Corporate Counsel

This review offers an in-depth look at the Commercial Sales Legal Counsel opportunity at Elsevier, designed to help potential candidates understand the scope, advantages, and key considerations for their career path. We'll break down what makes this role attractive and what to keep in mind as you explore this exciting prospect.

About the Opportunity

Elsevier is seeking a dynamic and experienced Commercial Sales Legal Counsel to serve as a vital business partner to their Academic and Government/Corporate Sales teams in North America, with an extension to the Latin American region. This role places you at the intersection of legal expertise and commercial success, directly supporting sales activities and customer interactions. You'll be an integral part of the Elsevier Legal team, reporting into the General Counsel EMEA APAC LA, and will contribute to broader organizational initiatives through training and project work.

Key Advantages for Candidates

• Strategic Business Partnership: This role offers the unique advantage of being a true business partner, not just a legal advisor. You'll have direct influence on sales strategies and customer relationships, making your legal guidance impactful and tangible.
• Professional Growth and Development: Elsevier emphasizes a strong commitment to the professional growth and career development of its Legal team members. This means opportunities for learning, skill enhancement, and advancement within a supportive environment.
• International Exposure: With support responsibilities for North America and Latin America, this position provides valuable international experience, broadening your legal perspective and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Impactful Work: Your contributions will directly support Elsevier's mission of advancing science and improving health outcomes. You'll be part of a global leader shaping progress in science, healthcare, and innovation.
• Well-being and Flexibility: Elsevier champions a healthy work-life balance. The provision of flexible working hours, wellbeing initiatives, and comprehensive benefits (including Private Medical/Dental, Savings Fund, Life Insurance, and Meal/Grocery Vouchers) demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare.
• Diverse Business Environment: Working within a global information and analytics leader provides exposure to a complex and fascinating business landscape, offering continuous learning and intellectual stimulation.

Key Considerations for Candidates

• Sales Environment Acumen: The role explicitly mentions working within a sales environment and handling its inherent pressures. Candidates should be comfortable with fast-paced, deadline-driven situations and possess strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Substantial In-House Experience: A significant requirement is 7 to 10+ years of in-house legal experience, with a preference for law firm background. This indicates a need for seasoned legal professionals with a deep understanding of commercial law.
• Technical Legal Knowledge: While academic qualifications are important, the emphasis is on substantial relevant experience and well-developed technical knowledge in relevant areas of law. Practical application of this expertise is crucial.
• Contractual Expertise: Experience with IP, licensing, and Software as a Service (SaaS) contracts is highly desirable, pointing to the commercial nature of the transactions you'll be involved in.
• Communication Skills: The ability to clearly and concisely communicate complex legal and commercial issues to a business audience is paramount. This role requires translating legal jargon into actionable business insights.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in both Spanish and English (written and spoken) is a requirement, with Portuguese being a significant plus. This highlights the international and diverse nature of the client base and team.
• Collaborative and Leadership Qualities: Beyond technical skills, the role seeks a collaborative team player who can also demonstrate leadership qualities, actively endorsing team principles.

In summary, the Commercial Sales Legal Counsel position at Elsevier presents a compelling opportunity for experienced legal professionals looking to make a tangible impact within a leading global organization. It combines the challenges of a dynamic sales environment with the rewards of strategic business partnership and a strong focus on employee well-being and professional growth. If you possess the required experience, a proactive mindset, and a passion for supporting innovation, this role could be an excellent next step in your career journey.