Senior Counsel (Media)

The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.

Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's international coverage with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, digital privacy and much more. Guardian US launched in 2011 and today has bureaus in New York, Washington DC, New Orleans and Los Angeles. The Guardian is an independently owned, mission-driven organization, funded by readers around the globe.

It’s the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to The Guardian that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, digital talent and more. 

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Counsel to join our legal team on a full-time basis. This position plays a vital role in supporting both the editorial and business operations of Guardian US. The ideal candidate is a pragmatic, business-minded media lawyer with deep expertise in digital publishing, content risk, and commercial transactions.

You will work closely with the editorial and commercial teams to navigate the legal landscape of a modern, global news organization. This position is based in our New York office and requires a minimum two-day in-office presence each week.

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid, 2 days in office required)

Terms & Conditions: Full-time, permanent

Reports to: General Counsel, U.S.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on pre- and post-publication matters, including defamation, privacy, copyright (fair use), FOIA, and investigative newsgathering.
• Conduct pre-publication review of news content, including articles, video, and podcasts, in a fast-paced environment.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of complex commercial agreements, including licensing, advertising, sponsorships, vendor and partnership contracts, SaaS, MSAs/SOWs, and data processing agreements.
• Advise on responses to legal challenges such as takedown requests, retraction demands, subpoenas, and copyright infringement claims.
• Support compliance efforts on global privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA/CPRA) and help operationalize privacy best practices in collaboration with product and tech teams.
• Stay current on trends in media law, privacy, content regulation, and IP to proactively advise stakeholders and mitigate risk.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and licensed to practice in New York (or eligible for in-house registration).
• 7–10+ years of relevant experience in media law, litigation, commercial transactions, or digital publishing.
• Deep knowledge of First Amendment, defamation, fair use, and privacy law.
• Strong background in negotiating and drafting commercial agreements.
• Ability to assess legal risk and provide clear, business-oriented solutions under tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience advising senior stakeholders.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and collaborative in approach.
• In-house experience with a digital media or news organization.

Preferred Experience

• Knowledge of advertising technology, branded content, and programmatic media.
• Experience managing litigation or regulatory matters.
• Familiarity with international legal considerations and cross-border legal frameworks.

Salary Range 

• $180-210,000 annual salary

Why Join The Guardian?

• Be part of a mission-driven newsroom committed to independent journalism and global impact.
• Work alongside top editorial, commercial, and legal talent.
• Maintain work-life balance with a flexible, full-time schedule.
• Competitive compensation aligned with senior-level legal roles.

Compensation and Benefits

• 20 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays and 2 personal days
• Unlimited sick time
• Free Headspace subscription for you and your family members(Headspace is a company that offers evidence-based meditation and mindfulness tools, mental health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and EAP services)
• 401(k) Match
• Subsidized healthcare cove