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Media Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Athletes First

Marketing & Media Attorney

Laguna Hills, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Role Overview We are seeking a Marketing & Media Attorney to join our legal team at our Laguna Hills, CA headquarters. The specific title for this role will be determined at the offer stage. In this ...

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How much do media attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for media attorney in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a media attorney?

Media attorneys are legal professionals who specialize in laws and regulations affecting the media industry, including television, film, print, and digital platforms. They advise clients such as journalists, publishers, broadcasters, and production companies on issues like copyright, defamation, privacy, intellectual property, and First Amendment rights. Media attorneys also help their clients navigate legal risks, negotiate contracts, and represent them in court when necessary. Their goal is to ensure that media organizations operate within the boundaries of the law while protecting their creative and commercial interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a media attorney?

To thrive as a Media Attorney, you need a strong background in media law, intellectual property, contract negotiation, and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with relevant bar admission. Familiarity with legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), copyright management tools, and content licensing systems is essential. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and analytical thinking skills help in advising clients and resolving disputes effectively. These skills are crucial for protecting clients’ interests, ensuring legal compliance, and successfully navigating the complex legal landscape of the media industry.

What are some common challenges a media attorney faces when advising clients on content distribution?

Media Attorneys frequently encounter challenges related to rapidly evolving digital platforms and complex intellectual property laws. Advising clients requires keeping up with regulations around copyright, fair use, and licensing, especially when content is distributed across multiple jurisdictions. Additionally, balancing creative objectives with legal risk management can be demanding, as attorneys must anticipate potential defamation, privacy, or contractual issues before content is released. Close collaboration with content creators, producers, and business teams is essential to ensure legal compliance while supporting the client's business goals.

What is the difference between Media Attorney vs Media Lawyer?

AspectMedia AttorneyMedia Lawyer
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission, specialized training in media lawJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission, specialized training in media law
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, media companies, entertainment agenciesLaw firms, corporate legal departments, media organizations
Industry UsageCommonly used in legal contexts, official titlesOften used interchangeably, less formal
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap, people compare roles and responsibilitiesSimilar, but less formal, often used in general searches

Media Attorney and Media Lawyer are often used interchangeably, both requiring legal credentials and specializing in media law. The main difference lies in usage: 'Media Attorney' is more formal and common in official contexts, while 'Media Lawyer' is more casual. Both roles involve advising media companies on legal issues related to intellectual property, contracts, and First Amendment rights.

Is media law in demand?

Media attorneys are in demand due to the ongoing growth of digital content, entertainment, and communication industries. They often work in law firms, media companies, or as in-house counsel, requiring knowledge of intellectual property, contracts, and First Amendment issues. The field offers steady opportunities for those with strong legal and communication skills.
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Media Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Media Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,160 per year, or $52 per hour.

Marketing & Media Attorney

Athletes First

Laguna Hills, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Reports To: Chief Legal Officer
Location: A1 Office - Orange County Office
Direct Reports: N/A
Salary: $130,000-150,000/year, Exempt

About Athletes First
Athletes First is the premier sports representation and marketing agency, guiding the careers of elite athletes, coaches, executives, and broadcasters. Since 2001, Athletes First has built a reputation for integrity, innovation, and impact across contract negotiations, marketing strategy, endorsement sales, and brand partnerships. The agency also produces world-class live experiences through its events and properties teams and creates dynamic multiplatform content through its in-house media and production capabilities.

Role Overview
We are seeking a Marketing & Media Attorney to join our legal team at our Laguna Hills, CA headquarters. The specific title for this role will be determined at the offer stage. In this role, you'll work closely with our Talent Marketing, Properties, Media Sales, and Broadcasting divisions to draft and negotiate the agreements that power our athletes' and clients' business off the field or court, from endorsements and sponsorships to broadcasting, media and licensing deals. Reporting to our Chief Legal Officer, you'll gain hands-on experience across the full lifecycle of sports and entertainment contracts while contributing to the broader legal function of one of the industry's premier agencies.

Key Responsibilities & Duties
Contracts & Negotiation

  • Draft, review, and negotiate endorsement, appearance, licensing, memorabilia, trading card, and other agreements for athletes, coaches, and broadcasters
  • Structure and negotiate event operation, sponsorship, talent, and other agreements tied to Athletes First's owned and operated events
  • Negotiate media sales, broadcasting, and other related contracts on behalf of talent and company-run podcasts and other properties
  • Partner directly with the Talent Marketing, Properties, Media Sales, and Broadcasting teams to align contract terms with business goals

Legal Support

  • Assist Chief Legal Officer on internal legal matters, including policy questions, risk assessments, and other legal matters within and outside of marketing and media as they arise
  • Support external legal matters, such as sourcing recommendations for, and coordinating with, outside counsel as needed
  • Assist with dispute resolution on behalf of Athletes First or its clients
  • Research legal and regulatory issues relevant to sports, media, and marketing agreements

Contract Operations

  • Maintain and manage the contract submission and intake database
  • Keep the contract tracking system current, ensuring statuses, deadlines, and renewals are accurately logged

Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school required
  • Member of the California State Bar, or another major state bar preferred
  • 3-5 years of experience as a practicing attorney at a law firm or in-house legal dept
  • Experience at a top-tier law firm a plus
  • Some experience in IP, licensing, sports or entertainment law a plus
  • Strong communicator both verbally and in writing, equally comfortable with outside counsel, internal stakeholders, and counterparties
  • A hard-working self-starter who can take a project from kickoff to close with minimal oversight
  • Sharp attention to detail and strong organizational skills, to manage a large number of concurrently-open negotiations and projects
  • Comfortable working some evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

What We Offer

  • Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Cell Phone Reimbursement
  • Flexible PTO
  • Exposure to the highest levels of professional sports and a front-row seat working alongside elite athletes, coaches, front office executives, broadcasters and other talent

Athletes First is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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