Legal Counsel - Media Background

Legal Counsel - New Media VentureRole OverviewWe are looking for an experienced Legal Counsel to be the dedicated legal lead for a newly established media venture within the Group. The successful candidate will handle all legal matters relating to the venture's operations, content and commercial activities. They will build its legal framework and processes from the ground up and give practical, business-focused advice to senior management. The role reports to the General Counsel and sits within the Group's wider legal function.Key ResponsibilitiesSet up the venture's legal processes, templates, approval workflows and internal policies, in coordination with the General CounselLead licensing and ongoing regulatory compliance with the UAE Media Council and other relevant authorities, covering content standards, advertising codes and child protection requirements. Track regulatory developments across the regionReview content, promotional material and advertising for legal risk before publication, managing defamation, privacy, intellectual property and regulatory exposureDraft and negotiate production, content acquisition and licensing, talent and presenter, advertising and sponsorship, and distribution agreements across relevant markets and platformsProtect original content, formats and brand assets, and make sure third-party rights are cleared, including music, archive footage and talent image rightsPut in place privacy policies and data handling procedures for audience, subscriber and campaign data, in line with UAE and regional data protection lawsManage legal claims and complaints made by or against the venture, negotiate settlements and oversee external counsel in litigationRespond to requests from courts, prosecution offices and regulators, including takedown and blocking orders, in coordination with the General CounselAdvise management and departments (content, production, marketing, finance and HR) on legal matters, and escalate significant or Group-level issues to the General CounselTrain content, editorial and production teams, and talent, on media law, defamation and content standardsRequirementsQualificationsBachelor's degree in Law from a recognised university. A Master's in Media Law, Intellectual Property or Commercial Law is an advantageAt least 7 years of legal experience, including 3 or more years in media, broadcasting, publishing or entertainmentProven experience in a media organisation of a similar nature, preferably in the MENA regionExperience setting up legal processes or supporting a business launch from the ground up is strongly preferredStrong working knowledge of UAE media law, cybercrime and data protection legislation, and UAE Media Council regulations, with a regional view of media regulationSolid experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial and content agreementsExcellent written and spoken English, with strong legal drafting skills. Arabic is an advantageKey competenciesStrategic thinking and the ability to build systems in an early-stage businessSound judgement under tight deadlines and time-sensitive content decisionsBusiness-minded legal advice that balances risk against commercial and editorial goalsDiscretion and integrity with sensitive informationClear, persuasive communication with management, content teams and external partiesAbility to work independently while coordinating closely with the General CounselWorking relationshipsInternal: General Counsel (direct reporting line), senior management, and the content, production, marketing, finance and HR teamsExternal: UAE Media Council, external law firms, production houses, distributors, talent agencies, advertisers, and regulators across the MENA region and beyond