Counsel/Senior Counsel, NBCU News Group

NBCUniversal News Group & News Legal

NBCUniversal News Group includes NBC News, Telemundo Network and NBC and Telemundo Local Stations. Across digital and television, the News Group reaches more Americans than any other news organization. 

• With bureaus around the world and across the United States, NBC News reaches its audience on broadcast television, digital, streaming, and audio platforms. Its leading and award-winning television news broadcasts include TODAY, NBC Nightly News, and Meet the Press. NBC News Now is the most successful free, ad-supported news streaming channel. NBC News also has several commerce businesses, including ShopTODAY.
• With 42 NBC and Telemundo television stations in local markets across the country, covering English and Spanish languages, NBCU Local reaches nearly 50% of all U.S. households. Our local stations produce news programming (watched by an estimated 17M monthly viewers) and popular lifestyle shows in each of their markets.
• Telemundo Network produces and distributes Spanish-language news, sports and entertainment content to audiences around the world, reaching 94% of the U.S. Hispanic audience. Among the news division’s award-winning television programs are Hoy Dia, Noticias Telemundo and Al Rojo Vivo.

The News Group legal team provides editorial, transactional and production legal support to all News Group businesses and newsrooms. The team is primarily located in Rockefeller Center in New York City.

Position Overview:

The Counsel/Senior Counsel will serve as a news content and media lawyer to the News Group, advising journalists on First Amendment, newsgathering, and other legal issues.

Responsibilities:

• Advise editorial leadership and journalists working across platforms including linear television, streaming, digital, social and audio, in support of daily news programming, breaking news, analysis, elections, investigative reports, documentaries, lifestyle, true crime, and unscripted programming
• Conduct pre-broadcast and pre-publication review
• Advise on newsgathering and access issues
• Counsel on copyright and other intellectual property matters
• Advise on, and respond to, pre- and post-publication threats and challenges
• Respond to subpoenas and other third-party requests for information
• Craft and deliver legal training for the newsroom
• Implement and counsel on News Group policies that protect our integrity, accuracy and independence
• Monitor legal developments affecting the press and freedom of speech
• Partner with specialist lawyers across NBCUniversal’s Legal Department, including on news-related litigation
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and creative team culture

Basic Requirements:

• 4+ years for Counsel/7+ years for Senior Counsel of legal experience, including experience advising news clients on media law and publication issues
• Passion for news and press freedom
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Exceptional writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of New York, or another State Bar with registration as in-house counsel in New York

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Spanish-language proficiency highly preferred

This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

Salary range: Counsel: $140,000 - $170,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible) / Senior Counsel: $165,000 - $200,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible).

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].