Guardian US has chosen Kai Falkenberg as its very first General Counsel. In her new role, Falkenberg will be Guardian US's top legal advisor, providing expertise in various legal areas like labor, data, taxes, and contracts. With over 20 years of experience in media law, Falkenberg brings a wealth of knowledge to this position.
Falkenberg's impressive career journey began at the prestigious law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, specializing in corporate mergers and acquisitions. She further honed her skills at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, representing a range of media clients. Her impactful contributions continued at Forbes, where she transformed the business model and negotiated a $10M libel suit settlement. Her public sector achievements include acting as Acting Commissioner and First Deputy Commissioner at the NYC Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment, overseeing landmark programs and high-profile events like the Grammy's return in 2018.
In the private sector, she served as General Counsel for GLOSSYBOX, a leading e-commerce beauty subscription service, and ventured into academia as a Law Professor at Columbia Law School. Notably, she introduced the first nationwide law school course on the Law & Regulation of Social Media.
In her capacity as General Counsel at Guardian US, Falkenberg will play a pivotal role in furnishing legal and strategic counsel to the organization. Her duties will encompass the management of legal complaints and litigation arising from the publication and dissemination of the Guardian's in-depth journalism and other content. Additionally, Falkenberg will provide invaluable guidance on labor relations, data privacy, tax issues, contracts, and a myriad of other legal concerns. Falkenberg will be reporting to both the Guardian US Managing Director, Steve Sachs, and the Guardian US Editor, Betsy Reed.
Given Guardian US' commitment to producing hard-hitting investigative journalism, the organization frequently encounters challenges, threats, and legal disputes. Having a seasoned General Counsel like Falkenberg on board will provide the essential expertise and guidance required to safeguard the organization's editorial independence and integrity.
Both Steve Sachs and Betsy Reed expressed their enthusiasm about Falkenberg joining the Guardian US team. Sachs emphasized the significance of having a Chief Legal Officer of Falkenberg's caliber, given the organization's scale, reach, and journalistic aspirations. Reed expressed her unwavering confidence in Falkenberg's proficiency, stating that her knowledge and experience will offer the utmost defense and protection to Guardian US journalists and editors.
Kai Falkenberg voiced her excitement at the prospect of joining Guardian US, remarking that she has been closely following the organization's progress and is deeply impressed by the leadership displayed by Betsy Reed and Steve Sachs. She believes that Guardian US provides the ideal platform for her to continue the mission she has dedicated her entire career to.
