Paralegal

Position summary

Under general supervision and per established policies and procedures, the Senior Paralegal provides substantive legal and transactional support to attorneys across music, entertainment, licensing, intellectual property, and commercial matters. The Senior Paralegal is expected to exercise independent judgment, manage complex legal workstreams, and maintain a thorough understanding of applicable firm policies and professional standards. The role requires effective collaboration and communication with attorneys, clients, outside counsel, artists, rights holders, and industry professionals, as well as strict confidentiality in all client and firm matters. This position is not limited to the functions and responsibilities described below, which may be changed as business and client needs evolve.

Our Entertainment & Media Industry Group is looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented Paralegal to join our Transactional Music Team. This role will focus on music industry clearance agreements and copyright-related matters, supplying critical support to attorneys handling high-profile transactions across the music industry.

Job duties and responsibilities

• Draft, review, revise, and support negotiation of a broad range of music, entertainment, licensing, and commercial agreements, including producer, side artist, mixer, work-for-hire, merchandise license, data transfer, appearance release, manufacturing and supply, and artist merchandising agreements.
• Manage music and entertainment clearance matters, including researching and documenting rights, evaluating contractual requirements, and ensuring proper rights and protections are secured.
• Conduct U.S. Copyright Office (USCO), legal, corporate, and business entity research; manage copyright registrations, recordations, and related intellectual property matters.
• Conduct and coordinate substantive due diligence for music catalog acquisitions, licensing transactions, royalty financings, music publishing deals, and other complex entertainment transactions.
• Analyze and track key contractual rights, obligations, renewal and termination provisions, and other deal terms; identify issues and recommend next steps.
• Prepare substantive deal summaries and maintain comprehensive tracking resources covering music transactions, global brand licensing, artist rights, vendor agreements, and other significant contractual matters.
• Oversee legal compliance for artist sweepstakes and contests, including drafting and reviewing official terms and conditions, affidavits, prize provider agreements, and related documentation.
• Communicate directly with attorneys, clients, artists, rights holders, outside counsel, and industry professionals to resolve substantive issues and facilitate transactions.
• Exercise independent judgment in managing multiple complex matters, identifying legal and business risks, and determine when issues require attorney involvement.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive client, transactional, and firm matters.

Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented asnecessary.  Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time. 

Requirements

Education: Undergraduate degree and paralegal certificate required; will consider candidate with comparable relevant experience in lieu of a paralegal certificate.

Experience: 

• 7+ years of directly relevant paralegal experience, preferably in music transactions, entertainment law, intellectual property, or a related practice; substantial law firm experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with sophisticated music, entertainment, licensing, copyright, and commercial transactions.

Skills: 

• Strong understanding of music industry agreements, rights ownership, rights clearance, and copyright law.
• Experience with U.S. Copyright Office (USCO) registration and recordation processes.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to analyze complex legal and business matters, identify key issues and variables, and determine appropriate courses of action within the scope of the role.
• Ability to develop practical solutions and strategies to address challenges and improve legal and transactional processes.
• Ability to independently manage multiple complex matters, prioritize competing demands, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with limited supervision.
• Sound judgment, initiative, and discretion, including the ability to work independently and appropriately identify matters requiring attorney involvement or escalation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with attorneys, clients, outside and opposing counsel, colleagues, and other industry professionals.
• Strong interpersonal and client-service skills, with the ability to establish effective working relationships, collaborate constructively with individuals at all organizational levels, and provide responsive, high-quality service while maintaining professionalism and discretion.
• Flexibility and adaptability to shifting priorities and evolving circumstances, with the ability to maintain composure, sound judgment, and attention to detail under pressure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, legal research tools, contract and document management systems, relevant copyright databases, and other software and technology platforms used in the role.
• Ability to travel for meetings and training as needed and to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, when necessary to meet client and transaction deadlines.

Additional information

Supervisory responsibilities: None.

Equipment used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, copier, scanner, etc.

Essential job functions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use.
• Ability to use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to access, use, and safeguard confidential and sensitive information while performing job responsibilities in work environments that support confidentiality, privacy, and information security requirements.
• Travel for meetings and training as required.
• Ability to work extended hours as required to meet project, client, or business needs.

Working conditions

You will be required to work in the office at minimum 4 days per week. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.

Pay ranges

This is a non-exempt position. The hourly wage range for this role is $64.10 to $71.79 per hour, with an estimated annual compensation range of $125,000 to $140,000, based on an expected 37.5-hour workweek. This represents the presently anticipated pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.

Employee benefits overview

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Virtual Health Services
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
• Transportation Benefit
• Back-up Child Care Services
• College Coach Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
• Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.