Senior Counsel, Litigation

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation, with global operations spanning motion picture and television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, experiences, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group includes Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions and Sony Pictures Classics. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly owned or joint-venture production companies around the world, including Left Bank Pictures, Bad Wolf and Eleven. 

SPE is seeking an experienced and strategic lawyer to join our top-notch in-house litigation team to help support these divisions. This role will manage a diverse docket of disputes worldwide relating to a leading entertainment company, including our film, television, and streaming businesses. The Senior Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor to internal business partners, handle pre-litigation claims, litigate and resolve cases and collaborate with outside counsel while driving practical, business-aligned litigation strategies. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Manage all phases of litigation and pre-litigation matters (both affirmative and defensive), in state and federal court, arbitrations, and mediations, including early case assessment, defending/enforcing claims, pleadings, motion practice, discovery, depositions, trial preparation, settlement and appeal. 

• Analyze claims, conduct fact investigations and legal research, formulate strategy, draft and edit letters, pleadings, briefs, declarations, discovery demands, responses and settlement agreements, assist the e-discovery team, collect and review documents.   

• Supervise and partner closely with outside counsel; establish strategy, staffing, and budget parameters. 

• Provide advice and counseling on and handle litigation relating to various subjects including: copyright, trademark, unfair competition and right of publicity disputes, defamation and First Amendment claims, contract and production/distribution-related claims, consumer, privacy, and class action claims, profit participation and accounting disputes, personal injury cases, enforcement of license fees, commercial leasing matters, and third-party subpoenas.

Qualifications 

• J.D. from an accredited law school. 

• Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar (California strongly preferred). 

• 8+ years of complex civil litigation experience at a nationally recognized law firm and/or entertainment-related in-house legal department. 

• In-depth knowledge of the business and legal environment within the entertainment industry to effectively represent the company in legal proceedings. 

• Familiarity with some or all of the subject areas above.

• Demonstrated ability to manage outside counsel and control litigation budgets. 

• Strong strategic judgment and ability to balance legal risk with business objectives. 

Personal Attributes 

• Practical, solutions-oriented mindset. 

• Excellent business judgment and ability to advise business executives. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. 

• Ability to develop new areas of expertise and integrate technological tools as business needs change. 

• Excellent verbal, written, research, analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Proactively handle multiple priorities and exceptional organizational, multi-tasking, time management skills. 

• High level of professional and personal integrity. The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in an appropriate manner.   

• Proven ability to develop strong relationships with and earn the respect and trust of key stakeholders.   

The anticipated base salary for this position is $215,000-$270,000. This role may also qualify for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

SPE will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law.

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