Commercial Lawyer (Data/Technology/IT/IP)

Wood Mackenzie is the global data and analytics business for the renewables, energy, and natural resources industries. Enhanced by technology. Enriched by human intelligence. In an ever-changing world, companies and governments need reliable and actionable insight to lead the transition to a sustainable future. That’s why we cover the entire supply chain with unparalleled breadth and depth, backed by over 50 years’ experience. Our team of over 2,400 experts, operating across 30 global locations, are enabling customers’ decisions through real-time analytics, consultancy, events and thought leadership. Together, we deliver the insight they need to separate risk from opportunity and make confident decisions when it matters most.

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Wood Mackenzie Values

• Inclusive – we succeed together
• Trusting – we choose to trust each other
• Customer committed – we put customers at the heart of our decisions
• Future Focused – we accelerate change
• Curious – we turn knowledge into action
  
  

Role Purpose

The Commercial Lawyer plays a crucial role in supporting Wood Mackenzie’s strategic growth by providing expert legal guidance on complex technology, data, privacy, and artificial intelligence matters, joining a global team of in-house lawyers. This role ensures that innovative business initiatives and technological advancements are delivered in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations, while effectively managing legal risks. Acting as a trusted advisor to both legal and business teams, the Commercial Lawyer enables Wood Mackenzie to confidently navigate the evolving tech landscape and maintain its position as a global leader in energy data and analytics.

Main Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice on technology-related matters including software licensing, SaaS agreements, technology procurement, and collaboration agreements.
• Advise on data protection and privacy laws and regulations globally and manage the creation and review of data processing records and compliance assessments, including DPIA’s.
• Support legal issues related to artificial intelligence and machine learning, including ethical, regulatory, and IP considerations.
• Draft, review, and recommend policies for software and artificial intelligence development, applications and usage.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial contracts involving technology, data, AI systems, and digital services for all business units, including vendor, consulting, and sales agreements.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams such as data scientists, product managers, IT, and commercial teams to ensure legal compliance and risk mitigation in technology transactions and product launches.
• Monitor emerging technology laws and regulations affecting the business and advise proactively on compliance and best practices.
• Manage relationships with external counsel and regulatory bodies as needed for technology-related legal matters.
• Support internal training and awareness sessions on relevant technology, privacy, and compliance issues.
• Contribute to legal team projects and continuous improvement initiatives, promoting innovation and efficiency.
  
  

About You

• Law degree from an accredited law school and valid local law licence.
• Minimum 10 years post-qualification experience as a technology lawyer, ideally within a commercial or technology-focused in-house legal team or law firm.
• Deep expertise in technology contracts, commercial agreements, software licensing, cloud-based services, SaaS, and IT procurement.
• Strong knowledge of global data privacy laws including GDPR, PECR, CCPA, and sector-specific data regulations.
• Experience advising on AI and emerging technologies, with awareness of ethical and legal frameworks.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills tailored to complex commercial and technology environments.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with business and technical teams to provide pragmatic legal solutions.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of technology business models and market dynamics.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Effective stakeholder management and influencing skills at all organisational levels, Proven ability to work as part of diverse and multi-cultural teams comprised of legal and business colleagues.
  
  

Expectations

• We are a hybrid working company and the successful applicant will be expected to be physically present in the office at least 2 days per week to foster and contribute to a collaborative environment, but this may be subject to change in the future.
  
  

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer. This means we are committed to recruiting the best people regardless of their race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. You can find out more about your rights under the law at www.eeoc.gov

If you are applying for a role and have a physical or mental disability, we will support you with your application or through the hiring process.