The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

 Contracts and Legal Operations Manager / Paralegal

 The AP seeks a legal operations professional to assist with contract management and legal operations in support of our diverse global commercial content and services businesses.  This position reports to the Associate General Counsel and will be a critical member of a lean and high performing legal team. This is an exciting opportunity to join the legal department of an organization that leads the way in ensuring that the public has access to objective, accurate news and information.

 Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Assist with processing of commercial contracts at the AP, including managing queue of commercial requests to be assigned within the Legal Department based on lawyer availability and prioritization of business teams;
• Provide litigation support for legal claims and litigations involving the AP, including document management, fact research and other tasks. 
• Manage trademark and copyright portfolios for the AP, including overseeing registrations and renewals where necessary.
• Assist with and/or oversee matters relating to AP’s corporate governance, including its corporate registrations globally.

• Assist with developing and maintaining a matter management and tracking system to track key performance indicators within the legal department;

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the legal department;

• Assist with AP’s contract lifecycle management system (Ironclad), including creating templates and workflows and managing updates to the CLM system and ensuring contracts are accurately tracked and stored within the system. 

• Review and edit commercial and licensing agreements in accordance with the contractual practices and policies of the company and under the supervision of in-house attorneys.

• Prepare amendments and renewals for existing agreements per specifications from the business teams and oversight of in-house attorneys.

• Review non-disclosure agreements and manage approval process.

• Assist and potentially lead in legal department operations, including willingness to explore artificial intelligence tools and solutions for legal department. 

• Conduct other projects as required, such as researching contractual issues as they arise; assisting in litigation document requests; or otherwise assisting department at the direction of the General Counsel and attorneys.

• Assist attorneys with business and corporate deals, take part in due diligence, identify and prepare document requirements, assist in contracts review and coordinate signings, and otherwise assist department at the direction of the General Counsel and attorneys.

Qualifications:

• At least four (4) years of progressively responsible paralegal experience at a law firm or with in-house counsel.
• Prior experience as contract manager and/or familiarity with CLM systems is a plus. 
• Excellent organization and communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills.
• Established experience in one or more positions that demonstrate the candidate’s teamwork, professionalism, attention to detail and responsibility.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.
• Highly organized and self-motivated. 

Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English language is required.  Authorization to work in the United States is mandatory.
 

Location: The successful candidate will be expected to work a hybrid schedule from our New York headquarters.  Remote work may be considered for the right candidate if they are based outside of New York.  
 

Salary & Benefits: The anticipated salary range for this position is $75,000 - 90,000, contingent on experience and other job-related factors. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan, employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.

Application deadline:  December 4, 2024 at 11:59pm EST.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law. We encourage members of historically underrepresented communities, including women and BIPOC, to apply.