Music Rights Attorney

Who We Are

The Manatt Music team is a close-knit group of attorneys, consultants, specialists and professionals who provide excellent service, create growth opportunities and positively affect the creative ecosystem through individual transactions, stalwart representation and national advocacy efforts. We represent icons, global brands, cutting-edge and forward-thinking disruptors, developing and emerging talent, executives, and good ideas. We are a meritocracy that rewards initiative, teamwork and ambition.

Job Description

We are looking for an attorney who is passionate about the business of music, entertainment, and issues facing global icons and brands. We are looking for someone to join us with a focus specifically on recorded music and musical compositions, utilizing their abilities to critically think and contribute and creatively problem solve.

What You’ll Do

• Review and coordinate preparation of comments in connection with standard third-party participant agreements for compositions and recorded music
• Third-party participant agreements: producer agreements, mixer agreements, featured artist agreements, letters of direction, certificates of recording, songwriter agreements, etc.
• Draft and coordinate revision of standard third-party participant agreements as well as other basic agreements in music, entertainment and adjacent fields (including publicity and interview releases)
• Work directly with other attorneys, consultants and professionals
• Further develop critical thinking and strategy in the world of intellectual property

Whom We’d Like to Meet

• Someone with basic experience and/or a demonstrated interest in the music business or one of its closely adjacent fields (for example, corporate work or intellectual property development or enforcement)
• Someone who is passionate about helping recording artists fulfill their visions and who is eager to learn
• Someone who takes initiative and says, “I can do that,” when presented with an opportunity or obstacle
• Someone who has the courage to collaborate
• Someone who is motivated by excellence and to be excellent
• Someone who is a visionary and has a positive outlook on the future of entertainment law
• Someone who is a critical thinker with attention to detail but who can also see the forest through the trees
• Someone who is an effective and articulate communicator with strong verbal and written skills
• Someone who is confident in what they know but also knows what they don’t know and is excited to ask questions and learn
• Someone whose bar membership is in good standing in the jurisdiction in which they plan to practice or awaiting bar results in the jurisdiction in which they plan to practice

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Fostering diversity, equity and inclusion is a Manatt core value and fundamental to our organizational identity. We believe that a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we live, work and serve enriches Manatt’s culture and enhances our ability to understand our clients’ needs and develop better, more impactful solutions. Manatt’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee drives the firm’s efforts, working with firm leadership and engaging our legal, consulting and business professionals to create and sustain a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.

About Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is one of the nation’s preeminent law and consulting firms. We are known for quality; extraordinary commitment to clients; integrated, relationship-based services; and a range of capabilities typically found only in boutique firms. We are progressive, entrepreneurial, and deeply committed to diversity, public service, involvement in the communities we serve and excellence in all we do.

Over the past decade, Manatt has transformed from a top law firm to a cutting-edge, hybridized consulting and legal professional services firm. We are composed of lawyers, consultants, business advisors and technologists committed to meeting the ever-evolving needs of our clients. Our clients include Fortune 500, middle-market and emerging companies in industries such as digital and technology; energy, environmental and real estate; entertainment; financial services; and health care. For more information on Manatt, visit https://www.manatt.com/.

Join Us

If you want to find out what it’s like to work with a team of passionate and driven professionals in an entrepreneurial environment, we strongly encourage you to apply. All candidates must apply through our online application portal (apply here). Required application materials include a cover letter, resume, transcript and writing sample (two to three pages from your academic or work experience of which you are the sole author).

Manatt is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The base annual pay range for this role is between $70,000 - $90,000. The base pay to be offered will vary and depend on skills and qualifications, experience, and location and will also take into account internal equity. Additional medical, financial and/or other benefits will be offered dependent on the position.

Apply Now