Attorney, Business & Legal Affairs

Exceleration Music; Buffalo (NY); Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Exceleration Music seeks a Legal Counsel to handle day-to-day legal matters for its in-house record labels. This role involves drafting and negotiating music agreements, advising on legal issues, and supporting M&A activities. Ideal candidates will have at least 4 years of experience in the music industry, showcasing strong contract drafting skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Qualifications

• 4+ years experience in legal roles within music or entertainment.
• Strong understanding of music industry agreements and practices.
• Ability to thrive in a remote work environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate various music industry agreements.
• Advise internal teams on legal interpretations.
• Support M&A activities and contract reviews.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

IP knowledge

Communication

Team-oriented mindset

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Active membership in U.S. state bar

Job description

Exceleration Music is a global music venture focused on investing in and providing personalized solutions to independent labels and artists. The Company is a world-class record company for the future, based on flexibility, deep values and a passion for independent culture. Exceleration is building a team to contribute to and share that journey and make a difference across a broad range of music genres.

Driven by our core mission to respect, preserve and enhance the legacies and cultural identity of our growing list of artist and label partners, Exceleration cares deeply about company culture. The Company is committed to providing a working environment that is inclusive and promotes collaboration and contribution. Click here to learn more about Exceleration Music.

Position Summary

The Legal Counsel will support the day-to-day legal and business affairs of our in-house independent record labels and related music businesses. This includes drafting and negotiating a range of music industry agreements, assisting with M&A due diligence and contract work, and handling general legal matters for the company. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 4 years of experience, preferably in-house at a record label or similar entertainment company.

The role reports to the General Counsel.

Location

The position is remote in the Continental United States, with a preference for California, Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New York, North Carolina or Tennessee, with travel required at least once a year, approximately 10%.

Specific Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate recording agreements, publishing administration and co-publishing agreements, sample and interpolation licenses, side artist clearances, producer agreements, label waivers, mechanical licenses, artwork agreements, terminations and releases, and other music-related contracts.
• Liaising with marketing and commercial partnerships teams and label partners to ensure necessary clearances for artists, producers, and artwork are obtained concurrent with release schedules.
• Reviewing artist and ancillary music agreements to advise internal teams on interpretation.
• Provide legal support for day-to-day business affairs of in-house record labels.
• Support M&A activity through contract review, diligence, and integration efforts.
• Assist with music distribution agreements and DSP-related issues, as needed.
• Advise on a wide range of company legal matters, including NDAs, IP, employment, and general corporate.
• Maintain and organize contract databases, IP portfolios, and legal files.
• Collaborate with other members of the legal team and business units across the company.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None currently, though may direct work of legal interns or clerical staff as needed.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of music industry agreements and business practices.
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Experience with IP, employment, and corporate legal issues preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to be successful in a fully remote team environment.
• Professional demeanor, attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects, team-oriented mindset, positive attitude, willingness to learn new concepts and systems.

Education and Experience :

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
• 4+ years of experience in the music industry, preferably in-house at a record label or music company.

Compensation

Competitive salary, incentive and benefits will be offered, commensurate with the role and the final hire's experience. Depending on the job relevant knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, education, network and location of the final hire, the base salary is anticipated at an annual rate in the range of $90K to $130K.

Contact

EnterGain is the exclusive recruiter on this role. Interested, qualified individuals are encouraged to apply directly to this posting.

Equal Opportunity & DEI

Exceleration is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. Further, the company strives to create a diverse, welcoming, equitable and inclusive environment for all applicants, employees and partners.

Disclaimer

The job description above is intended to set forth the general nature of the work that will be expected of the person who takes on this role. The job description is not, however, meant to be construed as an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities required for this role. From time to time, all colleagues may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities as needed, and the priorities within each role evolve over time based on the needs of the business.