Associate Director, Business & Legal Affairs

At Sony Music Publishing (“SMP”), we believe every voice matters. We are the #1 global music publisher, advancing the artistry of the world’s greatest songwriters and composers for over 25 years. We keep songwriters at the forefront of everything we do, and design our suite of services to amplify opportunities, build connections, and defend their rights. Our roster benefits from an international team committed to providing support at every career stage. From classic catalogues to contemporary hitmakers, history is always being written. We are a part of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about SMP at https://www.sonymusicpub.com/en.

Why join Sony Music Group?

Here at Sony Music Group, we are shaping what’s next in a way that creates impact. Forging powerful new ideas at the heart of music, technology, and culture that entertain and move people.

This is your opportunity. Part of a global community, united by individual passion, rising to that challenge every day. Adapting at pace and supporting one another, inspired to influence the future. For the benefit of you, our people; our creators, our business, and wider society too.

Be a part of an organization that is creator first. Committed to fueling excellence and always imagining more, while fostering a supportive culture, one where we elevate each other and act responsibly.

Job Purpose: The Associate Director is responsible for transactional, litigation and other departmental matters aimed at enabling the business to achieve its objectives. This role is responsible for negotiating and drafting contracts and other documents, and participating in efforts to protect SMP’s songwriters and intellectual property rights.

What You’ll Do:

•  Draft and negotiate various types of publishing agreements, including co-publishing, purchase agreements, administration agreements, modifications/extensions, etc.

• Respond promptly to requests from various internal and external clients

• Partner and collaborate with royalty personnel on responses to audit claims.  Negotiate and draft audit settlement agreements

• Partner with Sony in-house litigation staff and outside counsel on litigation matters:  Review claims, coordinate responses to discovery requests, review answers, motion papers, briefs, etc.

• Partner closely with A&R staff on preparation of proposals

• Prepare and circulate deal approval memos

• Advise internal clients on legal issues and risks, complex agreement structures, approval processes, copyright issues, company policies and procedures, intellectual property and agreement strategy

• Support the continuous improvement of standard form agreements and legal processes

• Perform other relevant duties as assigned
   

Who You Are:

• JD required, licensed and in good standing to practice law in California and/or NY

• Excellent drafting/writing and communication skills

• Prior experience working for a law firm or corporate experience negotiating and drafting

• 2+ years’ experience working in the media industry

• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a diverse environment

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills

• Ability to multi-task and juggle competing priorities

• Strong organization skills with high attention to detail

• Ability to be innovative and suggest change/improvements within scope of work

• Ability to professionally interface with all levels of the organization, clients and vendors

• Willingness to learn and adapt to new responsibilities in a fast-paced environment

• Related licensing experience within the entertainment industry

• Ability to research legal matters quickly and accurately

• Knowledge of domestic and international copyright issues

• Knowledge of PRO issues and foreign PRO issues.

• High levels of integrity, discretion and honesty

• Ability to adhere to deadlines, execute on tasks and handle multiple, diverse assignments

• Strong time management skills

• Computer literacy (MS Word & Excel essential)
   

What We Give You:

• You join an inclusive, collaborative and global community where you have the opportunity to fuel the creative journey

• A modern office environment designed to foster productivity, creativity, and teamwork

• An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life & disability coverage, and 401K + employer matching

• Voluntary benefits like company-paid identity theft protection and resources for pets, mental health and meditation resources, industry-leading fertility coverage, fully paid leave for childbirth or bonding, fully paid leave for caregivers, programs for loved ones with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity, subsidized back-up child and elder care, and reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy, tuition and student loans

• We invest in your professional growth & development

• Time off for a winter recess
   

DISCLAIMER:

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $135,000-$150,000. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for.  The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, military status, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, medical condition, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.