Senior Counsel, Media Law and Litigation

Senior Counsel, Media Law and Litigation

New York, NY

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.

About the Role

The New York Times Company is seeking an attorney with 10+ years of experience to join our legal department. You will play a key role in the company's media law and litigation, handling all aspects of media law and litigation, including matters related to libel, newsgathering, intellectual property, and freedom of information. Because the department handles much of its pre‑publication review and litigation in-house, the position requires someone with the ability to independently handle vetting and litigation.

The legal department works closely with teams throughout the company on a wide range of legal and compliance matters.

The position is based in New York with the expectation that the attorney will be in the office at least three days a week. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter as a single PDF on or before May 20, 2026.

Responsibilities

Counsel journalists, business teams, and leadership on legal issues related to newsgathering, access to information, libel, intellectual property, AI and privacy.

Independently handle time‑sensitive pre‑publication review of articles, videos, and other content.

Litigate media law matters including freedom of information, copyright, and libel cases.

Support the company's government affairs initiatives, including by developing positions on strategic issues of concern to The Times, engaging with stakeholders and trade associations, and monitoring global political and legislative developments.

Respond to threatened subpoenas, lawsuits, and other legal actions against the company.

Conduct timely in‑house training and presentations on matters affecting our journalism.

Support our commercial lawyers on threatened and active litigation.

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.

Basic Qualifications

10+ years of experience handling complex, time‑sensitive litigation matters involving libel, intellectual property, freedom of information, and commercial law.

Undergraduate and J.D. degrees from recognized institutions.

Admitted and in good standing with the New York Bar.

Experience conducting pre‑publication review of news and other content.

Outstanding legal research and writing skills.

Excellent communications skills.

Good judgment and a high level of professional integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior in‑house experience at a media law company.

Familiarity with international media law.

An understanding of digital platforms and legal issues related to artificial intelligence.

REQ-020097

Compensation and Benefits

The annual base pay range for this role is between $230,000 and $250,000 USD. For roles in the U.S., you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental, and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company‑matching 401(k) plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs. For roles outside of the U.S., information on benefits will be provided during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do 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 U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s Know Your Rights Poster is available here.