Counsel, Commercial Contracts

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. 

Job Description

About the Role

The New York Times Company has an opening for an attorney with at least six years experience, specializing in the areas of content licensing and technology transactions. You will be part of a commercial legal and business affairs team that provides support primarily across the business/commercial side of the company and will report to the Senior Counsel, Legal Admin.

You will be in a hybrid position working out of our NYC headquarters 3 days per week.

Responsibilities:

• Review, structure, negotiate, and draft commercial agreements, including:

  • Cutting-edge global digital news content distribution deals (for text, audio, and video) with the world’s leading technology companies, including to development of new products, services, platforms, and business models; 

  • Global licensing agreements for news content with B2B partners, from Fortune 500 companies to non-profit organizations, large government agencies, and leading universities and colleges;

  • Agreements to support our e-commerce business for The New York Times Store, including payments, product design and manufacturing, and website development;

  • Complex technology transactions for software tools and platforms used by product, marketing, advertising, data analytics, and customer service teams, including for the use of artificial intelligence, agreements for media and marketing services and agencies, ad tech (supply and demand platforms), data models and analysis, and professional services; and 

  • Other commercial transactional needs, as they arise.

• Identify and analyze legal issues, help to determine business terms and structure transactions, and provide advice to colleagues that balances business goals and legal risk.

• Collaborate with multiple departments including business development, licensing, marketing, advertising, and B2B subscriptions, on direct-to-consumer products and transactions, such as marketing materials for new products and clients

• Advise legal colleagues by identifying legal and business issues in third-party terms and conditions for digital products and services, and by reviewing product features and complex new technologies and platforms, in collaboration with legal and other subject matter experts

• Provide general commercial and compliance advice and training, remain current on legal decisions, statutory changes, and industry developments, and advise clients accordingly.

• Collaborate with subject matter experts on legal and business issues, including data privacy, cybersecurity, procurement, and finance colleagues. 

• Contribute to discussions of general business issues; to work well with clients from several departments; and to work independently and as part of a team.

• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.

• This role reports to the Senior Counsel, Legal Admin.

Basic Qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience handling a broad range of commercial and technology transactions. 

• Experience reviewing, drafting and negotiating content licenses and technology transactions for global technology platforms. 

• Experience working as in-house counsel. 

• Undergraduate and J.D. degrees from an accredited institution and a member of the New York Bar.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in domestic and international privacy laws.

• Experience negotiating online advertising technology agreements and government contracts.

The annual base pay range for this role is between $180,000.00 and $210,000.00.

The New York Times is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, one that reflects the varied global community we serve. Our journalism and the products we build in the service of that journalism greatly benefit from a range of perspectives, which can only come from diversity of all types, across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. Achieving true diversity and inclusion is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing for our business. So we strongly encourage women, veterans, people with disabilities, people of color and gender nonconforming candidates to apply.

The New York Times Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The New York Times Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email [email protected]. Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

The Company will further consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable "Fair Chance" laws.

The New York Times Company follows the pay transparency and non-discrimination provisions outlined by the United States Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. Click here for details.