Legal Counsel, Business Affairs

Overview

A leading music and entertainment company established in 2015 is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join its expanding Legal and Business Affairs team. The organization operates as a record label, distribution company, and entertainment network generating over 15 billion music streams monthly. This role supports the company’s music, publishing, and digital media operations by providing senior-level legal judgment and managing complex matters independently.

Responsibilities

Agreement Drafting, Negotiation & Execution

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of complex agreements including distribution, content monetization, recording, administration, co-publishing, master use, synchronization, mechanical licenses, channel partnerships, marketing, promotional, employment, contractor, consulting, acquisition, joint venture, producer, side artist, sample clearance, DSP licensing, production, network/MCN, talent, creator & influencer, brand partnership, sponsorship, advertising, advertising sales representation, technology, vendor & professional services, marketing & promotion, confidentiality/NDAs, data protection, transition services, and termination agreements.
• Review and respond to counterparty comments and redlines with minimal oversight.
• Manage negotiations from initial draft through execution ensuring accuracy and alignment with company standards.

Deal Flow & Business Support

• Manage deal flow across multiple business units.
• Serve as a primary legal partner to internal teams including Accounting, Finance, Culture, A&R, Distribution, Publishing, Marketing, Data, and Digital.
• Coordinate final deal points with internal stakeholders and external counsel.
• Track deal status and proactively follow up to ensure timely execution.
• Help manage and partner with outside counsel.

Risk Management & Legal Advisory

• Identify legal risks and provide practical, business-focused guidance to mitigate exposure.
• Advise internal teams on deal structure, rights, and obligations.
• Escalate novel or high-risk issues to senior legal leadership as appropriate.
• Support dispute prevention through clear drafting and early issue spotting.
• Provide legal support including managing conflicts, claims, and pre-litigation matters.

Team Leadership & Process Support

• Review and provide feedback on agreement drafts prepared by other attorneys and legal team members.
• Serve as a senior resource within the Business Affairs team.
• Assist in developing and improving legal templates, playbooks, and internal processes.
• Support implementation of legal systems and tools to improve efficiency and visibility.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Organize and manage deal terms, client information, and legal documentation.
• Coordinate execution of agreements including use of electronic signature platforms.
• Assist with termination, takedown, and clearance requests as needed.
• Maintain accurate records within internal tracking systems and databases.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to at least one U.S. state bar (active and in good standing).
• Minimum eight (8) years of legal practice.
• Strong prior law firm experience with significant drafting and negotiation of music-related agreements.
• Demonstrated experience working with record labels, music publishers, and/or digital media companies.
• Strong knowledge of music industry practices and copyright principles.
• Ability to independently manage complex matters and high-volume deal flow.
• Excellent legal writing, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Experience mentoring junior attorneys or legal staff and reviewing work product.
• Proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Adobe DC, Excel, Formstack, and CRMs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior in-house experience at a music, media, or technology company.
• Experience supporting fast-paced, high-growth organizations and managing competing priorities.
• Comfort advising senior business stakeholders and translating legal concepts into practical guidance.

Skills & Attributes

• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Solution-oriented with sound judgment.
• Clear and effective communicator, both written and verbal.
• Self-starter capable of operating independently.
• Comfortable handling sensitive matters with discretion.
• Able to manage a high volume of projects without sacrificing quality.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $180,000 – $220,000 USD per year.
• Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, and overall fit for the role.

Location

• Based in Hollywood, California.

Additional Information

• In accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, employment consideration is given to qualified applicants with criminal histories. Candidates are evaluated based on qualifications and the nature of the offense in relation to the job.