Director, Business & Legal Affairs

This is a Full Time Job

Description

Universal Music Group Nashville consists of Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, MCA Nashville and Mercury Nashville. Reading like a ''who's who'' of Music Row, the combined rosters include Adam Hambrick, Alan Jackson, Billy Currington, Brandon Lay, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chris Stapleton, Clare Dunn, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Gary Allan, George Strait, Hootie & The Blowfish, Jon Langston, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kacey Musgraves, Kassi Ashton, Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Kylie Morgan, Lauren Alaina, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Parker McCollum, Sam Hunt, Shania Twain, Travis Denning and Vince Gill.

How we LEAD:

This job exists to provide ongoing legal counsel related to drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a variety of legal agreements, primarily agreements related to production of master recordings, distribution of master recordings (physical and digital formats), and various other marketing and promotional matters. The job also includes drafting, reviewing, and negotiating other agreements such as artist agreements, as well as research into various trademark issues and other legal matters.

How you'll CREATE:
• Draft, negotiate and review contracts relating to the production and exploitation of master recordings, such as guest artist agreements, producer agreements, mixer agreements, talent agreements sample licenses and exclusivity waivers and similar agreements.
• Draft, negotiate and review contracts relating to integrated marketing and co-branding initiatives, sponsorships, promotions and product placements, influencer marketing campaigns, merchandising rights and non-disclosure agreements.
• Draft, negotiate and review contracts relating to engagement of independent contractors, venue and equipment rentals, live event productions, television and film productions and related soundtrack albums.
• Assist with drafting and negotiation of artist agreements and amendments as directed by head of Business and Legal Affairs.
• Coordinate regularly with finance department to review deal structures, approved company vendor lists and contractual payment obligations.
• Review artwork and audio-visual content for potential trademark, guest artist, or venue issues and if necessary, obtain clearances and/or recommend edits to such materials.
• Review label copy, record packaging and legal lines for accuracy and completeness.
• Review sweepstakes and contesting initiatives to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines.
• Advise members of senior management with respect to various business and legal matters including copyright and trademark laws, contractual rights and obligations, legal claims, dispute resolution, and corporate compliance matters.
• Coordinate with various UMG corporate departments, such as copyright, global digital business, catalog, licensing and royalties, to ensure terms of third-party agreements are consistent with UMG overall policies, procedures and blanket agreements.
• Track options for existing agreements.
• Attend staff and departmental meetings as directed by Head of Business and Legal Affairs and provide legal advice on a wide range of issues.
• Assist with updating standard form agreements as needed and as directed.
• Analyze and provide updates as applicable regarding changes to laws, regulations, guidelines and court rulings that potentially affect UMGN operations and procedures.
• Summarize contracts and enter information into centralized database.
• Perform legal and contractual research as required.
• Handle and safeguard high-level confidential and sensitive information.

Bring your VIBE:
• Able to communicate complicated legal issues succinctly to non-lawyers.
• Able to interact with non-lawyers, as well as lawyers, without alienating either group.
• Familiarity with agreements related to the music and entertainment industry, especially recording artist, songwriter, and producer agreements.
• Comfortable working with new and evolving business models in an evolving industry and business.
• Must be able to work under time constraints.
• Ability to multi-task and juggle competing priorities.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Self-starter.
• Proficient in Word.
• Competent in Excel and Outlook.
• Very organized, able to shift prioritization quickly and come back to unfinished matters.
• Minimum 2 years law practice experience required. Record label or law firm experience in entertainment law preferred.
• Regularly required to sit.
• Occasionally required to stand and walk.
• Requires motor skills to operate a keyboard and basic office equipment.
• Ability to communicate over the phone and in person.
• Maturity
• Organization
• Work Ethic
• Results Driven

Perks Playlist:
• Competitive Compensation Package including Salary, Benefits and Generous 401k Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off – Paid Holidays, ''Winter Break'', Summer Fridays
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance
• Employee Developmental Support
• Annual Gym Reimbursement Package
• Pet Insurance, plus much more!

Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.

All UMG employees are currently required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering any Company offices unless they have been approved for an exemption or unless prohibited by applicable law.

We are an E-Verify employer.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish