Sr. Legal Counsel, US & Canada

About the role

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly-collaborative Senior Legal Counsel to support our North American region and provide practical and business-focused guidance to internal and external stakeholders. This role will focus on high-volume commercial contract negotiation and providing strategic and operational legal counsel across all areas of our business.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a high-volume of commercial contracts in North America, including client MSAs and SOWs, technology licensing and reseller agreements, influencer and media partnerships, SaaS/vendor agreements, and production-related agreements.
• Work closely with commercial finance and business teams to respond to RFPs and RFIs from our clients and participate actively in client pitches to help our business win.
• Evaluate legal risks and provide strategic and practical day-to-day legal advice to key business stakeholders.
• Work alongside our integrated Business Affairs team to advise on and mitigate legal risks during the production lifecycle, including intellectual property rights management, generative AI, music/stock licensing, rights of publicity, and other clearance matters.
• Ensure operational efficiency and consistency with global standards.
• Develop standardized contract templates and tools that improve process efficiency and legal protection.
• Stay up to date on the most recent legal developments and ensure internal policies and procedures are updated accordingly.
• Advise on other aspects of our North America business as required, including litigation (where necessary in conjunction with external counsel).
• Work closely with peers in our other three key regions (Latin America; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific) to ensure we follow consistent standards, tools, and processes across the Legal and Business Affairs team.

Requirements

The essentials: J.D. from an accredited law school, Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, New York or California preferred, with ability to register/registration as an in-house counsel in New York required. 4-6 years of professional legal experience, including in-house and/or major law firm experience, with a strong emphasis on commercial contract review, drafting, and negotiation (advertising, production, digital media, technology, and data contract experience strongly preferred).

Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams and independently manage a high-volume workload in fast-paced, innovative environments. Strong legal drafting and negotiation skills. Excellent commercial judgment with a strategic mindset. Ability to translate complex legal issues into pragmatic business advice. Superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Experience managing legal teams or supervising attorneys.

Qualifications

At Monks, we believe in fostering an environment where a diversity of perspectives can thrive. We proactively work to design hiring processes that promote equity and inclusion while mitigating bias. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve.

Skills

Excellent, full coverage medical, dental, and vision insurance - more about our coverage here! Generous PTO and 15 company-wide holidays. 401k with company contribution. Paid parental leave. Work-life balance with an emphasis on personal well-being. Career growth in a disruptor space & entrepreneurial opportunities within the Monks network. A globally diverse & inclusive culture with employee resource groups such as S4 Melanin, Pride. Monks, Cultura. Monks, and more!

Benefits

• Excellent, full coverage medical, dental, and vision insurance - more about our coverage here!
• Generous PTO and 15 company-wide holidays
• 401k with company contribution
• Paid parental leave
• Work-life balance with an emphasis on personal well-being
• Career growth in a disruptor space & entrepreneurial opportunities within the Monks network
• A globally diverse & inclusive culture with employee resource groups such as S4 Melanin, Pride. Monks, Cultura. Monks, and more!
• Authentic commitment to DEI efforts and sustainable growth.

Pay

$140,000—$155,000 USD

Schedule

This role is in Culver City, CA (8559 Higiera St., Culver City, CA); hybrid role!