Legal Counsel

Job Description:

We are expanding our legal team and are looking for an exceptional and experienced commercial lawyer for a role with the dentsu U.S. Legal and Compliance team. While the role will touch all aspects of dentsu’s business in the US, it will focus on dentsu’s customer experience management (“CXM”) practice in the U.S., and report to the Senior Legal Counsel, D&T and CXM - Americas. The CXM practice’s heritage in data, technology, and analytics forms the foundation for its unmatched skills in understanding consumer insights that drive people-based marketing strategies. Its combined strengths in customer experience, customer relationship management, loyalty, data, analytics, and enterprise marketing technology drive improved marketing results and competitive advantage. The successful candidate will join a large and vibrant international community of lawyers who provide practical and focused legal advice supporting dentsu as it drives sustainable business growth for our clients.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about marketing, data, technology (including AI), and their intersection, and will bring energy and enthusiasm to the role. There is plenty of opportunity to develop professional and personal skills and work alongside senior management as a trusted business advisor. While a background in data, technology, or media is not necessary for the role, it would be beneficial and a keen interest in learning about all aspects of advertising, marketing, communication is critical.

Responsibilities of the role include the following:

• Draft and negotiate a variety of commercial agreements, including services agreements (MSAs and SOWs), deliverables purchase and sale agreements, reseller agreements, data licenses, DPAs, BAAs, SaaS agreements, and other commercial and operational agreements.
• Analyze comments from opposing counsel and propose solutions. Provide risk assessments.
• Oversee contract administration and compliance.
• Interpret and apply complex contract terms with precision, advising senior business stakeholders on their rights, obligations, and exposure, and partnering with leadership to proactively manage and mitigate risk.
• Serve as the dedicated point of contact for a portfolio of clients across the full commercial lifecycle, from initial negotiation through to managing and resolving client disputes.
• Demonstrate sound judgment.
• Develop training and legal risk management plans for senior management and other partners at different levels.
• Review AI use cases, assess associated legal and regulatory risks, and provide practical guidance to ensure the compliant and ethical use of AI across the business.
• Help implement best-practices in contract management, AI governance, intellectual property, compliance, and data privacy.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in commercial transactions, with particular preference for those with experience in marketing, advertising, data, intellectual property, AI, or privacy.
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Possesses a law degree (e.g., Juris Doctor) from an ABA-approved law school.
• Knowledge of legal principles in relation to contract law, marketing/advertising law, data, intellectual property, or data privacy.
• Someone who:
  • has a great sense of humor, a client-service mentality, and the ability to collaborate with colleagues across teams and jurisdictions, as well as with clients who place their trust in dentsu;
  • has a desire to learn more about the wider media, advertising, data, AI, and technology industries;
  • possesses well-developed prioritization skills given the likelihood of dealing with multiple projects and internal clients at any one time;
  • can work autonomously, take initiative and be pro-active in addressing new matters or challenges;
  • has a passion for the work they do and the industries in which they work;
  • is confident to communicate clearly on matters that involve senior management attention;
  • has strong commercial and business acumen that allows the individual to efficiently and expeditiously compare the relevant legal risks to the scope of commercial strategy and corporate objectives; and
  • believes in the importance of contributing to social impact, DEI, and pro bono initiatives at dentsu.

At dentsu, we believe great work happens when we’re connected. Our way of working combines flexibility with in-person collaboration to spark ideas and strengthen our teams. Employees who live within a commutable distance of one of our hub offices, currently located in Chicago, metro Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York City, are required and expected to work from the office three days per week (two days per week for employees based in Los Angeles). Dentsu may designate other Hub offices at any time. Those who live outside a commutable range may be designated as remote, depending on the role and business needs. Regardless of your work location, we expect our employees to be flexible to meet the needs of our Company and clients, which may include attendance in an office.

The annual base salary range for this position is ($136,000 - $176,000). Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law. Additionally, this position is eligible for discretionary incentive compensation. 

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