Counsel, Publishing

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic legal business partner to the Paramount Publishing team, supporting the launch and ongoing operations of a new publishing imprint developing franchise-based and original literary IP.
• Negotiate, draft, and review a broad range of publishing agreements, including rights acquisitions, author and illustrator agreements, collaborations and co-author agreements, adaptations, inbound and outbound licensing agreements, distribution agreements, and vendor/production services agreements.
• Advise on intellectual property matters related to publishing, including copyright ownership, rights, chain-of-title, derivative works, and exploitation across formats and platforms.
• Initiate and support complex rights negotiations to unlock frozen and/or restricted rights.
• Support publishing initiatives inspired by Paramount’s iconic brands and franchises, ensuring alignment with franchise management, brand protection and long-term IP strategy.
• Provide legal guidance on royalty structures, profit participation, accounting provisions, audit rights, advances and recoupment models customary in the book and digital publishing industries.
• Collaborate closely with Consumer Products, Franchise, Marketing, Labor Relations and Business Affairs teams to enable timely development, launch and commercialization of publishing projects.
• Identify and manage legal risks associated with publishing, manufacturing and distributing content, including defamation, privacy, publicity rights, trademark usage and fair use issues.
• Oversee and coordinate with outside counsel as needed on specialized publishing or IP matters while maintaining internal ownership of core legal strategy.
• Support the development and maintenance of legal templates, deal forms and best practices to enable efficient growth of the publishing business.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of legal experience, with a combination of law firm and/or in-house experience preferred.
• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in New York or California.
• In-depth knowledge of publishing, media, entertainment, or consumer products businesses, with strong familiarity with publishing industry agreements and customs.
• Substantial experience negotiating intellectual property-driven commercial agreements.
• Working knowledge of guild and labor issues.

Additional Qualifications

• Prior experience in book publishing (print and/or digital), media, entertainment or brand licensing environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of how publishing content intersects with broader entertainment ecosystems, including film, television, consumer products and digital platforms.
• Experience advising creative, editorial and business teams in fast-moving, entrepreneurial environments.
• Proven ability to balance legal risk with business objectives and provide practical, solutions-oriented counsel.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively across functions.

Benefits

• Hiring Salary Range: $139,200.00 - 208,800.00.
• Bonuses are eligible.
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable, as otherwise dictated by the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for both on-site and virtual engagement events.
• Unique opportunities to make meaningful connections and build a vibrant community, both inside and outside the workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.