Legal Counsel

About the role

BBC Studios is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide high‑quality, commercially focused legal advice across its Asian operations, with a primary focus on the Japan business. The role will act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, supporting strategic, commercial and operational initiatives while ensuring robust governance and risk management.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements and legal documentation.
• Provide accurate, timely, and commercially focused legal advice to internal clients.
• Represent BBC Studios positively and develop effective creative and commercial relationships both internally and externally.
• Mitigate legal, contractual and business risk, and resolve disputes related to content, brand and IP protection.
• Ensure compliance with BBC policies, procedures and relevant legislation.
• Foster strong relationships across multiple lines of business and territories, acting as a strategic business partner.
• Lead or assist on complex projects to ensure effective delivery and resource utilisation.

Required profile

• Admitted to practise as a lawyer in a common‑law jurisdiction (Singapore or the UK preferred; US or Australia also considered).
• 1‑3 years post‑qualification experience.
• Fluency in English and Japanese.
• Experience in negotiating, rights management, contracting and copyright matters.
• Ability to manage diverse workstreams and apply complex analytical and problem‑solving skills under pressure.
• Desirable knowledge of the broadcast, news and/or content production sector.

Required skills