Description:
About the role:Dow Jones is seeking an Assistant General Counsel based in New York City to focus on newsroom counseling and litigation as part of its media law team.
This role will provide timely, practical, and solution-oriented legal advice on defamation, privacy, copyright, court access & freedom of information, and other matters of concern to the journalists across Dow Jones, including The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones Newswires, Barron's, MarketWatch, Mansion Global, Financial News, and Investor's Business Daily.
The successful candidate will work with the other members of the media law team as a trusted adviser to reporters and editors, with a shared commitment to publishing impactful journalism while managing legal risks. This is an opportunity for a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys partnering with clients, while maintaining a superior work ethic, fastidious attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and a dedication to ethics and professional responsibility.
This role will report to the SVP, Associate General Counsel, who sits in New York City.
This is a hybrid role, with three (3) days per week required in our midtown Manhattan headquarters.
You Will:
- Review articles, videos, podcasts and other materials for legal concerns prior to publication
- Advise reporters and editors on legal issues in the newsgathering process
- Lead training sessions on media law topics and collaborate with editors on other trainings
- Investigate pre- and post-publication complaints and provide related advice
- Respond to threats of litigation
- Collaborate on journalist safety issues, including legal advice on risk assessments and helping to address incidents
- Collaborate closely with internal colleagues and outside counsel (where engaged) on newsroom-related litigation, including reviewing and drafting filings and managing responses to discovery requests, subpoenas, etc.
- Respond to subpoenas related to newsgathering materials
- Help negotiate freelance contributor agreements, data use agreements, and other contracts in support of the Dow Jones newsrooms
- Advise on advertising issues
- Advise other parts of the business on issues of concern to the newsroom
- Assist with Dow Jones's general litigation portfolio, in the U.S. and abroad
You Have:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Currently admitted to the New York bar as an active member in good standing or qualified to register as in-house counsel in accordance with New York rules.
- At least 8 years of relevant legal experience, with significant in-house experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience handling media law matters
- Strong understanding of libel law, privacy, fair use, access to information and other media law issues
- Excellent research and communication skills (written and oral), with strong judgment and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and exercise sound judgment in setting priorities.
- Experience managing matters from investigation or pre-litigation demand through resolution or formal proceedings.
- A high degree of initiative, accountability, and self-motivation, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build credibility with stakeholders across functions and levels of seniority.
- A practical, business-oriented mindset and the confidence to advise senior leaders on complex issues with clarity and discretion.
- Commitment to ethics, professionalism, and high-quality legal work.
