WME seeks a talented and highly motivated lawyer to join its Business Affairs Department as a Business Affairs Executive in Beverly Hills, supporting WME’s Non-Scripted Television and Digital Media Departments. Primary responsibilities include reviewing and negotiating a wide range of agreements in television, digital media and for production companies, on-camera talent, producers, directors, rightsholders and other clients involved in the creation and exploitation of content.
Responsibilities:
Review and negotiate agreements and term sheets for personal services, production services, underlying rights, content development, content licensing, etc.
Act as an entrepreneurial business partner with, and provide strategic guidance to, WME’s Non-Scripted Television and Digital Media agents and cross functional partners within WME (e.g., finance, client services, and litigation teams)
Apply innovative problem-solving skills and practical business judgment to balance WME’s business needs and acceptable levels of risk
Foster positive, long-term relationships with internal business clients and WME’s external clients
Qualifications:
JD from an ABA-accredited law school
Admitted to CA Bar (or another state bar permissible under CA in-house counsel rules)
Minimum of 4+ years of legal and business affairs experience, with in-house experience at a television or film studio, production company, television network or other media network or platform, or comparable experience at an entertainment law firm
Experience in some or all of the following areas is highly desired: drafting and negotiating talent agreements (e.g., actors, producers, directors), production services and license agreements, intellectual property, guild/union and/or other production legal work related to audiovisual content
Outstanding negotiation, drafting, analytical, prioritization and organizational skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills and able to interact with a range of personalities and styles in a fast-paced, high-volume business environment. This includes explaining complex concepts to clients and colleagues who do not necessarily have legal knowledge and have a range of personalities and styles.
Ability to execute multiple, high-priority projects independently and on short timeframes
A curious mind, strong work ethic, excellent judgment, keen attention to detail and a creative but practical approach to problem-solving
Able to work effectively with people at different levels (including agents, senior executives, network executives and attorneys, talent, outside attorneys and other in-house client divisions)
An upbeat temperament, dynamic personality and highly collaborative and team-oriented approach to work
Per local requirements and in the interest of transparency, the rate shown below reflects the prevalent current hiring range for this position. Hiring pay rates are based on a number of factors, including location and may vary depending on job-related qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience. The company strives to provide locally competitive rewards packages, which include base rate along with, as applicable, short- and long-term incentives, growth and developmental opportunities, and robust benefits, such as health care, retirement, vacation and other paid time off, and additional offerings.
Hiring Rate Minimum:
$112,500 annually (minimum will not fall below the applicable state/local minimum salary thresholds)Hiring Rate Maximum:
$150,000 annuallyWME is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.Skills Required
- JD from an ABA-accredited law school
- Admission to the California Bar or another state bar permissible under CA in-house counsel rules
- Minimum of 4+ years of legal and business affairs experience in entertainment (in-house or at an entertainment law firm)
- Experience drafting and negotiating talent, production services, and license agreements
- Knowledge of intellectual property, guild/union and production legal issues related to audiovisual content
- Outstanding negotiation, drafting, analytical, prioritization and organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to execute multiple, high-priority projects independently and on short timeframes
- Strong judgment, attention to detail, creative but practical problem-solving
- Ability to work effectively with agents, senior executives, talent, outside counsel and cross-functional teams
What We Do
WME (The WME Group) is a leading talent and media agency representing artists, creators and brands across film, television, music, theater, books and digital media. The company provides talent representation, content services and brand partnerships and — through its IMG and related businesses — operates major sports, events and media rights businesses globally. WME positions itself as an advocate and connector between talent and global audiences.
