VP, Business & Legal Affairs

Firebird Music•Los Angeles, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Firebird is seeking a VP, Business & Legal Affairs to serve as its in-house counsel and strategic business partner across its labels and publishing companies. This is a hands-on role requiring the ability to manage individual deals and oversee workflow across the business. The position involves leading negotiations, managing contracts, and providing legal guidance to the artist roster, with a focus on improving efficiency. The ideal candidate will be execution-focused, capable of taking on broader responsibilities as the function evolves, and will leverage AI tools to streamline legal processes and support the company's growth. Firebird is a music company that invests in artists for the long haul, operating through artist management, recorded music & publishing, and expanded rights & brands. They are supported by shared services including audience insights, business affairs, corporate finance, label services, and operations.

Requirements

10+ years in progressively senior roles drafting and negotiating music industry agreements.
A JD and active membership in the NY or CA State bar.
Comfort with AI tools, such as Claude, for contract review, drafting, or research.
Sharp attention to detail and organizational skills to manage high-volume, fast-moving work without missing deadlines.
Strong negotiating, drafting, research, and communication skills.
A team-first mindset, with the ability to work well across departments and remain open-minded.
Self-starter energy, sound judgment, and a commitment to ethical practices.
Passion for the music industry and a drive to get deals done.

Nice To Haves

Broader corporate legal experience beyond entertainment deals.
International or cross-border deal experience.

Responsibilities

Structure, draft, and negotiate music industry agreements including joint ventures, label investments, recording and profit-split deals, publishing contracts, distribution, sync and licensing, brand and sponsorship deals, and live performance agreements.
Manage day-to-day legal and business affairs for a growing label and publishing roster, with a primary focus on recorded music.
Manage outside counsel on specialized matters such as litigation, IP disputes, and regulatory issues, and work to rationalize outside legal spending.
Utilize AI tools, including Firebird's Claude instance, to expedite contract review, drafting, research, and tracking.
Participate in business development and creative meetings to provide legal insights on deals.
Collaborate with Finance & Accounting and Royalties teams to ensure correct implementation and tracking of deal terms.
Work with creative services teams on non-traditional partnership deals with brands and media companies.
Maintain contract tracking for deadlines, options, deliveries, and audits.
Maintain an organized and searchable library of executed agreements, forms, and legal memos.
Translate rights, obligations, and legal risks into clear language for stakeholders and identify issues early.
Stay informed about trends in the domestic and international entertainment landscape.
Mentor and manage junior business affairs counsel as the team and portfolio grow.