Legal Services Specialist

Job Title: Legal Services Specialist 

Locations: London, Hybrid 

Full time, Maternity Leave (12 month FTC) 

Application Deadline: Sunday 31st May 2026

About Springer Nature  

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and follow @SpringerNature. 

About the Role  

The Legal Services Specialist will deliver standardised legal and rights-related services across Springer Nature, applying approved templates, playbooks, and guidance. This role provides first‑line triage and responds to routine legal and rights queries, drafts and processes documents using standard templates, and escalates non‑standard, high‑risk, or complex matters to the Advisory Lead or Legal Counsel as appropriate. The role supports the efficient delivery of legal services by maintaining matter records, contributing to knowledge resources, and ensuring consistent, high‑quality application of GCO standards and contracting frameworks. 

Role Responsibilities:  

Advisory & Query Handling 

• Provide first‑line triage of legal, contracting, and rights-related queries and determine appropriate next steps using approved guidance. 

• Respond to standard, low‑risk queries using GCO playbooks, clause positions, and rights guidance. 

• Escalate complex, novel, or non‑standard issues to the Legal Services Advisory Lead or Legal Counsel in accordance with defined thresholds. 

Documents, Templates & Workflows 

• Draft and process agreements using approved templates and standard clause options. 

• Complete administrative steps in contracting workflows, ensuring alignment with GCO policies and required approvals. 

• Conduct checks to ensure rights documentation meets required business and legal criteria. 

• Support the processing of internal rights and file requests, ensuring necessary approvals are in place before release. 

Research & Information Support 

• Conduct factual research and prepare summaries to support Legal Counsel and the Advisory Lead. 

• Identify recurring query themes and contribute insights to improve guidance, templates, or workflows. 

Record Keeping & Quality 

• Maintain accurate and timely matter records using approved systems (e.g., Freshdesk, Smartsheet, internal workflow tools). 

• Ensure all work meets defined quality standards and complies with GCO guidance. 

• Support quality assurance activities, including sample checks and data-gathering for reporting. 

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement 

• Work closely with the Advisory Lead to support smooth escalation handling and clear application of standards. 

• Provide feedback on guidance, templates, and workflows to support continuous improvement. 

• Participate in team meetings, training, and knowledge-sharing activities. 

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:  

Essential   

• Experience working with legal documentation, including reviewing and completing standard contracts or rights documentation. 

• Ability to follow structured guidance, templates, and workflows accurately. 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple queries and tasks simultaneously. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to summarise issues clearly. 

• Ability to maintain high levels of accuracy and attention to detail in a fast‑paced environment. 

Desirable   

• Experience in a paralegal, rights management, or legal operations role. 

• Familiarity with contracting frameworks or legal technology platforms. 

• Understanding of copyright, permissions, or rights‑related processes. 

• German language skills (professional working proficiency). 

Qualifications 

• Educated to a degree level 

• Law degree or paralegal qualification (e.g., CILEX, NALP) desirable but not essential. 

#LI-RP1

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation. Find out more about our DEI work here https://group.springernature.com/gp/group/taking-responsibility/diversity-equity-inclusion    

For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit https://springernature.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/SpringerNatureCareers/