Job Opportunities

Scripps Networks is seeking a Director, Business Affairs to join our team in New York.  The following list of duties is not exhaustive, and duties may be added, deleted or changed at any time without notice.

1. Negotiate agreements and draft deal memos outlining deal terms for talent contracts, production agreements, licensing agreements, content acquisition agreements and licenses for the exercise of ancillary rights.

2. Carry negotiations to conclusion on all dealsassigned.

3. Advise Senior management within TVFN and Cooking Channel regarding compliance with contractual provisions.

4. Maintain databases and oversee the input of data for mission critical functions. DB?s include contract rights, limitations thereon, tickler, options, recipes, other platform rights (e.g., DVD, VOD, etc.).

5.  Act as the liaison among the company's creative/production executives and the creative community (i.e., talent agencies, talent managers, entertainment law firms, production companies, etc.)

6. Work with Finance Department to ensure prompt and accurate flow of payments to talent, vendors, and suppliers.

7. Work with Legal Affairs regarding rights, trademark, services mark, copyright , the development of form contracts and the drafting of agreements.

8. Work with the Business Development group regarding exploitation and protection of intellectual property rights and to assist in development of deal structure.

9. Work with SN Digital with respect to acquisition and development of online content and scope of usage rights for such content.

10. Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and other representatives in the market (e.g., agents, managers, lawyers, etc.) for the benefit of the company.

11. Supervise contract administrator in the performance of services related to the above

12. Work with and consult corporate risk management to ensure adequate coverage of all appropriate risks relating to programming and business development initiatives.

13. Participate actively in the development of strategies for the optimization of the value of the company's assets.

14. Be the authoritative source for the company as regards rights, restrictions, and contractual provisions. Function as the primary information source as regards the company?s rights and obligations.

15. Stay current as regards developments in the industry and technology to maintain efficiency in performance.

16. Maintain visibility in the industry by regularly interacting with peers in similar positions at other companies.

17. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements:

1. Education: Law Degree and bar admission

2. Experience: 3-5 years as a practicing attorney, preferably in the media and entertainment industry with a firm understanding of intellectual property issues, licensing and commercial/corporate transactions. Excellent drafting and organizational skills required.

3. Equipment: Proficient in Windows, Outlook, Excel and Word.

4. Other Skills/Abilities: Excellent interpersonal & communication skills as well as the ability to work independently and adapt to changing conditions/requirements. Ability to work on tight deadlines as required and to remain poised and composed in challenging situations.

How to Apply:

Please visit our website at www.scrippsnetworks.com and go to the Careers section. 

Apply for Requisition Number: 2718

Hiring opportunities at East Coast based, not for profit in entertainment industry!

In-House/Copyright Litigation/Enforcement/Exclusive

Copyright licensing and enforcement practice seeks AmLaw 100 trained litigation associate (2005-2008) to assist with expanded internal audits and enforcement related activities. (Position is the result of an internal promotion that has created “gap” in the ranks.) Responsibilities include implementing compliance and audit procedures, running audits of the licensees, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations under the licenses, providing factual interpretations for audit department, etc. Experience with statutory interpretation, comfort with complex and evolving legal issues and the ability to creatively apply developing law to clients’ interests required. Currently, the OGC is comprised of three attorneys, two of whom are former G&S clients (including the GC). Experience in copyright litigation is required. Experience managing portions of cases or internal investigations is strongly preferred. *Rare opportunity; highly appealing work; extraordinary practice environment. OGC viewed by leadership as vital strategic partner in this innovative space. Compensation up to $150,000; hours average 9:30-6:30. *Highly autonomous and interactive environment; be prepared to have fun. If your background and experience are in keeping with this description, please contact jpierottii@g-s.com.

Corporate Generalist

Pending geographic relocation of attorney currently in role has created need in this NFP organization for a Counsel with a minimum of five years’ of commercial agreement and nonsecurities based corporate governance experience. In addition to training in an AmLaw 100 firm, ideal candidate will possess prior tenure in the OGC of a NFP entity. Projects highly varied but will include reviewing vendor agreements, negotiating licensing agreements, handling employment disputes, managing outside counsel in connection with employment and tax issues, handling operational matters, and drafting forms and policies for the company and assisting in their implementation. Exposure to copyright licensing (drafting, reviewing and negotiating) and policy highly valued. Interaction with internal and external executives as well as with less senior individuals is a daily occurrence, accordingly, one must be comfortable dealing with a range of people. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this position is best suited to a corporate generalist who is flexible re the precise make-up of daily tasks. Position is not appropriate for an M&A/deal junkie transactional person. Role requires exercise of superlative judgment, sophisticated legal skills and a practical “how do we get this done” orientation. *Unique opportunity within a unique and growing organization. Benefits include generous vacation and competitive NFP compensation along with modest 401K contribution. If your background and experience are in keeping with this description, please contact jpierottii@g-s.com.

