Litigator

At Sony Music Publishing (“SMP”), we believe every voice matters. We are the #1 global music publisher, advancing the artistry of the world’s greatest songwriters and composers for over 25 years. We keep songwriters at the forefront of everything we do, and design our suite of services to amplify opportunities, build connections, and defend their rights. Our roster benefits from an international team committed to providing support at every career stage. From classic catalogues to contemporary hitmakers, history is always being written. We are a part of the Sony family of global companies. Learn more about SMP at https://www.sonymusicpub.com/en.

Why join Sony Music Group?

Here at Sony Music Group, we are shaping what’s next in a way that creates impact. Forging powerful new ideas at the heart of music, technology, and culture that entertain and move people.

This is your opportunity. Part of a global community, united by individual passion, rising to that challenge every day. Adapting at pace and supporting one another, inspired to influence the future. For the benefit of you, our people; our creators, our business, and wider society too.

Be a part of an organization that is creator first. Committed to fueling excellence and always imagining more, while fostering a supportive culture, one where we elevate each other and act responsibly.

Job Purpose: This role will advise on all aspects of the litigation and pre-litigation claims affecting Sony Music Publishing. You will handle a large and diverse docket of litigation-related matters (including issues relating to copyright, artificial intelligence, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and fair use), and lead efforts to protect SMP’s intellectual property rights.

What You’ll Do: (job responsibilities)

• Manage and drive strategy for affirmative and defensive litigations, regulatory proceedings, claims, and intellectual property enforcement matters in federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions

• Investigate businesses (such as digital services, websites, and mobile apps) and other songwriters/recording artists that use SMP musical compositions without a license, collect evidence of infringement, confirm SMP’s rights, draft cease-and-desist letters, and negotiate and draft settlement agreements

• Defend SMP and its songwriters in connection with pre-litigation copyright infringement claims, analyze merits of claims, interact with SMP songwriters and other music publishers, draft correspondence, and negotiate and draft settlement agreements

• Oversee outside counsel, review and edit draft court filings, assist with litigation discovery (including document collection and witness preparation), and analyze music publishing agreements and other agreements

• Represent SMP in mediations and at trial; prepare company witnesses for depositions and trial testimony

• Regularly counsel business units on various matters (e.g., risk mitigation, litigation, intellectual property, contract interpretation, draft contract language, and company policies and procedures)

• Interact with SMP’s internal business units and senior executives, outside and opposing counsel, artist and songwriter representatives, music industry trade associations, and infringing services

• Perform other relevant duties as assigned
   

Who You Are: (skills and experience required)

• Juris Doctor (JD) required, licensed and in good standing to practice law in New York

• At least two years of experience at a law firm or as in-house counsel

• Strong experience in litigation

• Familiarity with music law and the various rights affecting musical compositions; experience working on music copyright cases and/or cases involving music publishing agreements is a plus

• Excellent drafting/writing and communication skills

• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a diverse environment

• Computer literacy (MS Word & Excel essential)

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills

• Ability to multi-task and juggle competing priorities

• Strong organization skills with high attention to detail

• Ability to be innovative and suggest change/improvements within the scope of work

• Ability to professionally interface with all levels of the organization, clients, and vendors

• Willingness to learn and adapt to new responsibilities in a fast paced fast-paced environment

• Ability to research legal matters quickly and accurately

• High levels of integrity and honesty

• Ability to adhere to deadlines and execute on tasks and handle multiple, diverse assignments

• Strong time management skills

• Some Travel Required

• Must be authorized to work in the United States

• 7.5-hour business workday but variations in work volume frequently require extended working hours
   

What We Give You:

• You join an inclusive, collaborative and global community where you have the opportunity to fuel the creative journey

• A modern office environment designed to foster productivity, creativity, and teamwork

• An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life & disability coverage, and 401K + employer matching

• Voluntary benefits like company-paid identity theft protection and resources for pets, mental health and meditation resources, industry-leading fertility coverage, fully paid leave for childbirth or bonding, fully paid leave for caregivers, programs for loved ones with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity, subsidized back-up child and elder care, and reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy, tuition and student loans

• We invest in your professional growth & development

• Flexible Time Off

• Time off for a winter recess

DISCLAIMER: 

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $150,000-$175,000. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for.  The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. 

DISCLAIMER:

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is:

$0.00-$0.00

This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for.  The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

Honesty, trustworthiness and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above.

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, military status, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, medical condition, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

We are aware that unauthorized individuals or organizations may attempt to solicit personal information or payments from job applicants by impersonating our company through fraudulent job postings.  We take these matters seriously but cannot control third-party websites. To protect your personal information, please verify that any job posting you respond to also appears on our official Careers page: www.sonyjobs.com.  Please also be advised that we never request personal identifying information (such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or copies of identification documents) during the initial stages of our application process.  If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a job posting or communication, please contact talentacquisition@sonymusicpub.com before submitting any information.

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