Media Counsel

Hunterbrook Media publishes investigative and global reporting—with no ads or paywalls. Our mission is to bring visibility to under-covered regions and accountability to under-scrutinized sectors. We publish across our website, newsletter, and multimedia platforms.

We are seeking a dedicated Media Counsel to join our legal team. This pivotal role involves comprehensive legal and compliance support across our organization's diverse activities, with a significant focus on delivering specialized legal services to our newsroom. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work remotely, with a strong preference for applicants licensed to practice in New York. The Media Counsel reports directly to the General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer. The Media Counsel will also work closely with the Publisher, the CEO, and other executives across both the editorial and business leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Offer proactive and considered legal counsel on a broad spectrum of potential risks and legal matters. This includes, but is not limited to, conducting pre-publication reviews of editorial content to navigate through the complexities of defamation, freedom of information and access, intellectual property, newsgathering and sourcing, privacy/publicity rights, and supporting compliance review. Additionally, the role encompasses basic commercial contract review and drafting.

• Engage directly with the newsroom's leadership, including senior editors, reporters, and other editorial staff, to ensure legal compliance and minimize risk. This responsibility extends to liaising with the business development team, managers, publishing partners, commercial vendors, and other crucial stakeholders to support our organizational goals.

• Oversee the work of external legal counsel on litigated matters. Furthermore, depending on the workload, the role may involve direct involvement in litigation, related to freedom of information/access issues, subpoena matters, and other adversarial matters.

• Handle a variety of compliance responsibilities including: reviewing internal communications, identifying and mitigating potential risks before they escalate, supporting the development of compliance training programs to ensure all employees are informed of their legal responsibilities, and ensuring compliance with the firm's recordkeeping responsibilities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of five years as a full-time practicing attorney in media law, compliance or related fields. This should include both litigation experience (ideally in defamation and freedom of information/access cases) and experience in directly advising clients.

• Experience working within or providing legal advice to financial journalism sectors, demonstrating an understanding of the unique legal and compliance challenges and responsibilities inherent in reporting on financial issues, governance, and corporate wrongdoing.

• A profound commitment to the principles underpinning a free and investigative press, recognizing its essential role in governance and a commitment to ensuring accuracy and transparency.

• Exceptional analytical and communication skills, both verbal and written, are required to navigate complex legal and editorial matters effectively.

• Display the highest levels of professionalism and judgment, underpinned by a creative and entrepreneurial mindset. High energy, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic are crucial to succeed in this dynamic role.

• Must have a JD and be an active member of a state bar, with substantial experience in litigating in federal and state courts. Experience in other legal forums is also advantageous.

Compensation:

The base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $200,000 a year as well as eligibility for a potentially substantial annual discretionary bonus, reflecting the significance of the role within our organization. Actual compensation will depend upon the candidate's skills, experience, qualifications, and level of impact in the role.

Employment Type:

This is a full-time position, offering a unique opportunity to support the mission and operations of Hunterbrook Media from a legal standpoint. We do not allow for-profit outside business activities, but you may continue any existing volunteer work and seek approval for future pro bono.

We are looking for a candidate who not only has the requisite legal expertise but also shares our passion for journalism and the vital role it plays in society. If you are ready to contribute to our mission and make a significant impact, we welcome your application.

Benefits for You:

• Unified Vision and Teamwork: Join a new media company where collaboration, growth, and a culture of respect, inclusivity, diversity, and inspiration prevail. Here, you'll engage in the most fulfilling work of your career in a fun and supportive environment.

• Extensive Health Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, designed with each employee's unique needs in mind.

• Flexible Time Off Policy: We prioritize a healthy work-life balance by not setting strict limits on the amount of leave each employee can take, encouraging you to rest as needed.

• Support for Your Family Journey: Benefit from family planning services via Maven, offering inclusive, high-quality care for every stage of family life, from preconception to parenting and beyond, ensuring you and your family's well-being.

To Apply:

We kindly request that you submit your resume by clicking Apply to this Job below. Upon receipt, we will review your application and reach out should there be a suitable match. Thank you for considering us, and we appreciate your interest.

Should you see potential in this role for yourself, even if you meet just half of the criteria, we encourage you to apply. It's not about ticking every box, but bringing what you uniquely offer to the table. We value diversity and strive for inclusivity, knowing it enhances our work. Share your unique strengths with us. We're eager to hear from you.

$175,000/yr - $200,000/yr + Bonus