Legal Counsel

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

Primary Purpose of Position

The position will provide legal advice and related support to the local production business of Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia Pty Limited (“WBITVP”) in Australia.

The position will be responsible for and assist with all legal matters arising throughout programme production (from development through to broadcast, other exploitation, including digital and social media, and subsequent distribution) across a broad and dynamic slate of non-scripted and scripted programming (including drama, documentaries, specialist factual, factual entertainment, game shows, lifestyle and “shiny floor” studio-based entertainment).

The position works in a small team based in WBITVP’s Sydney office and is part of a larger team of lawyers within Warner Bros. Discovery (“WBD”) and Warner Bros. International Television that are based in the United Kingdom and United States.

WBITVP

WBITVP is part of the Warner Bros. International Television group of production companies which currently operate in over 15 countries around the world, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, Sweden and UK (“WBITVP Group”).

WBITVP has the exclusive rights for all WBITVP Group television formats including non-scripted and scripted formats of all key genres. Key brands that WBITVP are currently representing include The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, The Masked Singer, The Twelve, Love Me, Selling Houses, House Hunters, First Dates and Who Do You Think You Are?.

Your New Role

To draft and advise on agreements for the development and production of programming, including development agreements; format option or license agreements, and option and purchase agreements; commissioning or programme license agreements; production and co-production agreements; programme investment and distribution agreements; talent and other contributor agreements; scriptwriter agreements; access agreements, location, studio and production services agreements; rights releases, permissions or licenses; music composer and licensing agreements; and non-disclosure agreements.

To advise production executives on rights issues and clearance issues, and to assist with the preparation of production protocols and guidance notes for production teams on key areas, such as child performers, privacy, foreign filming locations, insurance foreign work visa requirements, workplace health and safety, programme participants’ welfare and WBITVP’s Duty of Care Protocol.

To assist with management of disputes, claims and complaints from contributors, broadcasters, viewers or other third parties.

To assist with compilation of programme rights information for distribution purposes and to liaise and manage process with rights administration and sales administration teams.

to prepare, draft and negotiate agreements related to the exploitation of ancillary rights including integration, product placement, clip licences, digital and social media.

To advise on copyright, trademark and privacy law matters.

To advise and conduct due diligence on potential local partners and counterparties to ensure compliance with applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws and trade and economic sanctions including the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth), US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act, OFAC and EU sanctions.

Assist with and where applicable, lead review and update production template agreements and where required, develop understanding of new business initiatives and assist with the development of new templates, as required.

On a production-by-production basis, assist with preparation for and providing training to participants and production crew on the key identified legal and business risks.

Assist with the training of and providing guidance to certain production executives and management on legal controls and processes.

To assist Director, Legal & Business Affairs to ensure that WBITVP contracting and general business affairs is consistent with WBD’s and WBITVP Group’s procedures and policies, including both legal and business.

Collaborating with other WBD and WBITVP Group in-house lawyers on a variety of legal and business affairs issues, including production know-how and best practice, litigation, privacy/data protection and compliance.

To perform other related business and administrative duties as assigned.

Job Qualification Standards

Work Experience

3 + years post-qualification experience

Experience in production (preferred) or programme rights acquisitions essential

Experience gained with an Australian production company, broadcaster or a major law firm preferred

Experience and working knowledge of the Australian broadcasters’ terms of trade is preferred

Strong background in copyright law and of the ownership of rights in content and underlying material is preferred

Knowledge / Skills

Qualified solicitor (essential)

Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, specifically Word, Excel, SharePoint and Outlook

Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and the ability to take initiative

Must have ability to handle multiple tasks and meet conflicting deadlines in short timeframe

Must have excellent attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure

Must have excellent drafting skills

Must have excellent communication skills and be able to explain complex issues simply, clearly and tactfully

Strong decision making and problem-solving capabilities.

Must be agile and willing to learn in a fast-paced and growing business

A strong team player who contributes to an environment that embraces constant change and innovation

An infectious enthusiasm for the television sector

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, ****** orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.
If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.

Australia
New South Wales
St Leonards Show on map Get directions