Counsel, Commercial Legal & Business Affairs, Americas

WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients, and communities.

Working at WPP means being part of a global network of more than 100,000 talented people dedicated to doing extraordinary work for our clients. We operate in over 100 countries, with corporate headquarters in New York, London and Singapore.

WPP is a world leader in marketing services, with deep AI, data and technology capabilities, global presence and unrivalled creative talent. Our clients include many of the biggest companies and advertisers in the world, including approximately 300 of the Fortune Global 500.

Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow. 

Why we're hiring:

WPP is seeking a talented, business-oriented attorney to join its Commercial Legal & Business Affairs team in New York. The Counsel should have enthusiasm for public relations, advertising law and contract negotiations. As a member of the broader legal team, the Counsel will have the opportunity to partner with other agency functions, including operations, business affairs, and finance to help implement best practices.

Critical skills include the ability to spot risk issues, effectively communicate (both verbally and in writing) various risk mitigation strategies to a non-legal audience, and draft and negotiate a high volume of agreements related to public relations and marketing services, including client and vendor agreements as well as influencer and talent agreements. The Counsel should possess excellent judgment and be confident in assessing risk and finding practical solutions. Knowledge of commercial negotiations is valued.

The Counsel will help ensure the business practices, policies, and activities of agencies they support meet not only legal and regulatory requirements, but also are consistent with WPP’s ethical and moral obligations to clients, shareholders, suppliers and all external stakeholders.

What you'll do:

• Identify | Proactively identify issues and offer solutions in areas of public relations legal matters, commercial contracts, rights of privacy and publicity, user generated content, endorsements and testimonials, and intellectual property. Will be accessible and credible to the legal team, management, and all colleagues.
• Support| Support the business by managing a lean team of legal professionals, FARA analyses, and drafting and negotiating client, influencer, and vendor agreements. Be willing to help as needed, across the legal team supporting multiple agencies.
• Interpret| Explain complex concepts efficiently and effectively. Foster the reputation of the legal team as positive team members and facilitators of business growth and transactions.
• Observe | Proactively monitor the relevant legal environment concerning current advertising laws and future trends that will impact the business and provide advice regarding the same.

What you'll need:

• 5+ years of experience as a qualified lawyer, ideally with a well-respected law firm or within a fast-paced company.
• Possess genuine enthusiasm for the public relations and advertising space, the ability to deal with ambiguity, a strong work ethic, a direct and candid style, and the ability to prioritize quickly.
• Experience negotiating contracts and helping to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, rules and regulations, as well as adherence to best industry practices.
• Comfort in advising agency personnel of potential advertising/ IP risks
• Preferred location is New York

Who you are:

A Connector| Ability to bring people together to advance a project.

Creative Bravery| Our team is close-knit and supportive and we’re working with a lot of unknowns – you must be a champion of team environments that are comfortable and encouraging, especially working cross-discipline.

Positive| Dig in and figure out how to work around problems. Provide a balance needed to maintain stamina and positivity.

In It Together| We all wear the hats that need wearing, it’s a mentality that makes the team successful.

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We promote a culture of people that do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

In New York City, the base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range from $90,000 to $180,000. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including business needs, experience, level of responsibility and qualifications.

#LI-MR1 #LI-NY 

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.