Senior Counsel

This is a Full Time Job

WARNER BROS. PICTURES has been at the forefront of the motion picture industry since its inception and continues to be a leading creative force in the industry.

Warner Bros. Pictures produces and distributes a wide-ranging slate of some 18-22 films each year, employing a business paradigm that mitigates risk while maximizing productivity and capital. Warner Bros. Pictures either fully finances or co-finances the films it produces and maintains worldwide distribution rights. It also monetizes its distribution and marketing operations by distributing films that are totally financed and produced by others. Current multi-faceted co-financing joint ventures include those with Village Roadshow Pictures, Castle Rock Entertainment and Legendary Pictures. Warner Bros. Pictures also has a distribution, co-financing deal with Alcon Entertainment.

In 2009, Warner Bros. had a record-breaking worldwide box office of $4.01 billion. Warner Bros. Pictures set a Studio and industry record with $2.13 billion in domestic receipts, international box office reached $1.88 billion, and the year marked the ninth time Warner Bros. crossed the billion-dollar mark domestically and the 12th time internationally. The Studio’s 2010 slate includes “Valentine’s Day,” “Clash of the Titans,” “Sex and the City 2,” “Inception,” “Guardians of Ga’Hoole” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I.”

Warner Bros. Pictures is currently seeking a Senior Counsel to join its Legal group. This individual will be tasked with the following responsibilities:
•Drafts, negotiates, reviews, revises and analyzes contracts relating to development, production, acquisition and distribution of theatrical motion pictures.
•Prepares applications, permits, affidavits or certificates required by law or regulation and necessary for production and/or distribution of theatrical motion pictures.
•Researches and answers inquiries regarding contract rights and obligations, privacy rights, copyright laws, legal clearances and other legal matters.
•Advises other Warner Bros. personnel and production personnel on matters relating to theatrical motion picture acquisition, development, production and distribution contracts. Coordinates with and performs the legal work requirements of various Warner Bros. departments, including visual effects and the acquisition of distribution rights and employment of writers, actors, producers, directors, etc.
•Serves as a liaison to Corporate Legal in the handling of some claims and litigation.
•Supervises clerical personnel in the performance of legal related tasks.

The ideal candidate will have the following credentials and qualifications:
•JD from a top-tier law school.
•Membership to the California Bar.
•6-8+ years experience practicing law in motion picture production and development, preferably within a major studio.
•Experience with some distribution/finance transactions.
•Knowledge of law and legal environment of entertainment industry sufficient to analyze, draft and negotiate legal documents in a well-organized, precise and concise manner and counsel management on legal implications of their actions.
•Ability to supervise clerical personnel engaged in the performance of legal-related tasks.
•Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with all levels of personnel, both in person, by email and on the telephone.
•Ability to handle multiple tasks under time constraints in a fast-paced environment.