Editorial Legal Advisor

Overview

Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live – whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.

We\’re home to more than 120 brands – from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

It\’s our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us Britain and Ireland\’s largest commercial news publisher. We reach around 70% of the UK\’s online population, 10% of the US online population, and over 100 million social followers around the world, connecting with them on who they are, where they live and what they love.

Your story, with Reach

As a modern media organisation, we\’re much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.

We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.

We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.

About this role

If you thrive on fast decisions, clear thinking and the thrill of helping great stories see the light of day, you’ll feel at home here.

We’re looking for a Legal Advisor to provide trusted pre‑publication guidance across all Reach titles, so our journalism is accurate, courageous and fully compliant.

You’ll sit within our Editorial Legal Services team, reporting to the Director of Editorial Legal Services and you’ll work shoulder‑to‑shoulder with editors, reporters, picture and video desks in a truly 24/7 publishing environment, including some evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays when required.

Advise pre and post‑publication, draft and challenge reporting restrictions, respond to solicitors’ letters and injunction threats, handle copyright queries and regulatory issues when requested, conduct research, instruct external counsel where appropriate, and provide clear legal input on editorial contracts.

You’ll also help uphold our editorial policies and champion diversity, inclusion and non‑discrimination.

What you’ll need to succeed

UK‑qualified Solicitor or Barrister with solid post‑qualification experience in media law or litigation, a current practising certificate, and a proven record of pre‑publication advice across print, digital and social.

A great communicator who turns complex law into concise, actionable guidance at pace, combining calm judgement, quick triage and sharp prioritisation in a deadline‑driven newsroom.

Collaborative relationship‑builder with editors, reporters, picture and video desks, focused on practical solutions that protect impact and audiences.

Highly organised with disciplined follow‑through, plus meticulous attention to detail from headlines and captions to metadata.

Strong drafting skills, grounded in a genuine commitment to free speech, the public interest and investigative journalism, and the confidence and resilience to give firm, fair advice under pressure.

How we\’ll look after you

We take good care of our people – and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you\’ll get a range of benefits, including:

25 days\’ holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you\’ve been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.

An extra day\’s paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.

Big moment day – an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you – like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)

Bonus scheme – you\’ll get a stake in our success and a chance to add to your annual earnings.

Help saving for your retirement – we\’ll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.

Supportive and progressive people policies – we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we sharethis overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers . If there\’s something you want to understand more about, just ask – it won’t make a difference to your application.

A healthcare cash plan – giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor\’s appointments.

Car lease scheme – you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.

Wellbeing support – including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.

Access to lots of discounts – including 15% off with Reach\’s very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.

Interest-free loans – including for season tickets and technology.

Additional Information

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.