Assistant/Associate General Counsel

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

We are seeking a senior level news, litigation and intellectual property Assistant/Associate General Counsel. This position can be located in NYC or DC with a hybrid schedule of in office three days a week.

This is a unique opportunity to work for the most trusted source of independent news and information in the world on some of the most interesting and cutting-edge legal issues of our moment.

Responsibilities :

• Oversee and manage docket of complex litigations worldwide related to a broad range of news, access, copyright, and other matters. Work closely with outside counsel in overseeing all cases and provide regular progress updates and in-depth review and clear analysis to all internal stakeholders. Oversee discovery where needed, providing necessary support to internal stakeholders. Provide strategic analysis on progress of claims and determine course of action. Work closely with insurance carriers to provide regular updates on cases.
• Provide initial assessment of all claims before moving cases to outside counsel, working to negotiate and resolve legal claims before litigation where appropriate. Handle initial subpoena defense and third-party claims letters, and respond to pre-litigation and post-publication threats and claims letters for both defamation and IP matters.
• Provide legal advice to the international newsroom on a broad range of matters including newsgathering and source questions, pre-publication review of complex investigative stories, and fair use analysis across all formats. Develop and conduct routine training on newsgathering, defamation law, IP, and access. Partner closely with all regional news teams, and News Standards on critical questions.
• Work closely with all internal stakeholders to analyze and advise on intellectual property rights for news stories for text, photo and video formats, including in the context of generative AI and training use cases. Assist with intellectual property training and policy setting. Deep understanding of IP licensing is required, including ensuring that upstream IP rights enable contemplated downstream business uses.
• Manage paralegals and help guide and advise other lawyers within the legal group related to subject matter areas of expertise.
• Handle all pre-litigation intellectual property enforcement, protection and defense of claims, including investigations, researching claims, drafting letters, and coordinating with outside counsel when needed. Liaise closely with business units and internal clients.
• Coordinate with newsroom and outside counsel on company’s access efforts, including access to courtrooms and dockets, to agency records under Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and state open records laws, as well as to critical government spaces. Advocate on AP’s behalf on various access matters.
• Work closely with technology and security teams in support of safety of staff worldwide, providing legal counsel on global issues as they arise.
• Act as legal liaison to internal clients and outside counsel as directed by the general counsel on wide range of matters. Investigate and respond to complaints and queries as directed by general counsel.
• Collaborate with legal department colleagues on a variety of legal, regulatory and commercial matters. Provide intellectual property licensing advice in collaboration with in-house transactional counsel on a wide range of matters.
• Monitor legal developments globally affecting areas of oversight, including press freedom issues and intellectual property developments. Willingness to develop familiarity and expertise in emerging technologies, and its legal implications, following regulatory and legal developments and ability to explain same to internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrate leadership and ability to take initiative on all areas, as well as willingness to grow in new areas.

Essential Qualifications :

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice and in good standing with any state bar and authorized to practice in New York or DC based on where you will practice.
• This is a senior level position; at least 10 years’ legal experience required.
• In-depth knowledge of defamation law, copyright and access law required.

• Prior In-house experience at a media or news company is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience of pre-publication review of complex investigative news stories strongly preferred.
• Proven track record for cultivating strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability and desire to expand knowledge and competencies to grow with the company’s diverse needs and initiatives.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to explain complex legal issues to all stakeholders in a straightforward manner.
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines required.
• Ability to understand legal risks and business requirements is strongly preferred.
• Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English required.
• Authorization to work in the United States for any employer is mandatory.

Why Join Us? This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a globally respected news organization. You’ll work with diverse, mission-driven teams across the organization to advance the power of facts.

Salary & Benefits: The anticipated base salary range for this position is $200K - 270K, contingent on experience and other job-related factors.

The Associated Press offers comprehensive benefits which include:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage

• Retirement benefits

• Company paid life insurance

• Paid vacation and sick days

• Paid parental leave for any new parent

• Mental health resources

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The posting will remain open until the role has been filled.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.