Director, Legal S Networks

Job Description

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 Discovery Channel, ID and others. This position co-leads the team's network template workflow with responsibilities including reviewing and drafting legal language for a variety of templates, harmonizing contractual language across different company business units, and revising and updating templates in coordination with other team members. 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, draft and maintain legal template language and associated documents. Work with other legal teams and business units to maintain consistent and sound legal language for team templates.
• 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 seven (7) to ten (10) 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

Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.
If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery's total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $140,000.00 - $260,000.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-wpp2bp-216-73-216-82-42 in your application.