Legal Counsel, Business Affairs

Overview

Advertising Sales Representation Agreements

Established in 2015, Create Music Group is a leading music and entertainment company. The company operates as a record label, distribution company, and entertainment network which generates over 15 billion music streams each month on DSPs. Named #2 on the Inc 5000 Fastest Growth Companies in America in 2020, the company has grown exponentially by leveraging its owned IP with its media and technology platform.

The company works with superstar artists, major and independent record labels, and global media brands. Create Music Group is based in Hollywood, CA and has 350 employees worldwide.

Job Summary

Create Music Group’s Legal and Business Affairs team is expanding. We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to support the company’s growing music, publishing, and digital media operations. This role is designed for a seasoned attorney with strong music industry experience who can independently handle complex matters, provide senior-level legal judgment, and support deal execution  ideal candidate brings significant prior law firm experience, has worked extensively with record labels, music publishers, and digital media companies, and is comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy.

Experience in music is required. This role will partner closely with internal business teams and senior legal leadership to ensure efficient deal execution, risk mitigation, and legal process consistency across the organization.

Agreement Drafting, Negotiation & Execution

• Independently draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of complex music and digital media agreements, including, without limitation:
• Distribution and content monetization agreements
• Recording, administration, and co-publishing agreements
• Master use, synchronization, and mechanical license agreements
• Channel partnership, marketing, and promotional agreements
• Employment, contractor, and consulting agreements
• Acquisition, joint venture, and other strategic agreements
• Producer, side artist, sample, and other clearance agreements
• DSP and other licensing agreements
• Production agreements
• Network / MCN Agreements
• Talent Agreements
• Creator & Influencer Agreements
• Brand Partnership Agreements
• Sponsorship & Advertising Agreements
• Advertising Sales Representation Agreements
• Technology Agreements
• Vendor & Professional Services Agreements
• Marketing & Promotion Agreements
• Confidentiality / Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
• Data Protection & Information Security Agreements
• Transition Services Agreements
• Termination & Wind-Down Agreements

• Review and respond to counter party comments and redlines with minimal oversight.
• Manage negotiations from initial draft through execution, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with company standards.

Deal Flow & Business Support

• Manage and take ownership of deal flow across multiple business units.
• Serve as a primary legal partner to internal teams, including Accounting, Finance, Culture, A&R, Distribution, Publishing, Marketing, Data, and Digital.
• Coordinate final deal points with internal stakeholders and external counsel.
• Track deal status and proactively follow up on open items to ensure timely execution.
• Help manage and partner with outside counsel.

Risk Management & Legal Advisory

• Identify legal risks and provide practical, business-focused guidance to mitigate exposure.
• Advise internal teams on deal structure, rights, and obligations.
• Escalate novel, high-risk, or enterprise-level issues to senior legal leadership as appropriate.
• Support dispute prevention through clear drafting, early issue spotting, and proactive guidance.
• Provide legal support, including managing conflicts and claims, and handling pre-litigation matters.

Team Leadership & Process Support

• Review and provide feedback on agreement drafts prepared by other attorneys and legal team members.
• Serve as a senior resource within the Business Affairs team.
• Assist in developing, maintaining, and improving legal templates, playbooks, and internal processes.
• Support implementation of legal systems and tools to improve efficiency and visibility.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Organize and manage deal terms, client…