Sr. Paralegal

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we’re doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

The Sr. Paralegal carries out a range of para-professional duties under the supervision of one or more attorneys. The position assists attorneys with all facets of various transactional deals, including but not limited to contract drafting and analysis. Areas of focus can include, but are not limited to, programming acquisitions, film agreements, production agreements, marketing and promotion, digital (including social media) media and platforms, and distribution, as well as legal work related to various aspects of direct-to-consumer offerings.

What You Will Do:

• Drafts contracts and/or other legal documents, ranging from standard to highly complex.  Range of subject matters may include programming, film, sponsorship, talent, trademark, production, intellectual property and other ESPN functions.
• Teamed with specific attorneys from which some but not all assignments flow; also receives some significant portion of work directly from clients while under the supervision of an attorney
• Manages vendor approval workflow and drafts vendor master services agreements on a largely independent basis.
• Maintains the department’s master and standard contracts and other documents, and updates and distributes as necessary
• Conducts research, which may include some higher-level analysis, in areas of focus, which may include programming and distribution rights, discovery research in support of litigation, and other legal research
• May conduct administrative support activities for department attorneys as necessary
• May analyze desired contract requirements for translation into contract draft language; may propose original and standard alternate language
• Interacts with attorneys and other legal department personnel, outside counsel and internal clients; often interacts, under attorney supervision,  with other third parties
• Performs such other duties or functions as the supervising attorney may delegate to them

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum of 3 years of applicable legal experience required
• Significant contract drafting experience
• Expertise in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• The ability to consistently solve problems with a high degree of independent decision-making
• The ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management
• Demonstrated strong operational expertise
• Proven success in judgment in a broad scope of matters
• Full knowledge of selected legal procedures, terminology, and contract policies and standards
• Ability to handle a high volume of work with minimal supervision while exercising the judgment to appropriately discern when to escalate issues.
• Superior organization skills with the ability to prioritize workload efficiently and effectively, and excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and must be highly team-oriented.
• High level of professionalism and ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.
• Ability to build business acumen and understand core elements of the applicable business areas
• Must be willing to work holidays, nights and weekends

Preferred Qualifications:

• Subject matter expertise in the sports, media, entertainment, production and/or music space
• Paralegal certification or Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree

Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent