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 a legal affairs attorney 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, etc.) for WBD’s cable television networks and brands, including notably Food Network, HGTV TLC and others. This role will provide advice to internal and external parties on a variety of 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 many 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, capturing 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 advise ancillary production-related documents such as access agreements, format licenses, participant releases, and consultant agreements. Advise clients on pre-publication matters.  Research rights information as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• Undergraduate degree required.
• JD degree from an accredited law school required.
• Admission to and an active member in good standing of a state Bar.
• At least five (5) 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge of transactional (e.g. drafting) work related to television programming and talent agreements.
• Experience making legal and business decisions within customary parameters for television deals.
• 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 of customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and other software applications required.
• Must have the legal right to work in the United States

How We Get Things Done…