Solicitor, Editorial Legal

About The Role

This role is for a solicitor in the Editorial Legal & Compliance Department. It is an in-office role. Due to the nature of the business the role may also involve dealing with requests for legal advice and/or threats of litigation/injunctions out of hours including at weekends.

In conjunction with the rest of the team, will be responsible for giving pre-publication legal advice to the editor and his/her journalists to enable the risks associated with publishing any story to be fully appreciated. Those risks would include, inter alia, libel, contempt, breach of privacy, breach of copyright and advising on the public interest as it applies to journalism.

To give advice that ensures that all material published online complies with the Editors’ Code of Practice, as adjudicated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

To work with the Head of Editorial Legal & Compliance to respond to and where appropriate defend any legal complaints brought against the company relating to material published by it in any form. This may include instructing outside solicitors or counsel as required. To respond to any reader complaints that material has been published in breach of the Editors’ Code of Practice including, if necessary corresponding with complainants, participating in mediation or arbitration and responding to IPSO investigations.

Key Responsibilities

• Gives pre-publication advice on the legal risks connected with any material proposed for publication on any of TMG platforms including video, podcasts.
• Responds to legal complaints in connection with any material published on any TMG platforms - including instructing outside solicitors or counsel if necessary and as agreed by the Head of Editorial Legal
• Advise on queries relating to the Editors’ Code of Practice as adjudicated by IPSO and actual or potential complaints arising from it.
• Respond to reader complaints including those that have been passed to IPSO.
• Is consulted on matters involving discussion of the public interest relating to either the Editors’ Code of Practice or the Data Protection Act 1998 where these might affect a decision to publish. Is also consulted on matters requiring interpretation of the Editors’ Code with a view to publishing material that may be affected by its provisions.
• Engage in industry issues via the MLA
• Advise on and represent the company in respect of reporting restriction orders; FOIs; DPA “right of erasure” requests.
• Keeps abreast of developments and changes in all aspects of “media law” so as to properly fulfil duties.
• Develops and maintains effective business relationships with senior editorial executives and other journalists
• Identifies and seeks to remedy potential areas of compliance vulnerability and risk.

Key Skills

• Qualified Solicitor or barrister
• Expert knowledge of media law and the Editors’ Code of Practice
• Experience of working as an in-house newspaper or television lawyer

Our benefits

The nature of our industry means life at the Telegraph Media Group is fast-paced, demanding, and interesting. We also want it to be rewarding for everyone who works here by creating a suite of benefits that contribute to lifestyle choices and leisure activities. From dynamic working opportunities, medical cover, and parental leave (six months fully paid maternity leave and enhanced paternity/partner leave), to life assurance and season ticket loans, you can choose from a range of flexible benefits, designed to support your lifestyle and help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Training and development

With support from your manager and colleagues, you’ll also have access to a variety of training and development opportunities through The Academy. Covering a range of personal and professional skills, our courses enable you to develop an enjoyable and rewarding career.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Telegraph Media Group, we foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and we are committed to building a team that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We believe in equality of opportunity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

We are proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader as part of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition and would like support in applying for any of our roles or if you require any reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process with us, please make us aware.

To find out more about Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Telegraph Media Group, and for more information on our purpose, beliefs, and people values, please visit our website.