The Guardian says that Zoe has served as deputy director of editorial legal services at the publisher since 2019. She joined the GNM’s editorial legal department in 2010, having previously worked in private practice.
GNM’s director of editorial legal services leads on the provision of editorial legal support and advice to GNM websites and publications including theguardian.com and the Guardian and Observer newspapers, on all content-related matters such as defamation, privacy, contempt of court and reporting restrictions. Zoe Norden succeeds Gill Phillips, who has held the role for 13 years and announced in late 2022 that she planned to step down.
Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief, Guardian News & Media says: “I am delighted that Zoe has agreed to become our director of editorial legal services. She has played a vital role over many years in helping to steer some of our most important and complex journalistic investigations. Zoe’s deep legal expertise and great judgment will help make sure that Guardian and Observer reporting continues to be the best and most rigorous in the world.
“I'd like to say thank you to Gill Phillips for an extraordinary 13 years in the role. From the Snowden files and the Panama and Paradise Papers to the Pegasus Project, Gill has been at the heart of some of the Guardian’s biggest investigations, which we wouldn’t have been able to publish without her skill and wisdom.”
Zoe Norden says: “I look forward to heading up GNM’s legal department, helping to ensure that Guardian and Observer journalism is robust, industry-leading and held to the highest editorial legal standards we’re revered for. It’s a privilege to work so closely with our talented reporters, and to guide a top team of professional lawyers in protecting and defending impactful Guardian and Observer journalism that is read by millions around the world every day.”
Gill Phillips says: “It’s an honour to have played a part in the Guardian’s history, supporting its world-class journalism and upholding the values of the organisation through a legal lens. Zoe’s expertise and insights are truly unrivalled – the Guardian is in safe hands!”
Zoe Norden begins her new role as director of editorial legal services in June.
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