• A genuine interest in working for a leading business news and information organisation.
• Excellent understanding of commercial and contract law principles.
• Strong experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, particularly technology contracts, including software licences, SaaS agreements, software development agreements and service level agreements.
• Strong knowledge of data protection law, including GDPR, with experience drafting and negotiating data processing agreements, including in the context of Ad Tech, cookies and similar technologies.
• Ability to manage the demands and competing priorities of a fast-paced in-house environment.
• A commercially minded approach, with the confidence and credibility to communicate effectively with stakeholders at different levels of the organisation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong, collaborative working relationships.

Desirable

• Training at a leading UK law firm.
• Previous in-house experience.
• Experience advising on the legal risks associated with generative AI, or a genuine interest in developing expertise in this area.

What's in it for You?

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual lea