Counsel I
SAG-AFTRA
Los Angeles, CAThis was removed by the employer on 1/18/2017 4:19:00 PM PST
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Full Time Job
Counsel I (Financial Assurances/Legal)
POSITION PURPOSE:
To protect the interests of SAG-AFTRA and its members by negotiating and enforcing SAG-AFTRA's financial assurances agreements and advising the contracts departments on emerging entertainment financing practices, trends and risks in the entertainment industry. To provide timely and detailed advice to SAG-AFTRA departments regarding state or federal law relating to film, television and new media production, including UCC and bankruptcy laws. To advise the contracts departments regarding SAG-AFTRA contract negotiations and, where appropriate, to negotiate certain provisions relating to financial assurances. To provide support and assistance to the SAG-AFTRA Judgment Realization Project.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
(This section provides a general summary of the most significant job duties performed and the average percent of time spent on each function. It does not explain in detail every single duty performed.)
Counsel II work will be similar to Counsel I but the level of independent discretion and complexity of work will increase.
Negotiations and Transactional Work
• Manage caseload of financial assurances matters (both simple and complex), concerning financial assurances agreements and signatory issues
• Represent SAG-AFTRA and its members in resolving financial assurances-related disputes between SAG-AFTRA and third parties in an effort to preempt arbitration and litigation
• Advise the contracts departments regarding the process to obtain, maintain and enforce secured interests in project collateral
• Negotiate terms and provisions of financial assurances related contracts, including security and inter-creditor agreements, collection and residuals reserve agreements, and such other agreements and documents as may be assigned
• Provide general overview, information and assistance to SAG-AFTRA members in areas related to their work under SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreements as it intersects with financial assurances matters
• Provide support to the SAG-AFTRA Judgment Realization Project including assistance with conducting copyright, lien, business entity and chain-of-title searches and analysis, as well as other duties as may be assigned
Advising Departments
• Advise departments as to legal rights and obligations in connection with financial assurances issues pursuant to relevant contracts, state and federal law (labor and otherwise) and other legally relevant authority
• Prepare legal opinions and documents that interpret applicable laws, rulings (arbitration and other), the SAG-AFTRA constitution and contracts and various regulations relating to financial assurances matters and as assigned
• Prepare documents as necessary to respond to appropriate departmental requests
• Conduct legal and factual research
• Assess internal documents, policies, etc. for legal compliance and advise SAG-AFTRA personnel appropriately
Arbitration and Litigation
• Collaborate in the handling of arbitration matters (both simple and complex) concerning financial assurances-related grievances against signatory producers and distributors
• Assist in the representation of SAG-AFTRA in administrative proceedings and in state and federal court regarding litigation brought by or against SAG-AFTRA with respect to financial assurances issues
Legal Secretary
• Supervise, direct and develop support staff
• Other duties as assigned
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
(The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.)
• Negotiating skills - able to negotiate with diplomacy
• Able to use PC applications
• Detail oriented
• Able to work under pressure and independently
• Able to professionally deal with irate, hostile, and/or difficult personalities
• Able to respond to member and third party calls in a timely manner
• Proficient on Lexis Nexis
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing
• Able to organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks under daily deadlines
• Superlative interpersonal skills: high degree of patience and tact. Must be able to cultivate respectful, strategic and collaborative relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, both internally and externally
• Have an understanding and awareness of worker rights impacting SAG-AFTRA members
• Hold yourself and others accountable for a high level of performance and integrity
• Capable of taking direction from more than one supervisor
• Must be able to work in a challenging environment where constructive feedback from others is encouraged
• Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance at such level as is determined at SAG-AFTRA's sole discretion
• Must be available and willing to work extended hours (and/or overtime for applicable non- exempt positions) per day or per week, including weekends and holidays, as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary to meet its business needs
• Must be available and willing to travel to such locations and with such frequency as SAG-AFTRA determines is necessary or desirable to meet its business needs
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and/or Experience:
• A Juris Doctor or LLB degree from an ABA accredited law school or equivalent and:
• For Counsel I at least one year experience as a practicing attorney or its equivalent
• For Counsel II at least four years experience as a practicing attorney or its equivalent
• Experience in a transactional or litigation environment focused on secured transactions in intellectual property, other forms of financial assurances and film financing or equivalent, preferred
• Background in entertainment law or film finances considered a huge plus
• Must provide a substantive legal writing sample
Certificates, licenses, and/or registrations:
• Active membership in the State Bar of California