CQ Legal is seeking a highly motivated reporter to write about mergers and acquisitions, antitrust regulation and related legislation in Congress.
The ideal candidate brings to the post an enthusiasm for analyzing the competitive reasons behind each merger and the anticipated effects on the industry with energy and determination to dig into the regulatory details and agencies.
Also must show an ability to explain those issues clearly and quickly on multiple platforms including blogs, mobile, tablets and podcasts. In writing news, the candidate must demonstrate a high degree of accuracy and fairness, as well as correct grammar and spelling. Precision of thought and organization are also necessary.
Flexibility and an ability to adapt to change are key for any candidate.
Accountabilities
In the role you would be expected to:
- Master the basics of a given beat or beats, showing an understanding of the areas you’ll be covering, the various interests that bring pressure to bear on producing or changing policies, and an understanding of how financial markets and federal regulatory agencies work
- Write spot news stories of varying lengths on a daily basis that are timely, succinct, forward-looking and focused on the interests of a legal audience
- Contribute to other parts of CQ, particularly CQ News and also CQ Weekly
- Recognize the interests and expectations of Westlaw subscribers related to news on markets and securities
- Come up with incisive and relevant story ideas
- Demonstrate accuracy and effective writing skills by making sure stories are free of errors, style mistakes, typos or inaccuracies
- Maintain contacts with a broad network of sources and provide timely, even-handed and informative news and analysis
- Identify the major players on crucial beats and forge relationships with those individuals
Experience, skills and professional attributes
To succeed in the role you must have:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience, preferably in business journalism
- Proven organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal communications skills
- Ability to switch quickly among news priorities
- Familiarity with the tools used to create compelling graphics and video
To succeed in the role you will be able to demonstrate:
- A collaborative work style and the ability to be a team player with other CQ reporters and editors
- Flexibility and an ability to adapt to change as well as a high degree of accuracy and fairness, as well as correct grammar and spelling
- A strong work ethic and adaptation to changing news situations, including a willingness to work odd hours when news happens
- Ability to meet deadlines and ensure that copy is free of misspellings, style errors or mistakes
- Ability to work with editors to develop story ideas, schedule them and deliver them on time while keeping in close touch with editors about developments on news beat
