Counsel - ESPN

About the Role

As a Counsel at ESPN's Legal Department, you will support the Deputy Chief Counsel, Assistant Chief Counsel, and other legal team members in managing and addressing the corporation's diverse legal matters. Your primary focus areas may encompass programming acquisition contracts, production agreements, marketing and promotional legalities, digital and social media platforms, distribution channels, along with legal aspects related to direct-to-consumer services. While the preferred work location is Bristol, CT, consideration will be given to candidates based in New York, NY.

Key Responsibilities

• Remain well-versed in relevant federal, state, and local regulations along with industry legal standards and evaluate their impact on ESPN's operations.
• Prepare and review contracts and legal documentation; advise on contract approvals or amendments; negotiate terms with external parties; and provide assistance across other legal domains beyond primary specialization.
• Maintain ongoing expertise in specialized legal disciplines, particularly in content licensing and production, intellectual property including copyrights and trademarks, marketing and promotional law, and digital platforms.
• Inform and advise internal clients regarding pertinent legal issues and implications arising from current activities and proposed plans, outlining risks and legal consequences.
• Review internal policy documents, correspondence, work orders, and other materials to ensure appropriate legal considerations are incorporated.
• Oversee external legal counsel engaged in litigation and other legal affairs for ESPN.
• Provide supervisory oversight to paralegal and legal assistant staff as needed.
• Engage in professional development opportunities such as relevant seminars, conferences, and association participation as directed.
• Operate aligned with established corporate strategies and recommend procedural improvements to enhance workflow efficiency.
• Translate corporate objectives into mid-to-long-term goals and analyze trends to propose proactive measures to maintain legal compliance and risk mitigation.
• Undertake additional tasks and responsibilities as delegated by senior counsel leaders.
• Devise and suggest strategies to lessen legal exposure arising from organizational actions.

Qualifications and Skills

• A minimum of two years of experience in contract law, including extensive drafting expertise in either transactional or litigation settings.
• Preferred background includes negotiation experience with content agreements such as audiovisual programming, licensing, and production contracts.
• Familiarity with intellectual property law covering copyrights, trademarks, and rights of publicity.
• Experience related to the entertainment, broadcast, cable, internet, mobile or digital media sectors, ideally including sports-related businesses.
• Knowledge of audiovisual production legal frameworks, including licensing of content and data components.
• Understanding of marketing law matters.
• Experience supervising paralegal or legal support staff.

Education and Admission

• Juris Doctor (JD) or an equivalent law degree.
• Membership in good standing with the Connecticut State Bar or New York State Bar, or eligibility and qualification to serve as Registered In-House Counsel.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range in Bristol, CT is $144,300 to $186,600 per annum, while the range in New York, NY spans $151,200 to $195,500 per annum. Final salary is determined by factors such as internal equity, location, relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional compensation may include bonuses and long-term incentive units. The package also entails comprehensive medical, financial, and other benefits depending on position level.