Sr. Counsel, Legal, U.S. Networks

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

Your New Role

This position is for an attorney in WBD’s Legal department who is responsible for independently handling the drafting and negotiation of legal terms for a variety of agreements for the development, production and distribution of documentary and unscripted television programming, as well as the drafting of agreements for on camera talent (e.g., hosts, experts, narrators, multi-person casts) for WBD’s cable television networks, including ID (Investigation Discovery), Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and other brands. This position is also responsible for the pre-publication legal review of programming content (e.g., screening for publicity and privacy rights and copyright/fair use issues) and handling of clearance questions primarily for the ID network.  The attorney will also provide advice to internal and external parties on content related legal issues.  This position works closely with WBD’s cable networks’ Business Affairs and Production Management teams.

Your Role Accountabilities

• Assume independent responsibility for project/deal negotiations and drafting of contracts for developing, producing, financing, and/or acquiring television programming for several cable television networks. Negotiate legal terms with producer’s lawyers and/or agents or other representatives, including standard terms and conditions, back-end participation, and ancillary deal components such as the licensing and granting of rights. Work with internal Business Affairs, Production Management, network and finance teams to complete and execute contract drafts. Assume accountability for deals under tight timelines while acquiring appropriate rights within budgetary parameters. Manage business practices and internal workflow process in concert with network editorial/creative and production management teams.

• Assume independent responsibility for negotiation and drafting of contracts for a variety of talent deals including on camera host and participant agreements, incorporating business and legal terms including exploitation and promotional rights, exclusivity, options, endorsement services, and all other applicable talent deal terms customary to the entertainment industry.

• Review and vet content for pre-publication, including identifying and assessing issues and giving legal advice and risk analysis, as well as providing copyright/fair use analyses for rough cuts of shows and promotional and marketing content review prior to broadcast.

• Review and advise on ancillary production-related documents such as access agreements, format licenses, participant releases, and consultant agreements. Research rights information as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least four (4) to seven (7) years of experience working in-house in the business affairs or legal department of an entertainment company and/or within the entertainment/media practice of a law firm.

• Preferred experience with a cable or broadcast television network, studio, or production company.
• Undergraduate degree required.
• JD degree from an accredited law school required.
• Admission to State Bar in good standing.
• Active member to United States Bar in good standing.

• Demonstrated knowledge of transactional (e.g., drafting) work related to television programming and talent agreements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of defamation, privacy, and copyright laws and the applicability to media content.
• Excellent writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills, including clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Creative, business-friendly approach to problem solving and the ability to provide high-quality legal support in a fast-paced environment are vital.
• Relationships with entertainment attorneys, talent agents, talent managers and talent publicists a plus.
• Applicants must be industrious and self-motivated with demonstrated ability to take initiative, make firm decisions, manage projects, and offer a high level