Our client, an established local newspaper, is seeking a motivated and strategic General Counsel to join its leadership team. This is an onsite position located in Baltimore, MD.
The General Counsel will serve as the chief legal advisor for the newspaper, providing expert legal counsel on a wide range of everyday operational matters, including media law, First Amendment rights, contracts, intellectual property, labor and employment, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the legal issues facing the media industry and will play a critical role in guiding the organization in its everyday operations while protecting the newspaper's interests.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic legal advice to senior management and editorial teams on a variety of legal matters, including defamation, First Amendment, intellectual property, and other media-related concerns.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, including agreements related to content licensing, syndication, distribution, advertising, partnerships, and vendor relationships.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including those specific to the media industry.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to mitigate legal risks.
- Oversee and manage litigation and disputes, working with outside counsel, as necessary.
- Represent the newspaper in legal proceedings and negotiations.
- Advise on employment-related legal issues, including employee contracts, workplace policies, labor relations, and dispute resolution.
- Protect the newspaper's intellectual property, including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
- Handle issues related to content use, licensing, and infringement.
- Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to address them proactively.
- Provide training to staff on legal issues related to journalism and publishing.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admitted to the Maryland bar and in good standing or eligible to practice as in-house counsel in the State of Maryland.
- Minimum of 3-10 years of legal experience, preferably with a focus on media law, First Amendment, and employment law.
- Strong understanding of the legal challenges facing the media industry, including First Amendment issues, defamation, and privacy law.
- Experience managing outside counsel and legal budgets.
- High ethical standards and a commitment to upholding the principles of free speech and journalistic integrity.
If you are a resourceful and entrepreneurial attorney who wants to help a news company grow by being a significant member of the leadership team, please submit your resume for consideration.