Turner Broadcasting

Counsel Position

Turner Legal is seeking an experienced attorney to support the entertainment networks and businesses. Primary responsibilities include: negotiating and drafting development, production and program acquisition agreements; and advising on rights and intellectual property issues.  Candidates must have practiced law for at least five years at a reputable law firm, corporation and/or media company. IP and transactional experience strongly preferred. Excellent academic credentials and references, solid drafting and negotiating skills, strong inter-personal skills and be collaborative and teamwork oriented. Must be able to work under pressure with strong attention to detail, effectively juggle competing priorities, have a strong work ethic and excellent analytical and organizational skills. Must possess excellent judgment and the ability to interact effectively with other attorneys and staff, in-house client groups, opposing counsel and outside production personnel.

Interested applicants should apply online via:  www.turnerjobs.com.  Please reference job title COUNSEL and job number 126089BR. 

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and its subsidiaries

Music Counsel Position

Turner Legal is seeking an attorney to play a key role in handling music- related matters for all Turner Broadcasting System networks.  Responsibilities include drafting and negotiating composer, record distribution, artist performance, record royalty and other music-related agreements; copyright and contractual rights analysis; client counseling/training with respect to Turner Broadcasting music policies and procedures; and oversight and management of music licensing/clearance process.  J.D. required with a minimum of four years experience handling music-related legal issues at a law firm, record label, music publishing company or other reputable learning environment. Strong substantive experience in music required; management experience and in-house experience preferred. Applicants should have excellent academic credentials and references; solid drafting, negotiating and analytical skills; strong interpersonal skills; a team oriented attitude and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast paced environment. 

Interested applicants should send your resume to Noni.ellison-southall@turner.com and apply online via: www.turnerjobs.com.

Please reference job title COUNSEL and job number 125568BR. 

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Legal Assistant Position

Qualifications: This position requires high school education with advanced level training including four (4) to six (6) years of office experience or a minimum of three (3) years of legal secretarial or paralegal experience. Experience in the support of lawyers or high-level corporate executives preferred. Law firm/in-house corporate legal experience a plus. Must have strong organizational and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to manage client demands appropriately and work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are priority and handling multiple jobs simultaneously is the norm. Must have the initiative and ability to work autonomously while remaining a strong and supportive member of the team. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint).

Duties: This position provides advanced administrative support to the members of the Legal Department in the Music Group. The position will require drafting form agreements, maintaining and administering accurate files, documents and databases related to the practice area. Efficiently functioning as a key member of the team in a fast-paced environment will be critical to the success of the person filling this position. The position requires communicating effectively with members of the Legal Department and other Turner departments as well as outside vendors and clients. Interested applicants should send your resume to Noni.ellison-southall@turner.com with a cover letter and 2-4 references.

Two Tenure-Track Positions

Dept. of Recording Industry                      

Music Business (Legal)

The MTSU Department of Recording Industry is seeking two tenure-track faculty members beginning 2011-12. Courses will include Copyright Law, Contracts & Legal Issues, and one or more additional courses.  Requires a full-time commitment to teaching. Graduate teaching is a possibility.  

Positions start. August 1, 2011.  Open rank. JD or doctorate required.  Industry experience and teaching experience preferred.

Review of applications begins Nov. 16, 2010 and continues until position is filled. To apply go to http://mtsujobs.mtsu.edu

EO/AA Employer

Link to faculty job posting page.

Position Summary:
BET Networks is seeking a Counsel to join the Business and Legal Affairs (BALA) team.  The Attorney will assist with negotiations and drafting of complex production, development, TV and Music deals that span multiple platforms on behalf of BET Networks.  In addition, the Attorney will be required to conduct Standards and Practices review for Music Programming and Original Programming Departments in connection with BET content.

The Counsel will focus primarily on TV, Production, Development and Music deals. 
This role will report directly to the Vice President, Associate General Counsel.

Responsibilities:
The Counsel will negotiate, draft, and assist with administration of all transactional matters for BET Network’s New York location.  This role will primarily focus on negotiating and drafting deals for a wide variety of music-based programs, handling day-to-day production related matters on the business affairs side and counseling clients with respect to same.  S/he will also be responsible for external negotiations for short and long-term relationship deals.

