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.

Assistant General Counsel, Commercial

The AP seeks a mid to senior-level attorney to support our diverse commercial content and services businesses. 

The Assistant General Counsel will support AP’s Revenue team; providing strategic legal advice and support for complex commercial agreements with major media and technology companies as well as advice on a wide range of other matters, as the business needs. 

This position reports to the Associate General Counsel and will be a critical member of a lean and high performing legal team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Structure, draft, and negotiate agreements for content production, acquisition, licensing, marketing and distribution across all media platforms.
• Negotiate other agreements as needed, including software, technology and services related agreements.
• Provide strategic legal advice on a broad range of matters including intellectual property, commercial transactions, AI and other emerging technologies, privacy, corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
• Proactively take ownership of multiple matters effectively and efficiently, remain flexible, manage expectations and respond to changing needs and priorities. 
• Collaborate closely with the Revenue team to develop legal frameworks for new products.  Create standard agreement templates where appropriate.
• Serve as the primary legal liaison to internal business groups, managing external counsel as needed under the direction of the Associate General Counsel.
• Review, optimize, and coordinate technology purchase and service agreements.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in the legal department on various business, legal and regulatory issues.
• Undertake special projects as assigned by senior executives and/or the Associate General Counsel.

Qualifications:

J.D. from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice and in good standing in any state bar, preferably New York.

5-8+ years preferred of combined experience in a law firm and in-house legal department, ideally within media or related industries.  Other experience levels will be considered for strong candidates.

Expertise in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, with a strong understanding of intellectual property, licensing and technology.

Familiarity with copyright, privacy, defamation and other legal issues foundational to content publishers.

Understanding of new technologies (including artificial intelligence) and how these impact the news and content industries.

Familiarity with and/or willingness to learn about contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems and other legal productivity tools.

Strong business acumen and the ability to provide strategic legal advice in a fast-paced environment.

Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic setting.

Ability to work independently, proactively and cross-functionally.

Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with a track record of building effective relationships across diverse stakeholders.

Detail-oriented, results-driven and adept at problem-solving and decision-making.

Ability and desire to expand knowledge and competencies to grow with the company’s diverse needs and initiatives.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be a persuasive speaker and presenter.

Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English language is required.  Authorization to work in the US for any employer is mandatory.

Location: This position will follow a hybrid work model in our New York headquarters. Remote work will be considered for candidates outside of the New York area.    

Salary & Benefits: The anticipated salary range for this position is $168,000 - $190,000 — contingent on experience and other job-related factors. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan, employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.

Application deadline:  July 9, 2024 at 11:59pm EST.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or status as a veteran. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.