Head of Legal - In-House Football Role

Hydrogen have been exclusively retained by a prominent football client to recruit a Head of Legal. The new appointment will work closely with all areas of our client's business and support on a diverse range of legal and commercial issues.

Duties will include leading on the negotiation of high-value commercial contracts, such as sponsorship and licensing agreements, as well as managing IP portfolios and advising on media and content-related agreements. Whilst commercial workstreams will form a core aspect of the role, the Head of Legal will support on a wide variety of other legal issues, including but not limited to: football regulations, employment law, litigation, data protection, procurement, integrity and safeguarding.

It is not expected that the new hire will be an expert in all of those fields but it is crucial they are somebody who thrives in a fast-paced, commercial-facing environment and is confident handling a diverse workload. Preferably, the successful candidate will have experience working in-house in sport or have spent time at a reputable law firm servicing sports clients. Specific experience in football, such as working for or on behalf of a football club, would be especially desirable but is not a prerequisite.

A track record operating at managerial level would be helpful but our client is open to lawyers at Senior Counsel (or equivalent) level. This role could therefore suit either a current Head of Legal looking to move laterally or an ambitious, highly performing mid-to-senior level lawyer who is looking for a step up. The role is likely to suit someone with circa 6-9 years' PQE but that is intended as a guide only, and prospective candidates outside of that range with relevant experience will also be considered.

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