Director, Legal & Business Affairs

About the role

The Director, Legal & Business Affairs role at EMPIRE is a pivotal position within the company's downtown San Francisco office. Reporting to the Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs, this individual will play a crucial role in supporting the Legal and Publishing teams by drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a broad spectrum of music industry agreements. These agreements include recording artist agreements, distribution agreements, producer agreements, licensing agreements, master use and synchronization licenses, and other related contracts involving master recordings and related rights.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of music industry agreements relating to recorded music
• Provide legal counsel to internal business teams on deal structuring, contract interpretation, rights issues, and day-to-day legal matters relating to the company’s recorded music and publishing business
• Conduct copyright ownership and chain-of-title research, including work-for-hire analyses, sample clearance, and other rights clearance matters, and advise stakeholders regarding associated risks and approvals
• Manage inbound and outbound rights, licenses, and clearances relating to master recordings, recorded music, and third-party content
• Serve as a trusted legal resource by collaborating cross-functionally with A&R, creative, marketing, digital operations, distribution, royalty administration, and finance teams
• Support royalty-related matters by working with finance and royalty administration teams to interpret contractual terms, respond to royalty claims, and assist with audit-related matters

Requirements

JD from an accredited law school
License to practice law

Qualifications

• Bilingual
• Knowledge of music history and current culture
• Strong work ethic and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Use of discretion and the maintenance of high levels of confidentiality

Skills

• Discretionary bonus
• Profit sharing program

Benefits

Pay Range: $120,000 - $160,000/annual salary + benefits + discretionary bonus + profit sharing program

The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered.

Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

At EMPIRE, we value diversity and always treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you are passionate about the music industry, and looking for a challenging role in a fast-paced, innovative environment, apply today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.