Job Abstract

Work Locations: With the exception of some select roles that have in-office requirements, A+E Networks operates on a flexible model that allows for remote, hybrid or full time in office work (in certain locales).

Office locations include New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Stamford, CT.

Our list of eligible states in which employees may work remotely includes: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

POSITION SUMMARY: Affiliate sales attorney providing legal and strategic support for U.S., Canadian and Caribbean distribution of 10 AETN networks (plus VOD and other ancillary products), including A&E, History and Lifetime, on traditional MVPD (cable, satellite, telco), and alternative technology (vMVPD) platforms as well as content licensing to other linear platforms.

Reporting to the VP and Associate General Counsel and head of legal distribution group, this attorney will work with the Distribution department, to negotiate and draft distribution agreements with major distributors (MVPDs and vMVPDs), provide support and advice related to contract compliance issues, and drive success in renewal and new deals, as follows:

MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Partner with Legal & Business Affairs distribution attorneys and senior distribution team to achieve maximum value and rights for A+E networks in sophisticated transactions from strategic deal development through drafting.
• Negotiate legal distribution deal terms and rights for the linear networks, TVE, VOD, OTT, SVOD, FAST and digital across all platforms.
• Draft, negotiate and advise the Global Content Sales and Licensing team in connection with various A+E content licensing agreements, including with other cable networks and broadcast syndication.
• Identify, analyze and advise on a variety of complex business, legal and regulatory matters connected to distribution, including MFN compliance and other contractual compliance matters.
• Draft and assist with of execution of complex affiliate agreements on multiple platforms. 
• Assist in legal administration of all AETN distribution agreements and annual renewals, audits, compliance procedures and collections.
• Some travel may be required.

YOUR STORY:

Background

• 5-7 years general corporate law expertise and/or law firm experience participating in the negotiation of complex corporate agreements required.
• Relevant television/cable network legal MVPD/vMVPD distribution experience a plus.  
• JD and New York or California State Bar Membership.

Skills

• Strong intellect, analytical skills and strategic legal mind. Astute in identifying legal issues and rights in a quickly evolving market.
• Can confidently argue for positions with internal business team and work collaboratively to incorporate comments and concerns of business units into agreements.
• Can persuasively represent A+E positions with distributors to successful deal conclusion.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication to effectively work with A+E senior management and external distributor groups.
• Strong transactional contract drafting and attention to detail.
• Partnership with other distribution attorneys and paralegals.
• Management of complex MFN analyses and ability to handle a high volume of matters.

Traits

• Collaborative, positive, and solution-oriented.
• Calm under pressure.

The annual/hourly pay range displayed serves as a good faith estimate of the

minimum and maximum base pay range for this role. Compensation for the role will

be based on a number of different factors such as a candidate’s qualifications, skills,

competencies, location, and experience. A+E offers a competitive total compensation

package, which includes healthcare coverage, 401k matching, and a range of other benefits. Learn more at aenetworks.com/careers.

A+E Networks proudly provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and job applicants, and makes employment decisions consistent with this principle.  The company’s employment actions and decisions – including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, demotion, compensation, transfer, layoff, and termination – are made without regard to an employee’s race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, alienage or citizenship status, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, family and medical leave status, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
A+E Television Networks is a joint venture of the Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.
We are proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans.