Counsel

Ascap•New York, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than one million songwriters, composers and music publishers, and represents some of the world’s most talented music creators. Founded and governed by songwriters, composers and publishers, it is the only performing rights organization in the U.S. that operates on a not-for-profit basis. ASCAP licenses a repertory of over 20 million musical works to hundreds of thousands of businesses that use music, including streaming services, cable television, radio and satellite radio and brick and mortar businesses such as retail stores, hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars. ASCAP collects the licensing fees; identifies, matches and processes trillions of performances every year; and returns nearly 90 cents of every dollar back to its members as royalties. The ASCAP blanket license offers an efficient solution for businesses to legally perform ASCAP music while respecting the right of songwriters and composers to be paid fairly. ASCAP puts music creators first, advocating for their rights and the value of music on Capitol Hill, driving innovation that moves the industry forward, building community and providing the resources and support that creators need to succeed in their careers. The Counsel or Senior Counsel will support the Business & Legal Affairs (“BALA”) and Membership Departments with a variety of business affairs and legal responsibilities related to member affiliations and distributions, including drafting and negotiating songwriter and composer agreements with music lawyers and other representatives of ASCAP members. The role reports to the SVP, Membership and Business & Legal Affairs and is positioned in the Business & Legal Affairs department. This is a hybrid role with a 3 day per week in-office requirement based out of the ASCAP New York headquarters.

Requirements

Minimum of two years (Counsel) or five years (Senior Counsel) of relevant law firm and/or in house experience required.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) required.
Must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in New York State.
Excellent drafting, negotiation and organizational skills, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to develop highly effective and productive working relationships externally and internally throughout ASCAP.
Ability to learn fast and have a commonsense approach to decision-making.
A strong work ethic and a bias towards action, change and speed.
Impeccable ethics and adherence to confidentiality obligations.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working in the music business or other creative field a plus.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the drafting, negotiating, closing and day-to-day management of all long-form member agreements, NDAs, letters of direction, letter agreements and amendments.
Providing legal support for ASCAP’s Repertory and Distribution Departments regarding ASCAP rules, policies, and procedures.
Assisting the Global Member Services (“GMS”) and Member Inquiry & Resolution Services (“MIRS”) teams with escalated complex member transactions, including royalty assignments, works licensing questions, and distribution/royalty issues.
Supporting MIRS team with guidance on member estate matters, including reviewing and summarizing estate documents, and recommending designation of a successor(s).
Supporting the SVP, Membership and Business & Legal Affairs in executing strategy to achieve departmental and organizational goals, including long-term growth in market share and revenue.
Special legal projects as assigned by senior staff.

Benefits

A choice of either network-only provider medical and dental plans or more flexible medical and dental plans where you can see providers in or out-of-network
Vision plan that offers both in and out-of-network provider options
401(k) Plan that offers pre-tax, Roth, and an after-tax employee contribution option which includes a company match.
An additional employer paid discretionary profit share contribution, regardless of your participation in the 401(k) Plan
Generous time-off policy
12 company holidays
16 hours to volunteer with ASCAP Notes the Cause Volunteer Program
Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
Short-term disability insurance/salary continuation and long-term disability insurance
Company provided basic life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
Employee gym discounts at select gyms
Commuter benefits
Voluntary pet health insurance
Voluntary auto and homeowners insurance
Voluntary employee, spouse, and dependent life insurance options
Voluntary ID protection Coverage