Counsel, Entertainment Contracts

Job title: Counsel, Entertainment Contracts

Salary: $115,000 – $135,000

Department: Industry Resources

Reporting Relationship: Chief Administrative Officer & Executive Counsel

Status: Exempt

Direct Reports: 2 - 3

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We are searching for a diligent Counsel, Entertainment Contracts to lead our Industry Resources team in supporting the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, and the production and distribution community in navigating the residuals terms and obligations of the American Federation of Musicians film and television collective bargaining agreements.

In collaboration with the CAO, this role will be responsible for developing and implementing internal processes monitoring, confirming, and supporting compliance with residuals obligations for exploitation of intellectual property in secondary markets. The leader in this role will manage a team of customer service-oriented Industry Representatives tasked with developing educational resources, conducting research on complex producer and participant inquiries, and providing clear guidance to producers, distributors, rights holders, representatives, payroll companies, and participants. This team is the Fund’s dedicated resource for expertise on all applicable collective bargaining agreements for purposes of effectuating the yearly distribution, special research projects related to residual contributions, and negotiations including audit settlements, bankruptcy discussions, and collective bargaining.

This team collaborates cross functionally across the organization with regularity.

REQUIREMENTS

· J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the California State Bar (or ability to register as in-house counsel in California).

· 3–5 years of legal experience in entertainment law, labor & employment, or related practice areas.

· Demonstrated experience interpreting and advising on labor union collective bargaining agreements (e.g., SAG-AFTRA, DGA, WGA, AFM, IATSE).

· Familiarity with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating licensing, distribution, and related agreements in film and television.

· Strong legal research, analytical, and contract interpretation skills with exceptional attention to detail.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical guidance.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

· Customer-focused mindset with a track record of building strong, solution-oriented client relationships.

· High degree of professional integrity, discretion, and judgment.

· Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive, solutions-driven approach to problem-solving.

· Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

· Proven ability to lead a successful team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Prior in-house counsel or business/legal affairs experience within an entertainment studio, network, payroll company, or guild/union environment.

· Working knowledge of residuals, participations, and/or entertainment payroll operations.

· Experience negotiating agreements with guilds, unions, or talent representatives.

· Familiarity with copyright, intellectual property, and rights clearance issues in the entertainment industry.

· Passion for the entertainment industry and interest in the evolving landscape of content distribution.

ABILITIES/SKILLS

· Exercises humility and recognizes the role of a leader in service to their team and organization.

· Listens actively and engages meaningfully in strategic discussions with an aim to resolve problems collaboratively.

· Exercises discretion and maintains professionalism with sensitive and confidential information.

· Willingness to learn, and adaptable to changing industry trends in distribution models.

· Sincere interest in developing processes from scratch and driving operational change toward efficiency and effectiveness.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal and entertainment industry concepts for a lay audience.

Benefits

Hybrid Schedule/WFH 3 days a week

35-hour work week

Paid medical insurance and HRA

Paid vision and dental insurance

23 days of PTO to start

Optional PTO payout at the end of each year

13+paid holidays a year

Safe harbor 401k contribution

Pension benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Van Nuys, CA 91411