Description:
Position Summary: A Performing Rights Company Legal department is seeking an attorney to join the team that provides legal counsel to the Creative Business Affairs team as well as the administration, distribution and customer service teams. As part of that position, the Attorney will be responsible for the management of a personal case load of one or more areas of focus, which will include drafting contracts with current or potential A Performing Rights Company affiliates and managing copyright administration/customer service matters. From time to time, the Attorney will also be asked to manage a variety of responsibilities in support of the A Performing Rights Company Legal department's service to various departments acro ss the Company.Functions of The Job
- Draft agreements between BMI and its affiliated songwriters, composers, music publishers and other stakeholders; provide advice on, and/or draft, a variety of legal contracts between BMI and outside vendors.
- Analyze any legal issues affecting BMI royalty distributions in transactions or disputes between songwriters, composers, music publishers and other third parties with respect to authorship, copyright ownership and/or royalty share entitlement. Communicate BMI's official position to interested parties and manage the implementation of any resolution.
- Provide advice on and/or draft contracts between BMI and outside vendors.
- Provide legal counsel to various BMI departments.
- Research and draft business and legal memoranda on matters of importance to BMI.
- Participate in company strategic initiatives.
- Interact with other BMI attorneys and BMI management with respect to the above responsibilities.
- May provide advice and counsel on copyright, contract, data privacy and other legal issues.
- Assist other attorneys in the Legal department on specific projects when necessary.
- Support BMI Core Values and cultivate a culture of diversity and inclusion.
- Regular attendance.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualification Requirements:
Education: 4-year college degree and Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school required. Admitted to the New York State Bar or other State Bar with eligibility to register as in-house counsel in New York. In addition, fulfilling continuing legal education requirements is also required.
Experience: At least four (4) years' legal experience, at least a portion of which should be in the music industry, either in private practice in a law firm or as in-house counsel. Prior knowledge of copyright law and/or music industry or broadcasting experience is recommended. Experience in business affairs in a music company or IP transactions is preferred.
Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to analyze business problems from a legal and practical perspective
- Ability to be detail-oriented and produce work free of mistakes without oversight
- Ability to manage many projects at once and to prioritize them
- Strong initiative and sound judgment, with the ability to work independently
- Ability to negotiate authoritatively and persuasively
- Ability to work cooperatively with other company executives
- Proficiency in MS Office
- Extended hours beyond 40 as needed
- Flexibility for occasional travel.
