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Media Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$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 ...

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 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 ...

Lawyer

Brooklyn, NY · Remote

$90K - $130K/yr

Our clients include leading influencers, content creators, and emerging media personalities closing sophisticated brand partnerships across platforms. We're hiring a mid-level attorney (2-5 years ...

Lawyer

Brooklyn, NY · Remote

$90K - $130K/yr

Our clients include leading influencers, content creators, and emerging media personalities closing sophisticated brand partnerships across platforms. We're hiring a mid-level attorney (2-5 years ...

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Media Lawyer information

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$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do media lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for media lawyer in the United States is $100,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a media lawyer do?

A media lawyer specializes in legal issues related to the media and entertainment industries, such as television, film, publishing, music, and digital platforms. Their work often involves advising clients on copyright, trademark, defamation, privacy, and freedom of expression laws. Media lawyers help negotiate contracts, handle intellectual property rights, and resolve disputes that arise from content production or distribution. They also assist media organizations in navigating regulatory compliance and managing risks associated with publishing or broadcasting content.

What are some common challenges media lawyers face when advising clients on content distribution?

Media lawyers often encounter challenges related to rapidly evolving digital platforms, complex licensing agreements, and varying intellectual property laws across jurisdictions. They must ensure that their clients' content complies with copyright, defamation, and privacy laws while navigating new distribution models like streaming and social media. Staying updated on regulatory changes and technological advancements is crucial, as is collaborating closely with clients' creative, marketing, and compliance teams to mitigate legal risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a media lawyer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Media Lawyer, you need a law degree, strong knowledge of intellectual property, defamation, and media regulations, and admission to the bar. Familiarity with legal research tools, contract management systems, and digital rights management platforms is often required. Excellent negotiation, analytical thinking, and communication skills help build client trust and navigate complex legal issues. These competencies are crucial for effectively protecting clients' interests in the dynamic and evolving media landscape.

What is the difference between Media Lawyer vs Media Rights Specialist?

AspectMedia LawyerMedia Rights Specialist
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, legal certificationsLegal background often preferred, specialized training in media rights
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, media companies, entertainment law firmsMedia companies, licensing agencies, entertainment firms
Industry UsageLegal advisory, contract drafting, litigationNegotiating licensing, rights management, content distribution

Media Lawyers focus on legal advice, contracts, and litigation related to media issues, while Media Rights Specialists handle licensing, rights negotiations, and content distribution. Both roles require legal knowledge but serve different functions within the media industry.

How much does a media lawyer make?

Media lawyers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the employer. Senior or specialized media lawyers in large firms or major markets can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.
More about Media Lawyer jobs

What cities are hiring for Media Lawyer jobs?

Cities with the most Media Lawyer job openings:

What states have the most Media Lawyer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Media Lawyer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Media Lawyer jobs?

For Media Lawyer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Media Lawyer 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 $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Marketing & Media Attorney

On-site

Athletes First, LLC
Spectator Sports • 11 - 50 employees

$130K - $150K/yr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • 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

  • Assist the Chief Legal Officer on internal and external legal matters, including policy questions, risk assessments, dispute resolution, and legal research


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
  • 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
  • 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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