Description
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s mission is to be the most essential and engaging source of news and information for the people of Atlanta, of Georgia and the South. To achieve that mission, we are investing and transforming our organization from a storied daily newspaper into a modern media company. We are the largest and most influential local news organization in Georgia and a regional influence in politics and culture.
We are seeking an experienced reporter to cover legal affairs, the judicial branch, significant legal battles, court rulings and legal trends.
This reporter will:
- spot and write about issues involving the fairness and functioning of Georgia courts
- cover newsworthy trials and court cases including those involving government or corporate harm
- track updates in notable cases
- break news on noteworthy cases or legal trends
- partner with colleagues to provide legal explainers that illuminate political issues and consumer-related topics
- build a deep base of sources in the judiciary and among the legal industry and community
This reporter has experience covering government and public policy, courts and trials or legal affairs; is skilled with accountability journalism and can translate policy to community concerns and engage residents and readers.
This reporter will develop strong, reader-focused stories and write about complex concepts with accuracy, clarity and authority. This reporter must be skilled at breaking news, smart, engaging enterprise and accountability reporting, serving readers in print and online.
This reporter must maintain rigorous standards for fairness and accuracy.
Beat description:
This reporter will cover significant legal battles and court rulings and issues involving the fairness and functioning of Georgia courts. He or she will also cover court cases involving government or corporate harm; spot and write about noteworthy trends in case filings; and partner with colleagues to provide legal explainers and perspectives that illuminate political issues and consumer-related topics.
Key topics and organizations on the beat include the entire Georgia judicial branch, civil and criminal courts, the state Supreme Court and the federal judiciary. This reporter will also monitor the State Bar Association, the legal industry, the state’s indigent defense system, district attorneys and prosecutors, defense attorneys and others. The bread-and-butter of this beat is not so much individual cases as the trends and systems behind them, but you may use trials to illuminate larger issues. This reporter will collaborate as needed with crime and public safety reporters to cover high-profile cases, key legal rulings and other legal matters of significant public interest.
Other key requirements, skills and abilities:
• Shows strong news judgment and the ability to enterprise.
• Demonstrates strong research skills, including knowledge of digital searching techniques and of websites relevant to consumer-related topics.
• Fairly and accurately reflects the points of view of all significant players.
• Uses data skills to identify potential topics and analyze them. Proficient in using public records laws to obtain information.
• Uses time effectively to meet deadlines; is organized and able to juggle multiple stories.
• Understands and uses metrics/audience analytics tools to shape coverage and grow audience.
• Provides needed communication across the newsroom and collaborates effectively.
• Can take photos and video and collect audio as needed (in compliance with laws governing cameras/recording in the courtroom).
The responsibilities above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for this position.
Position Requirements
Education: College degree preferred.
Experience: 10 years of professional journalism; comparable experience through other roles will be considered for outstanding candidates.
· Strong record of serving audiences in a fast-paced, productive environment that is shaped by research, audience metrics and audience needs in print and in digital.
· Demonstrated ability to produce authoritative, accurate coverage without reporting gaps and clean, clear copy with minimum of supervision.
· Fluency in another language other than English a plus
Additional Requirements
• Reliable internet access required to work remotely.
• Permanent residence in metro Atlanta required.
• Local travel required. Therefore, a successful candidate will need a reliable vehicle to cover the news
About Cox
Cox empowers employees to build a better future and has been doing so for over 120 years. With exciting investments and innovations across transportation, communications, cleantech and healthcare, our family of businesses – which includes Cox Automotive and Cox Communications – is forging a better future for us all. Ready to make your mark? Join us today!
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Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page.
Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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