Commercial Attorney North America

Ready to bring legal expertise to the world of memorable experiences? As a Commercial Attorney at Merlin Entertainments, you won’t just manage risk—you’ll actively enable innovation, growth, and project delivery across North America. Supporting our Senior Leadership Team and General Counsel, you will be the go-to strategic partner driving high-impact commercial deals, negotiating key contracts, and navigating exciting capex and development projects. If you're a business-minded legal professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, loves streamlining operations with smart tech, and wants to protect and empower the brands behind world-class attractions, this role is for you! 

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise and lead legal considerations for high-impact commercial projects, capital investments, leases, acquisitions, brand protection, and new business opportunities across North American divisions.

• Lead contract drafting, negotiation, review, and execution; maintain standardized contract templates and ensure business-wide compliance with internal Contract Policies.

• Provide direct, live project support to the Senior Leadership Team and operating divisions from inception through completion, minimizing reliance on outside legal counsel.

• Manage relationships, service quality, spend, and ongoing liaisons with external legal service providers in North America.

• Deliver tailored guidance on North American laws, statutory developments, and regulatory changes, ensuring operational policies remain compliant and up to date.

• Administer legal technology platforms (such as Contract Lifecycle Management and litigation hold systems) and track department metrics to drive continuous process improvements.

• Design and deliver legal training programs to key internal commercial stakeholders to raise awareness of best legal practices and departmental policies.

• Direct legal strategy for negotiations, commercial disputes, asset acquisitions/disposals, and M&A transactions as required.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree required, with active membership in good standing with the Florida Bar (or licensed in another U.S. state and eligible for Authorized House Counsel status in Florida).

• 5 to 10 years of legal experience drafting and negotiating a wide variety of commercial agreements, including NDAs, sweepstakes/contests, marketing contracts, Master Service Agreements (MSA's), SaaS Agreements, and goods/services agreements.

• Previous experience in a top-tier law firm or large corporate environment is preferred, with blue-chip or in-house experience handling complex legal matters and both standard-form/bespoke contracts considered a strong plus.

• Demonstrated business awareness with the capability to provide practical, innovative, and cost-effective legal solutions to complex operational challenges.

• Highly self-motivated self-starter able to perform essential functions with minimal training and manage multiple complex legal matters through completion.

• Outstanding written and verbal English communication skills, with a track record of building trusted relationships across multinational business teams and delivering internal legal training.

• Excellent project management skills with a flexible, calm-under-pressure demeanor, strong analytical capabilities, and proficiency in legal technology tools.

Excellent Health Care Options: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.Paid Time Off (PTO).Merlin Magic Pass: Free entry for friends and family to our amazing parks & attractions.Recognition Programs and Rewards.401(k) Program: Save for the future with company matching contributions.Tuition Reimbursement Programs: Get support for further education and career growth.Numerous Learning and Advancement Opportunities: Grow your skills and advance your career with us!