Description:

The Senior Counsel, News, will serve as a media lawyer to the Versant News Group properties (MSNBC, CNBC and E! News), primarily on issues of newsgathering, broadcast and publication, and intellectual property. This is a unique opportunity to help build the news legal function for a newly formed media company.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Advise News journalists working across a broad range of platforms, including linear television, streaming, digital, social, and podcasts, in support of a broad range of news content, including daily news programming and digital reporting, specials, investigative and breaking news, commentary, documentaries, entertainment and lifestyle, and unscripted programming
Conduct pre-broadcast and pre-publication review
Advise on newsgathering and access issues
Counsel on copyright and other intellectual property matters; negotiate and settle pre-litigation copyright claims
Respond to pre- and post-publication threats and challenges
Respond to subpoenas and other third-party requests for information
Draft and deliver newsroom legal training and guidelines
Provide production legal support, including drafting releases and location agreements
Advise on legal and regulatory issues related to, among other topics, sponsored editorial content, issue and political advertising, and elections
Review promotional and marketing materials
Partner with Standards on upholding policies that protect our integrity, accuracy and independence
Craft and deliver legal training for the newsroom
Monitor domestic and international legal developments affecting the press, freedom of speech, and publication
Partner with specialist lawyers across Versant's Legal Department, including on News -related litigation
Mentor and support News lawyers; contribute to an inclusive, collaborative team culture; demonstrate leadership; and take initiative to deliver value and support the production and distribution of the highest quality news content in the industry

Qualifications:
The Person:

Minimum of 7 years of legal experience advising news clients on content and intellectual property issues both in-house and at a law firm
Demonstrated ability to counsel journalists in a fast-paced environment, partner with journalists to deliver compelling, diverse and visually-engaging stories and give clear, succinct, and practical legal advice that enables broadcast or publication
Management experience
Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school. Member in good standing of the State Bar of New York or another State Bar and registered as in-house counsel
Decisive practitioner; skilled at explaining complex legal issues in a straightforward manner
Strong knowledge of media law and ethics
Demonstrated passion for news and press freedom
High level of integrity and professionalism
Superior writing, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills