Legal fees for two high-profile employment cases against BBC NI cost the broadcaster more than £450,000.
The costs are over and above the undisclosed settlements paid to newsreader Donna Traynor and Spotlight journalist Lena Ferguson.
The pay-outs were made without BBC NI admitting liability.
The broadcaster said the legal fees, disclosed in a Freedom of Information request to the Belfast Telegraph, were "only incurred to the extent that is necessary and after careful consideration".
Ms Traynor claimed she was discriminated against on the basis of age, sex and disability, a claim the broadcaster refutes.
Ms Ferguson sued her former employers over alleged bullying, an allegation the BBC also denies.
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In Ms Traynor's case, the BBC said the total legal costs were £256,231, while those relating to Ms Ferguson were £207,884.
The separate financial terms of the settlements in both cases were undisclosed.
A statement from the broadcaster said it was "committed to resolving employee relations issues without external legal support, whenever that is possible".
"When legal actions are initiated by others against the BBC or important considerations of law are engaged, we may decide to draw on external legal advice and representation to ensure that the BBC's position is properly protected," the statement said.
"Such expenditure is only incurred to the extent that is necessary and after careful consideration."
