Business and Legal Affairs Manager, Masterworks

This is a Part Time Job

The Manager, Business and Legal Affairs for Sony Music Masterworks will provide legal services to a growing, multifaceted worldwide entertainment division centered around two main areas: recorded music and live events. As a junior attorney with a strong academic credentials and prior experience with music law, copyright, IP licensing and other entertainment matters, you will work closely with senior members of the Business and Legal Affairs and A&R Administration departments to ensure proper drafting and administration of various contracts, particularly with respect to recorded music.

The successful candidate must be a highly motivated professional with a strong work ethic, an enthusiastic attitude and the proven ability to consistently perform positively in a fast-paced, challenging work environment. This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs for Sony Music Masterworks and will be based in New York.

What you'll do:
- Draft a variety of music related agreements, including exclusivity waivers, services agreements for new recordings (orchestra agreements, side artist agreements, guest artist agreements, producer agreements, mixer agreements), artwork/photography agreements, influencer agreements, production agreements for audiovisual content and license agreements for use of third-party recordings in compilations (e.g., soundtrack albums and educational products).
- Conduct contract research to ascertain distribution rights and consent requirements for various uses of catalog recordings such as synchronization licensing for use in films, television shows, commercials and videogames; coupling with other recordings (e.g. compilation or “best of” albums); usage as excerpts as samples in other artist’s recordings; and the release of reissues, expanded deluxe editions or remixes.
- Review artwork, label copy, videos, advertising and other marketing and promotional materials for clearance purposes as well as to ensure proper display of credits and copyright notices.
- Become well versed in the company-wide policies impacting promotional uses of recordings by exclusive artists and advise press and marketing departments accordingly.
- Work closely with content protection teams to address conflicting ownership claims on digital platforms.

Who you are:
- JD from a top law school and strong academic credentials
- 2 years of experience working with law firms or companies in the entertainment industry. Experience with the recorded music industry specifically, a plus. Internships, part-time work and extracurricular activities taken into consideration.
- Member of New York Bar in good standing.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Skilled at spotting issues, synthesizing information and presenting assessments clearly and concisely to internal clients.
- A team player able to take ownership of projects and see them through independently, while also able to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Highly organized, analytical, detail-oriented with exceptional follow-up skills, capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, multi-priority global environment.
- Highly responsive and service-oriented attitude