Paralegal, Legal & Business Affairs

Job Description:

At Warner Chappell Music (WCM), we shape the culture of songwriting and champion songs that resonate for generations by creating transformational opportunities for songwriters everywhere. Our people and culture are at the epicenter of our company, and we are looking for team members who share our service-oriented mindset and have a passion for looking after our songwriters.

As the global music publishing arm of Warner Music Group (WMG), we’re a collective band of music lovers, innovative connectors, and relentless supporters of our songwriters and catalog of iconic works. We lead with curiosity, collaborate across departments, borders, languages, and genres, and we’re committed to delivering on the promises we make to each other and to our songwriters.  

Job Title: Paralegal, Legal & Business Affairs

A little bit about our team: 

If you love music both new and old, are highly organized, and want to join a legal department that works with some of the best songwriters in the world, Warner Chappell is the place for you. We deal with a wide range of legal and business affairs, including contract negotiation and copyright enforcement.  If that’s what drives you, too, we want you on our team.

Your role:

Under general supervision with latitude for independent judgement and decision, you'll play an integral role in the growth and maintenance of our songwriter roster. We're looking for someone with a deep administrative background who is self-sufficient and knows when and where they need to be to support the U.S. Legal & Business Affairs team and help to drive our department workflow smoothly and efficiently.

Here you’ll get to:

Draft and Review Documents and Correspondence:

• Prepare an array of contracts, such as publishing administration agreements, work-for-hire agreements, sound recording representation agreements, and amendments.

• Draft and process other daily department documents and correspondence, which may include cease and desist letters, PRO membership change amendments, and quitclaim reassignment documents for composition reversions.

Legal Research:

• Conduct and document research on U.S. legal topics. 

• Research unexploited composition reversion notices and assist in their processing.

Contract Management:

• Handle third-party letters of direction (LODs), non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and option exercise letters.

• Assist in the preparation of meeting presentations.

• Review and respond to internal client account balance inquiries.

Administrative Support:

• Assist with due diligence in connection with copyright acquisitions.

• Support general research projects and draft extra-contractual advance letters as necessary.

• Work closely with Director of Contract Administration and support attorneys and Legal & Business Affairs team as needed.

Meeting Support and Documentation:

• Assist with organizing and documenting team meetings.

• Identify, prioritize, and follow up on action items.

About you:

• Two (2) years of paralegal experience, preferably within a law firm or an in-house legal department in a music publishing or other music industry business

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.

• Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments from multiple people.

• Ability to conduct yourself in the highest ethical manner and exhibit professional demeanor and sound judgement.

We’d love it if you also had:

• A paralegal certification preferred.

• Familiarity with or ability to use Google Workspace and Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Proficiency in drafting and reading legal documents and agreements.

• Familiarity with music publishing, copyright law, and intellectual property rights.

• Strong research skills and ability to analyze legal issues effectively.

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About us: 

At Warner Chappell Music (WCM), we shape the culture of songwriting and champion songs that resonate for generations by creating transformational opportunities for songwriters everywhere. 

Before the fans and fame, the soundtracks and syncs, there is the song.  And before the song comes the songwriter - the heart of an art form that defines generations, and the soul of our business. Songwriters are our inspiration; we are their partners, collaborators, and crusaders.

Songwriters shape culture; and here at WCM we help hone their craft, build their careers, and protect their legacies. We value curiosity, collaboration, and commitment – which helps set us apart and helps us in our commitment and global service to our songwriters. 

We are Warner Chappell Music - where songwriters are heard.

About Warner Music Group: As the home to 10K Projects, 300 Elektra, Asylum, Atlantic, East West, FFRR, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Warner Records, Warner Classics, and several other of the world’s premier recording labels, Warner Music Group champions emerging artists and global superstars alike. And our renowned publishing company, Warner Chappell Music, represents genre-spanning songwriters and producers through a catalogue of more than one million copyrights worldwide. Warner Music Group is also home to ADA, which supports the independent community, as well as artist services division WMX. In addition, WMG counts film and television storytelling powerhouse Warner Music Entertainment among its many brands.

Together, we are Warner Music Group: Music With Vision & Voice.
 

Love this job and want to apply?

Effective October 1st, 2023 this position will require being in the office 4 days a week. We believe that an in-office presence is critical for talent development, collaboration and building strong relationships.
 

Click the “Apply” link at the top of the page, or apply directly with your LinkedIn. Applying with LinkedIn will import all of the information you put in your profile, but will still allow you to upload a resume and cover letter. 

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear from us right away. We’re taking our time to review all resumes, and to find the best people for WMG.

Thanks for your interest in working for WMG.  We love it here, and think you will, too.
 

#LI-Hybrid #WCM

Salary Range

Salary ranges are included for job postings where required by law. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as work experience and business needs. The pay range is subject to change at any time dependent on a variety of internal and external factors.

WMG is committed to inclusion and diversity in all aspects of our business. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and will evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition as defined by state law (genetic characteristics or cancer), physical or mental disability, military service or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Links to relevant documents:

2024 Benefits At A Glance final.pdf

EVerify Participation Poster.pdf

Right To Work .pdf