The Role
Maternity-cover commercial lawyer supporting Avalon’s Legal & Business Affairs team across talent management, TV/podcast production, distribution, live events and commercial operations. Duties include negotiating talent and production contracts, clearances and licences, advising on data protection (GDPR), corporate governance, supplier and employment agreements, IP and brand protection, and supporting HR and commercial teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
Avalon is a multi-award-winning talent management, television production and live promotion group with offices in London, Los Angeles and New York. Avalon, Artists Rights Group and The Agency together represent a diverse and distinctive roster of artists including actors, comedians, writers and directors, among them Academy Award, BAFTA, Emmy, Tony and Olivier Award-winners. You can find more information here.
Our core values help define our purpose and are at the essence of what we do and shape our culture. You can read about our values here.
We are always on the lookout for exceptional talent. Avalon is committed to creating a diverse environment and proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups. Regardless of your race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or veteran status, you are welcome at Avalon.
The Team
The Legal and Business Affairs team at Avalon support all of Avalon’s various divisions, including talent management, TV production, distribution and live promotions, as well as overseeing legal and regulatory compliance for the Avalon Group in the UK and the US.
The team consists of seven lawyers, and prides itself on being collaborative, commercially astute and effective, with a substantial combined knowledge of all areas of the entertainment industry and a passion for the same.
Key Responsibilities
This is a role for a commercial lawyer with a primary focus on entertainment related matters, supporting senior lawyers in the legal team across various departments and business functions. This may include, Scripted and Non-Scripted Television Development and Production, Talent Management, Distribution, Digital and Social Media, Live, Theatre, HR & Operations, Publicity and Marketing and Press and Communications.
This is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with experienced lawyers on a wide variety of projects and gain hands-on experience in a vibrant, multifaceted entertainment business.
Specific Duties
Entertainment:
About You
What We Offer
Our core values help define our purpose and are at the essence of what we do and shape our culture. You can read about our values here.
We are always on the lookout for exceptional talent. Avalon is committed to creating a diverse environment and proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups. Regardless of your race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or veteran status, you are welcome at Avalon.
The Team
The Legal and Business Affairs team at Avalon support all of Avalon’s various divisions, including talent management, TV production, distribution and live promotions, as well as overseeing legal and regulatory compliance for the Avalon Group in the UK and the US.
The team consists of seven lawyers, and prides itself on being collaborative, commercially astute and effective, with a substantial combined knowledge of all areas of the entertainment industry and a passion for the same.
Key Responsibilities
This is a role for a commercial lawyer with a primary focus on entertainment related matters, supporting senior lawyers in the legal team across various departments and business functions. This may include, Scripted and Non-Scripted Television Development and Production, Talent Management, Distribution, Digital and Social Media, Live, Theatre, HR & Operations, Publicity and Marketing and Press and Communications.
This is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with experienced lawyers on a wide variety of projects and gain hands-on experience in a vibrant, multifaceted entertainment business.
Specific Duties
Entertainment:
- In support of the relevant lead lawyer or otherwise you will have the opportunity, and be expected, to undertake work on and provide legal and business affairs support to some or all the following areas of the business as and when required:
- television development and production on scripted or non-scripted projects, including the negotiation of talent deals (such as agreements for writers, cast, presenters, contributors, key production personnel, studio agreements, location releases, etc.), clearances (including archive footage licences, music licences), compliance and ensuring all production documentation, templates and processes are in line with current best practice;
- podcast and radio development and production;
- talent management (including management agreements, talent deals (writing, performing, presenting, brand and sponsorship, etc.), publishing deals or otherwise);
- content distribution and distribution of ancillary rights (including advising on rights positions and onward reporting obligations);
- live comedy tours, theatre, immersive experiences and events promoted and produced by Avalon and/or corporate work undertaken by our clients; and
- any and all work undertaken by the PR and marketing teams in support of Avalon IP and/or our clients.
- Contribute to corporate governance initiatives, ensuring compliance with industry standards and supporting the overall governance framework within the business.
- Advise on data privacy matters related to use of third-party data, including compliance with GDPR and all other relevant data protection laws ensuring best practice across the Avalon group of companies.
- Advise on, review, draft and negotiate commercial service agreements with third party suppliers in support of the Operations team and any other parts of the business as and where required.
- Advise on and support commercial teams across the business with various legal issues, including brand and IP protection, debt recovery and general commercial work.
- Assist the HR team as required with employment related agreements and issues.
About You
- Qualified solicitor admitted in England & Wales (or equivalent UK qualification), with a current practising certificate.
- Post-qualification experience in media and entertainment law in either private practice or an in-house environment.
- A genuine interest in the entertainment industry with a proactive approach and “can-do” attitude in support of a dynamic and entrepreneurial business.
- Great attention to detail.
- Ability to work as a proactive and collaborative team member with a constructive and flexible approach in a creative as well as a legal and commercial environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to grow and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally.
- Ability to interpret and clearly and concisely explain legal and contractual issues to non-lawyers.
- Pro-active business orientated approach.
- Ability to deal with a variety of matters at once, managing and prioritising effectively in order to meet deadlines.
What We Offer
- Cycle to work scheme
- Income protection scheme
- Life assurance
- Pension scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Competitive holiday allowance
- Season ticket loans
- Monthly staff drinks, seasonal parties, tickets for our Live gigs, Monday breakfasts and more
Skills Required
- Qualified solicitor admitted in England & Wales (or equivalent UK qualification) with a current practising certificate
- Post-qualification experience in media and entertainment law (private practice or in-house)
- Proactive, business-oriented 'can-do' attitude with genuine interest in the entertainment industry
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to work proactively and collaboratively as part of a team in a creative commercial environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to build relationships internally and externally
- Ability to interpret and clearly explain legal and contractual issues to non-lawyers
- Ability to manage and prioritise multiple matters to meet deadlines
- Experience advising on data privacy matters including GDPR and related data protection compliance
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The Company
What We Do
Avalon is a global, integrated talent management and production company representing a diverse and distinctive client roster, including actors and writers. The company specializes in the production and distribution of comedic and dramatic television shows, operating as a brand management entity that manages talent in the entertainment industry while producing high-quality content for global audiences.
