Counsel/Senior Counsel, Labor & Employment Law

Company Description

VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports and entertainment - home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most.

As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks - including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel - with dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. Together, these businesses reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service.

VERSANT is an industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision, VERSANT empowers creativity, embraces change, and drives connection in an ever-evolving world.

Job Description

The Senior Counsel/Counsel role will serve as a trusted legal advisor to Human Resources leaders and senior business executives, offering strategic, business-focused labor and employment law advice and practical guidance on the full range of labor and employment law matters impacting a fast-paced, creative workforce.

Job Duties 

• Provide legal and strategic counsel to senior leadership on various labor relations matters covering employees in news, production, technical operations, and sports, including collective bargaining agreement administration, grievance processing, arbitrations, unfair labor practice charges, and union campaigns, and assist in developing and implementing company labor relations strategy.
• Draft, negotiate, and advise on employment contracts for on-air News and Sports talent, including anchors, reporters, correspondents, analysts, and contributors. 
• Advise on employment law issues, including discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims; workforce restructurings; leave and accommodation matters; wage-and-hour compliance; and pay equity and labor law matters, including
• Cultivate strong working relationships with union representatives, agents and counsel representing on-air talent, and internal business partners, including production, HR, finance, payroll and business & legal affairs executives.
• Oversee and advise on internal investigations involving workplace complaints, ensuring prompt and thorough resolution while balancing legal risk and reputational considerations. 
• Advise on labor and employment law aspects of acquisitions, joint ventures, and content partnerships.
• Draft mediation briefs, settlement and separation agreements, and position statements submitted to federal, state, and local agencies. 
• Monitor and analyze developments in labor and employment law affecting media and entertainment organizations, including changes impacting union activity, employee speech, and evolving workplace regulations, and proactively counsel stakeholders on compliance and risk mitigation. 

Qualifications

Requirements 

• Law degree from an accredited law school 
• Member in good standing of the State Bar of New York, or member in good standing of another State Bar and registered as in-house counsel 
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant labor and employment law experience for the Counsel level or 7 years of experience for the Senior Counsel level at a top tier law firm or corporation
• Willing to work in New York City corporate office
• Excellent communication skills 
• Ability to identify, prioritize and resolve legal issues quickly and effectively 
• Ability to approach complex legal scenarios in a thoughtful and analytical fashion 
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts, build consensus, think creatively and collaborate with clients to address business needs
• Excellent judgment and ability to work with minimal oversight  

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be willing to work in New York, NY
• This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week
• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States

Additional Requirements

Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week. Subject to change based on business need. This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks.

Salary range for Sr. Counsel: $165,000 - $200,000 (bonus and LTI eligible)