Junior Lawyer London 2022

ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI), a unit of ViacomCBS Inc., is comprised of many of the world's most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV,  MTV LIVE HD,  Nickelodeon,  Nick Jr., Comedy Central,  Paramount Channel,  BET and more.

ViacomCBS brands reach more than 3.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 180+ countries and territories via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties, in 40 languages.

Unleash your potential in a place you belong!

Come and join a culture where content, people and ideas merge. An exciting and open place where your talents can truly thrive. Ready? This could be the start of something special.

At ViacomCBS, we have an iconic portfolio of brands, like Paramount, MTV, Nickelodeon, and many more - but it’s our employees that make it unique. You could be the next addition to our incredible team.

Is this the role for you?

This role’s primary purpose is to support the provision of all aspects of legal and business affairs support for the unscripted division of ViacomCBS International Studios UK (VIS UK), including advising on production protocols, issuing and updating all necessary agreements, negotiating and agreeing programme production agreements, assisting in all production matters that arise, and assisting on content compliance matters.

You may also be required to work in close liaison with and/or undertaking work for the wider BALA team across the free and pay ViacomCBS brands as capacity and business priorities require.

VIS UK has expanded significantly in recent years and is looking for someone who can lead on all aspects of our legal and business affairs management.

What will you be doing?

Business Affairs/Compliance

• Drafting, negotiating and advising on all underlying production agreements such as contributor releases, presenter agreements, access agreements, location agreements, licences for third party materials, format options, literary options
• Reviewing and signing off commitments made in Editorial/Commissioning Specification Forms
• Drafting, negotiating and advising on production agreements with a range of broadcasters
• Advising on co-production arrangements, funding and rights models
• Advising on and managing Ofcom and broadcaster compliance issues on all our programming under the guidance and direction of the Content Legal & Compliance unit within BALA
• Working with Content Legal & Compliance to agree appropriate production protocols and contributor duty of care safeguards and processes
• Negotiating and drafting footage licence agreements
• Reviewing and updating company precedents where necessary
• Advising on changes in law likely to materially affect the Company's business activity

Rights

• Advising on all elements of intellectual property, including trade mark, copyright and passing off
• Dealing with distribution queries, to include liaison with programme Distributor(s) with regard to distribution deal terms and practical issues
• Drafting/amending side letters with Distributor(s)
• Advising in respect of exploitation of ancillary programme rights (publishing, merchandising, VOD, DTO, DVD etc.)

General Legal/Corporate Matters

• Liaising with PACT where required, and if relevant
• Instructing and managing outside legal counsel including additional compliance support where required, subject to prior approval
• Flexibility to work on ad hoc tasks and projects as required by VIS UK/C5/Viacom brands
• Flexibility to work on ad hoc tasks and projects as required by VIS UK/Channel 5/ViacomCBS free and pay brands
• This role will support the wider business (including without limitation Business Affairs Commissioning Team) as capacity and business priorities require. Accurate reporting and analysis are a key priority. 
• Working with colleagues across the business in relation to areas e.g. internal Distribution arrangements and rights exploitation.

What are we looking for?

• The ideal candidate will be a qualified solicitor with demonstrable post-qualification and relevant industry experience.
• Alternatively, we would be happy to chat to a candidate who isn’t fully qualified but has longer experience working as a paralegal or similar in the relevant field.
• A proven track record in Commercial and Entertainment law
• Hands-on experience of TV rights deals
• Understanding of programme compliance laws and issues, including the Ofcom Code
• Solid knowledge of rights issues, distribution, contract law, copyright law and production financing
• Excellent drafting skills – able to take instructions on a wide variety of contracts and produce working drafts (both with and without reliance on precedent) to meet business requirements
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to interact with people at all levels within an organisation and present complex legal conclusions concisely
• Ability to deal with a large and varied workload, often under critical time pressure
• A team player with energy, drive and resilience
• Strong attention to detail, combined with the ability to see the strategic perspective and the imagination to find a creative solution to business issues
• A positive and constructive attitude – able to deal with pressurised situations in a calm and effective manner

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.

At Paramount, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, on-screen and off. From the programming and movies we create to employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Paramount is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.