Legal Counsel, Business Affairs

Overview

An established music and entertainment company is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to support its expanding music, publishing, and digital media operations. This role requires a seasoned attorney with strong music industry experience capable of independently handling complex legal matters, providing senior-level judgment, and supporting deal execution at scale.

Responsibilities

Agreement Drafting, Negotiation & Execution

• Independently draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of complex agreements, including but not limited to:
  • Distribution and content monetization agreements
  • Recording, administration, and co-publishing agreements
  • Master use, synchronization, and mechanical license agreements
  • Channel partnership, marketing, and promotional agreements
  • Employment, contractor, and consulting agreements
  • Acquisition, joint venture, and other strategic agreements
  • Producer, side artist, sample, and other clearance agreements
  • DSP and other licensing agreements
  • Production agreements
  • Network / MCN agreements
  • Talent agreements
  • Creator & influencer agreements
  • Brand partnership agreements
  • Sponsorship & advertising agreements
  • Advertising sales representation agreements
  • Technology agreements
  • Vendor & professional services agreements
  • Marketing & promotion agreements
  • Confidentiality / non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
  • Data protection & information security agreements
  • Transition services agreements
  • Termination & wind-down agreements
• Review and respond to counterparty comments and redlines with minimal oversight.
• Manage negotiations from initial draft through execution, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with company standards.

Deal Flow & Business Support

• Manage and take ownership of 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 on open items 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, high-risk, or enterprise-level issues to senior legal leadership as appropriate.
• Support dispute prevention through clear drafting, early issue spotting, and proactive guidance.
• Provide legal support including managing conflicts, claims, and handling 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, maintaining, 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

• 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 experience.
• 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 working 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 determined based on experience, skills, and overall fit for the role.

Location

• Based in Hollywood, CA.

Additional Information

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