Assistant General Counsel

Newsweek is the global media organization that has earned audience time and trust for more than 90 years. Newsweek reaches 100 million people each month with thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. 

Newsweek is actively seeking an experienced Assistant General Counsel to join our legal team and provide expert legal guidance to our weekly news magazine. The successful candidate will focus on prepublication review, managing claims and litigation, supporting our growing events business, including reviewing vendor contracts and sponsorship agreements, and reviewing direct sales agreements. This role requires a proactive legal professional with a strong background in media law, intellectual property, and contract negotiation. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Prepublication Review: 

• Conduct legal reviews of articles, editorials, and other content prior to publication to mitigate potential legal risks, including defamation, libel, invasion of privacy, and copyright infringement. 

• Provide timely advice to editorial teams on First Amendment and other legal issues related to freedom of speech and the press. 

• Collaborate with reporters, editors, and content creators to ensure adherence to legal standards without compromising journalistic integrity. 

• Claims & Litigation Management: 

• Oversee and manage claims and disputes arising from published content, including responding to demand letters, subpoenas, and other legal inquiries. 

• Assist in managing outside counsel for litigation and claims, ensuring efficient and cost-effective legal representation. 

• Develop strategies to minimize legal risks associated with the magazine’s operations and content. 

• Sales & Events Support: 

• Draft, review, and negotiate direct sales contracts. 

• Draft, review, and negotiate vendor contracts, speaker agreements, and sponsorship deals related to company-sponsored events. 

• Provide legal support and counsel for live events, including those involving media partnerships, licensing, and intellectual property rights. 

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to event management, sponsorship, and advertising agreements. 

• Intellectual Property & Advertising Compliance: 

• Provide advice on intellectual property matters, including trademark, copyright, and licensing issues. 

• Ensure compliance with media, advertising, and communications laws, including Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines. 

• General Legal Support: 

• Assist with general corporate legal matters, including employment law, corporate governance, and internal compliance policies. 

• Draft, review, and negotiate various legal agreements as needed, including vendor contracts, freelance agreements, and partnership deals. 

• Provide training and guidance to staff on legal issues, best practices, and risk management. 

Qualifications: 

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. 

• Active license to practice law in New York, Connecticut, or New Jersey. 

• 3-5 years of legal experience, with a focus on media law, intellectual property, contract law, and litigation. 

• Experience in prepublication review and familiarity with laws governing defamation, libel, and privacy issues. 

• Strong background in negotiating contracts, particularly in relation to events, sponsorships, and vendor agreements. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal issues to non-legal stakeholders. 

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working in-house at a media organization or law firm with a focus on media clients. 

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing the publication of news content. 

• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative mindset. 

Salary expectations: $180,000-$200,000 + bonus 

Please note this role is hybrid with the expectation to visit the New York City Headquarters 2-3 days per week.

Newsweek is an equal opportunity employer. We seek employees of diverse backgrounds and are committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and respectful workplace.