Senior Legal Associate (12-Month Fixed Term Contract)
Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR) is a Global branding business, founded in 1990 and proudly independent ever since.
We started out in the world of packaging in London, but now we’re worldwide - from three founders, to more than 300 of us across the UK and USA. Together, we build and deliver brands across the entire consumer experience.
But even more important than what we do, is why we do it. We’re here to inspire brands and people to be their true selves. To be brave. Be tenacious. And above all, be yourself.
Because we believe that’s the only way to truly be distinctive, everywhere.
We are looking for a Senior Legal Associate to join us on a 12mth Fixed term contract from May 2026, reporting to the Global Chief Legal Officer (GCLO).
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced legal professional to take ownership of a broad and dynamic remit within a highly regarded global brand agency. The role would suit someone who thrives in a fast-moving, creative environment and enjoys partnering closely with business stakeholders to deliver commercially grounded legal solutions.
To be well suited, you will demonstrate a legal background and a clear interest in working within a creative or media business and an understanding of the commercial realities of agency life.
You will be an empathetic and pragmatic communicator, providing clear, business-aligned advice to colleagues from non-legal backgrounds while maintaining robust legal standards.
Key areas of responsibility, include but not limited to:
Commercial and Contractual:
- Lead on the review, mark-up and negotiation of Master Services Agreements (MSAs)
- Oversee and manage contract renewals with relevant business leads.
- Review and negotiate corporate and project-specific NDAs.
Intellectual Property:
- Provide clear, solution-focused advice on copyright, ownership and infringement risks across creative outputs.
- Advise on the intersection between AI-generated content and IP risk.
- Support initial trademark reviews and related advice.
- Collaborate with Creative Services teams on licensing queries, copyright issues and template updates.
- Maintain and update licensing and copyright assignment templates
- Play an active role in supporting the rollout and maintenance of JKR’s AI initiative, advising on legal and strategic considerations of AI tools, platforms and processes.
- Review and update internal and external AI policies and draft new documentation where required.
- Advise creative and account teams on client AI policies, procurement of AI stock imagery and internal AI-generated content development.
Data Privacy and GDPR Compliance
Requirements
To be best suited to this role you will be a UK qualified Solicitor approximately 5–8 years’ PQE and be able to demonstrate:
- Experience within a consultancy, agency or creative business environment (highly desirable)
- Commercially astute, pragmatic and comfortable operating within areas of legal nuance.
- Excellent communication skills, able to translate complex legal concepts into clear, business-oriented advice.
- Calm under pressure, highly organised and able to prioritise effectively across multiple concurrent matters.
- Personable and collaborative; with the ability to build strong working relationships across senior executives, creative teams and corporate functions.
Benefits
JKR is committed to providing a comprehensive, competitive benefits programme to its employees, including:
- Competitive salary
- Lively Shoreditch studio location
- Hybrid working policy, minimum 2 days pw in the studio
- Bupa Healthcare, including dental option
- Income protection & life insurance
- Classpass credits
- Group personal pension
- 25 days holiday + time given at Christmas and new year
- Summer Fridays x 2
- Birthday day off
After probation:
- Season ticket loan
- Cycle to work scheme
- Enhanced parental leave policies
- Referral scheme for new hires
- 2 weeks work from anywhere, by agreement with line manager