Legal Counsel

Paramount; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Paramount Australia is seeking a proactive Legal Counsel to join our Australian team. This role combines commercial contracting with clearance and litigation support, in a fast-paced media environment.

You will draft, negotiate and finalise program acquisitions, production and IP licences, advise on IP issues and ensure content clearance for broadcast. A NSW/Vic practising certificate and 2–4 years' post-qualification experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with NSW or Victoria practising certificate.
• 2–4 years post-qualification experience at a top-tier firm or reputable in-house team.
• Experience advising on media or IP issues; strong contract proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Draft, negotiate and review program acquisition, production and licence, development, format, distribution, funding, ancillary, talent and IP licences and agreements.
• Draft and negotiate NDAs, standard program licences, location agreements/filming permits, waivers and talent releases.
• Advise on intellectual property matters and provide commercial legal guidance.
• Clearance of content for broadcast under applicable laws and regulations.
• Assist senior lawyers with litigation and dispute resolution; support training materials.

Skills

Media law experience

Intellectual property knowledge

Contract drafting

Commercial mindset

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Education

Law degree (LLB/JD) with NSW/Victoria practising certificate

Job description

We’ve got the brands, we’ve got the stars, we’ve got the power to achieve our mission to entertain the planet – now all we’re missing is… YOU! Becoming a part of Paramount means joining a team of passionate people who not only recognize the power of content but also enjoy a touch of fun and uniqueness. Together, we co-create moments that matter – both for our audiences and our employees – and aim to leave a positive mark on culture.

In Australia, we deliver premium content on any screen, anytime, anywhere, via an enhanced viewing ecosystem. We pride ourselves on creating content that gets people talking. What’s more, you can watch and stream for free on 10, 10 Drama, 10 Comedy and Nickelodeon, plus a vast array of Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST channels) as well as our subscription video on demand service Paramount+.

We now have a rare opportunity available for an up-and-coming lawyer who is excited by the appeal of gaining broad media law experience in a role that will allow you to develop skills in both commercial and clearance & litigation matters.

We’re looking for a collaborative and friendly team player who is eager to learn and is flexible to adapt in the fast pace and changing needs of a dynamic media business.

Enough about us! What you’ll do as a Legal Counsel:

This role has dual functions, comprising both the commercial function for the negotiation, preparation, review and finalisation of agreements relating to the development, production and acquisition of media content, as well as a clearance & litigation function for the clearance of content for broadcast against the various laws and regulations applying to Australian media.

Functions will include:

• Assisting with drafting, negotiating and reviewing principal contracts including program acquisition, production and licence, development, format, distribution, funding, ancillary, talent and other production and intellectual property licences and agreements.
• Assuming direct responsibility for drafting and negotiating foundational agreements such as non-disclosure agreements, standard program licences, location agreements/filming permits for productions/promos, waivers, talent/participant releases, photography releases, program partnership/sponsorship agreements, event sponsorship agreements, footage licences
• Advising on intellectual property matters
• Providing general commercial legal advice, such as interpreting contracts
• Clearance of 10 News, social posts and general news legal clearance
• Clearance of non-news programs including Have You Been Paying Attention?, Gogglebox, Cheap Seats and Sam Pang.
• Assisting with the preparation of Cease-and-Desist letters
• Advertising and commercial integration clearance, including betting and gambling legislation
• Assisting senior lawyers with litigation and dispute resolution
• Assisting in preparing Legal training materials and updating Legal team internal guidance notes

What are we looking for in a Legal Counsel? What’s important?

• A qualified lawyer holding, or eligible to hold, a practising certificate in NSW or Victoria
• 2-4 years of relevant post qualification experience in a top tier law firm or highly regarded in-house legal team
• Enthusiasm, passion and the willingness to learn and develop new skills and expertise
• Experience advising on media and/or intellectual property issues, and/or a good result in relevant university subject(s) in this area
• Commercial aptitude, including the ability to advise within the framework of Ten’s business objectives and risk profile
• Deep technical proficiency in contract and intellectual property laws
• An interest in content production and the media industry
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent and effective interpersonal, written and communication skills, including an ability to adapt to and communicate with all types of people internally and externally
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a team member
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to perform a variety of tasks

Paramountembraces differences and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds regardless of factors such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property or birth. These grounds also include age, nationality, marital status, disability, place of residence and sexual orientation.

We’re honoured to have been named on Diversity Council Australia’s annual list of Inclusive Employers in 2023-24 and 2024-25. This acknowledgement highlights our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and supported.

Paramount acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's original storytellers and the first peoples of the lands where we create, broadcast and connect. We pay our respects to their timeless stories that continue to shape Country and culture.

#LI-LG1

Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic studios, networks and streaming services, Paramount's portfolio of consumer brands includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, Pluto TV, Network 10 (Australia) and Channel 5 (UK).

Reasonable adjustments
Paramount recognises that everyone is unique, and you might require some adjustments to ensure you have the best opportunity to apply and be considered for this position. If we can make some adjustments to ensure you are given equal opportunity throughout the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing *******@networkten.com.au