Associate Director, LBA

Warner Music Group • Los Angeles, CA

46d • $112,000 - $135,000 • Onsite

About The Position

At Warner Chappell Music (WCM) - the global music publishing arm of Warner Music Group (WMG) - 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. At Warner Chappell Music (WCM) -the global music publishing arm of Warner Music Group (WMG) - 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. A little bit about our team: Warner Chappell’s Global Legal & Business Affairs teams provide timely, pragmatic, risk-aligned, and business-oriented legal advice in order to execute transactions, to manage and resolve conflicts, and to inform the company’s strategic decisions. We strive to be trusted advisers, who are valued and accountable for our creative problem-solving, our vigorous but respectful advocacy, and an understanding of our colleagues’ goals plus broader legal and industry trends, all of which enable us to best support Warner Chappell and our songwriter community. Your role: We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented junior lawyer to join our Global Legal and Business Affairs team as a Director or Senior Director in our New York City office, focusing on our international operations. This is an exceptional opportunity to play a vital role in our company's international strategy and administration. You will report directly to the EVP, Global Legal and Business Affairs & General Counsel and work closely with other senior executives, international affiliates, outside counsel, third parties, and our Warner Music Group colleagues to handle a wide range of legal and business matters across multiple territories. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with 2-5 years of relevant experience who is eager to learn and grow within the music industry. You'll use your expertise to structure, negotiate, and draft a wide variety of complex commercial agreements and transactions, influencing the future of our company, our songwriters, and the wider music publishing industry.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the New York State Bar (or eligibility to practice law in New York State as Registered In-House Counsel) and in good standing.
• 2-5 years of relevant legal experience at a law firm or in-house legal department, with a focus on entertainment law.
• Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and partners across different cultures and time zones in a manner consistent with our Code of Conduct and core values.
• Highly organized with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience in the music publishing industry.
• Familiarity with U.S. and international copyright law and the structure and economics of licensing and collecting societies.
• Experience negotiating sub-publishing or administration agreements.
• Understanding of M&A and corporate law.
• Foreign language proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Draft and Negotiate Agreements: Structure, draft, and negotiate a variety of complex commercial agreements, including international sub-publishing agreements.
• Provide Cross-Border Legal Support: Liaise with Warner Chappell’s offices around the world to coordinate projects, implement company policies, and advise on copyright and other legal matters.
• Assist with Catalog Acquisitions: Work with internal and external counsel and other advisors to assist with catalog acquisitions and corporate transactions.
• Advise Internal Teams: Counsel and collaborate with colleagues (including our Administration, Digital, and Finance teams) to answer questions, shepherd projects, manage risk, and ensure compliance with corporate, contractual, and legal obligations.
• Stay informed: Monitor and report on technological innovations, legislation, case law, and other legal developments affecting the music publishing industry.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree