Attorney

New York, New York
The Walt Disney Company (Corporate)

Disney Legal is seeking an Attorney to serve as a supporting lawyer within the breaking news group on The News and Regulatory team that provides legal advice and support to ABC News, the ABC owned television stations, ABC local and network political advertising sales, and the ABC scripted and unscripted Broadcast Standards & Practices groups. The group handles a wide range of matters, including editorial and newsgathering issues involved in the preparation and distribution of national and local news programming (e.g. libel, privacy, trespass, surreptitious recording, subpoenas, fair use/copyright); FCC regulatory issues (e.g. licensing, children’s programming, political and issue advertising, indecency, sponsor ID’s, FCC EEO requirements, issues/programs reports, closed captioning); and sweepstakes/contests/promotions.

Responsibilities

• Vetting news materials and advising journalist clients for ABC News broadcast programming and digital content, including overnight news, digital platforms, long-form programs, ABCNews Live, and the World News Tonight and Good Morning America programs.
• Assist in reviewing and vetting political and issue advertising.
• Handling third party subpoenas seeking published and unpublished news information and/or witness testimony.
• Researching and resolving copyright and other claims and/or other inquiries regarding news materials, as necessary.
• Providing vacation coverage for other lawyers in the group, which may involve working on nights or weekends.
• Interpreting existing group and ABC News policies and supporting the objectives articulated by higher level lawyers in the group and the Disney Legal Department generally.

Basic Qualifications & Skills

• Strong organization and time management skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and quickly assess priorities and adjust workload accordingly.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, discretion, and good judgment.
• Ability to identify and analyze legal issues and propose solutions and strategies for resolution.
• Excellent work ethic and interpersonal skills, including a healthy sense of humor.
• The ability to work collegially and expertly with clients at all levels from production assistant to executive producer and Disney Legal colleagues.
• At least two years of experience as an attorney

Preferred Qualifications

• Media, production and/or FCC communications law experience
• Journalism background or strong interest in news and current events

Education

• JD or equivalent

• Admission to New York State Bar in good standing or willingness and qualification to be Registered In-House Counsel

The hiring range for this position in NYC, NY is $123,600 to $159,800 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.