S/he will work on multiple deals across all programming platforms which may include licensing and other types of programming procurement as well as all deals with production companies. 
The Attorney will be responsible for negotiating and drafting agreements in connection with: tentpole events, small music specials, daily live shows, reality/docu-series programming etc.; acquisitions made by Music Programming and Original Programming Departments; licensing of BET programming to third parties and collaborative production efforts with third parties.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Work collaboratively with the Vice President, Associate General Counsel as well as department heads, executives, and staff.
• Structure, negotiate and document complex deals relating to content, licensing, advertising, acquisitions, etc.
• Draft and negotiate amendments for existing agreements, as well as new and ongoing projects.
• Manage key vendor relationships and evaluate and respond to proposals from independent producers, production companies, writers etc.
• Protect BET’s assets and intellectual property and enforce copyrights.
• Ensure compliance, guidelines, performance standards and procedures are being adhered to.
• Coordinate rights clearances and other legal/business affairs issues.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:
We seek a highly motivated and accomplished mid level entertainment counsel who demonstrates knowledge in legal matters for this dynamic media company.  The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of the business of Television production, and the legal issues specific to that business. S/he must be flexible, team-oriented and able to produce a high volume of quality work in a fast-paced environment. 

A solid work ethic and unquestioned integrity are of paramount importance and are essential qualifications this candidate must demonstrate.  Additionally, we seek:

• 5-8 years experience negotiating deals in a transactional environment, preferably in a business affairs function in the entertainment sector.  
• Ability to analyze complex situations and make sound business decisions required.
• Familiarity with negotiating deals involving members of the various entertainment industry guilds including without limitation AFTRA, DGA, SAG and WGA.
• A highly organized and self-motivated professional with the ability to move multiple projects forward simultaneously, and have the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and timeliness related to such projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and interpersonal skills required, as this position interacts with senior executives.
• Demonstrated success in building strong and effective relationships.
• A proven track record in win-win negotiation skills and a solid dealmaker.
• A desire to work collaboratively, in a team-oriented environment, and the ability to submerge his/her ego for the good of the organization.
• A strong understanding of the television production process and working familiarity with the various entertainment guilds and collective bargaining agreements.

Education:
A law degree (JD) from an accredited law school with admission to the New York bar is required.

Contact: Please send resumes to: resumes@bet.net. Please indicate: BALA-Counsel-NY in the subject line

About BET Networks:
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA) (NYSE: VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience.  The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa.  BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

Position:  Assistant General Counsel - IP Litigation

Company:  Nike, Inc.

Location:  Portland, OR (WHQ)

Description:  As our Assistant General Counsel - IP Litigation, you'll manage patent, trademark and copyright claims, including managing litigation defense. You'll actively manage outside counsel, including setting budgets, directing strategy, facilitating discovery, and working with internal witnesses. You'll enforce NIKE's intellectual property against infringers globally, analyzing the merits of potential claims and relevant business considerations and determine whether and how to proceed with each claim. You'll advise the business on potential trademark licensing, technology licensing, or joint development agreements. In addition, you'll also educate relevant business groups on intellectual property matters, including acquisition, claim avoidance and risk mitigation.

Qualifications:  JD; Minimum of 8 years' experience within a law firm or corporate legal department, with primary emphasis on patent and intellectual property litigation; Extensive experience with litigation, including hands-on trial work; Seasoned communication skills- able to influence at a variety of levels and across functions in a complex matrix organization; Exposure to research methodologies and how they relate to manufacturing and product development; Knowledge of invention process, state-of-the-art technologies; Proficiencies with MS Office applications; Membership of Patent Bar strongly preferred.

Contact:  We're interested in learning more about you and appreciate you taking the time to apply online, http://www.nikebiz.com, (Job Number: 048493).  Nike, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) that strives to create a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.

Position:  Counsel, Labor & Employment

Company:  Turner Broadcasting System

Location:  Atlanta, GA

Description:  Turner Broadcasting System seeks a Counsel, Labor and Employment professional.  Responsibilities include negotiating and drafting employment contracts and other employment-related contracts (independent contractor agreements, termination agreements, confidentiality agreements); drafting EEOC position statements; managing the administration and tracking of employment agreements; assisting with training on employment matters; overseeing employment-related litigation and responses to document subpoenas; providing client advice on employee relations issues; providing client advice on union labor-related issues; HR policy and practice review; and assisting with other miscellaneous labor/employment matters as required.

Qualifications:  J.D. required with at least two years hands-on experience handling both employment-related matters and union labor-related matters in a private law firm or other reputable learning environment. Writing sample to be submitted.

Contact:  Interested parties should submit a letter of interest and resume to:  melanie.hill@turner.com.

Full time faculty position in the Music Business department. Click here to view job details and online application.

Title: Counsel, Legal Affairs
Location: Universal City, CA
Job#: 1101356
 
The Counsel, Legal Affairs will prepare contracts for NBC and NBC Universal’s broadcast and cable studios and networks, including license agreements, production services and co-production agreements, talent agreements, development agreements, brand integration agreements, marketing/promotional agreements, digital rights agreements, and the like.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Partnering with NBCU Business Affairs negotiators and other business executives to discuss and implement policy changes and formulate new processes/goals in respect of various business needs
• Providing timely and thoughtful legal advice on potential risks and issues, and proposing practical, proactive solutions to best address such risks
• Drafting, reviewing, and interpreting contracts and other documentation affecting various areas of the business
• Drafting contracts and leading projects relating to new media and brand integration
  
• Creating and updating forms to reflect current practices and policies
  
• Working with the Legal Affairs team on, and in some cases leading, major and complex assignments and projects with long-term business implications
• Other matters at the direction of the SVP and/or VPs, Legal Affairs, and as needed to support the Legal Operation

Basic Qualifications:

• Law degree from an accredited university and qualified to practice law in at least one U.S. state
• Minimum 3 years of entertainment, intellectual property, corporate transactions or litigation experience within a law firm and/or a corporate law department

Eligibility Requirements:

• Interested candidates must submit a resume/CV through nbcunicareers.com to be considered (note job#: 1101356)
• Willingness to work overtime with short notice
• Must be willing to work in Universal City, CA
• Must be willing to take drug test and submit to a background investigation
• Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must submit transcript and writing sample(s)

Desired:

• Law degree from a top twenty, accredited university
• Qualification in good standing to practice law in California
• Experience within a law firm or corporate law department having a reputation for excellence
• Demonstrated strong experience and competency in negotiating and drafting business transactions in relevant fields
• Outstanding analytic, communication and organizational skills
• Excellent leadership capabilities and influencing skills, and strong ability and willingness to work and execute effectively at all levels of a complex organization (including strong partnering and teaming skills)
• Sound business judgment, and flexibility/adaptability to manage multiple wide-ranging matters, conflicting deadlines, and new areas of expertise as business needs change
• Demonstrated ability, in a positive and practical manner, to pro-actively identify, prioritize and resolve legal issues quickly and effectively
• Background in transactions, commercial contracts, and/or litigation relating to new media/technologies

To apply, visit www.nbcunicareers.com, job# 1101356.

Microsoft Corporation is looking for some with a strong background in IP transactions and an interest in technology law.  

Interested BESLA members should apply directly online and may contact BESLA Board member Elke  F. Suber at esuber@microsoft.com to forward their resume internally.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title:         Attorney, WSG – Commercial Licensing Group
Department:            Legal and Corporate Affairs
Reports to:              Ted Gizewski, Senior Attorney, OEM

Purpose:
Are you looking for a challenging career, and want to be involved directly with Microsoft's core mission to bring to market great technologies for personal computers, mobile phones and other devices?  If so, this could be the position for you. Work with a talented team of professionals supporting the Original Equipment Manufacturers division (OEM) in the licensing and marketing of Microsoft software and hardware to our OEM distribution partners. The OEM Licensing Group within Legal and Corporate Affairs has an immediate opening for an experienced commercial attorney at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington.

Primary Responsibilities for this position include:

• Structuring, drafting, and negotiating agreements for licensing, distribution, and marketing for OEMs around the world, with an emphasis on business simplicity.
• Advising on a broad range of complex and strategic legal and business matters, including intellectual property, antitrust and competition law, licensing, commercial transactions, product development and marketing, compliance and other applicable regulatory matters.
• Working effectively with internal teams including OEM business management, operations, Microsoft subsidiaries, and multiple product groups to help analyze legal risks, resolve issues and implement overall business strategy.
• Driving greater internal efficiencies for both legal and business groups through the development or redesign of legal support processes, licensing programs, template licensing documents, and Microsoft technologies.
• Supporting Microsoft’s litigation group and public relations and compliance professionals in connection with OEM matters.
• Coordinating work with outside counsel in the U.S. and abroad, and oversee efficient use of outside counsel fees budget.  
• Creating and delivering legal training to clients and colleagues around the world. 

The mix and balance among these responsibilities is anticipated to shift over time.

Candidates should have the following Qualifications:

• J.D. or equivalent degree and excellent academic credentials 
• Minimum of 7 years experience as a practicing business attorney, with top law firm and/or relevant in-house transactional experience (substantial experience drafting and negotiating contracts related to software distribution and marketing is a strong plus).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across a large number of diverse internal groups, teams and divisions.
• Detail and results-oriented, with outstanding organizational and analytical skills.
• Familiar with patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret and competition law issues, with specific experience with advertising and consumer protection issues a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, meet demanding deadlines and balance multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Desire to work as part of a team, and with the ability to lead and motivate others and to facilitate problem solving.
• Strong business results orientation, business sense, and customer focus.
• International experience highly valued.

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may vary based on assignment or group.  Microsoft is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity.

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