Entertainment and New Media Attorney Job Description

'An entertainment attorney is a person legally authorized to deal with issues related to entertainment and media law. Providing service to the entertainment sector and dealing with the areas of entertainment law which may overlap with intellectual property law forms an essential part of his/her duty. The attorney may work in the different areas of entertainment field such as film, music, television, radio, theater, multimedia, publishing, visual arts and design, and defamation. Duties may include managing all aspects of legal clearances for live action entertainment releases as well as advising marketing and creative personnel. May negotiate licensing of music, talent and contract terms and may oversee trademark and title clearance requests from brand through corporate legal. An entertainment attorney also, reviews and administers promotion and distribution agreements to ensure legal compliance with their terms. Also, reviews and approves DVD bonus materials which may include music, talent, third party rights issues, VHS and DVD wraps, labels, rebates, publicity copy of TV spots and trailers. Can also play the role of mediators for bands and managers.

Attorney must be a holder of J.D. degree with license to practice law in the particular State Bar. Knowledge of securities, employment, immigration, insurance and intellectual property laws becomes a necessity to succeed. Sometimes attorneys have to go to court to litigate on behalf of their client and hence a knowledge of multiple levels of representation from copyright to royalties is required.

Here are a few sample entertainment attorney job descriptions:

Transactional Entertainment Attorney

The candidate will work with corporate side of entertainment transactions, including motion picture studios, television networks, film and television distribution companies, and Internet and digital media companies. Should have 4-7 years of pqe.

Transactional Associate

The candidate should have 2-3 years of general transactional experience with interest in the media space. Experience with licensing and complex transactions preferred. High level of academic achievement required.

Attorney - Entertainment

The candidate will draft practical guidance and form documents on issues relevant to transactional entertainment law with a focus on music, motion pictures, and television. Must have 5+ years of experience in entertainment law to help draft content and develop online legal products, tools and solutions for attorneys.

Entertainment Associate

The candidate should have 3-6 years of general corporate experience. Previous experience in Media and Entertainment is preferred. Transactional experience is required. IP or FCC is helpful.   

Seeking an Entertainment Associate ( Transactional) with 3-6 years of transactional entertainment experience. Candidate will represent many of the largest film studios and television corporations in the industry, as well as financial institutions, hedge funds, private equity groups, and a wide variety of smaller and middle-market production and distribution companies. Will handle a broad range of matters, from financing, production, and distribution and licensing agreements, to mergers and acquisitions in the film, television and new media industries. California Bar Membership in good standing is required. Must have a JD degree from an ABA-approved law school and be an active member in good standing of the Bar.

Seeking a Mid-level Entertainment Law Associate with 5+ years of entertainment transactional experience in a major law firm or recognized entertainment boutique. Candidate will specifically focus on distribution, production and finance. Candidate with a substantial corporate background will also be considered. Superior academic credentials and admission to the CA Bar are required. Must have a JD degree from an ABA-approved law school and be an active member in good standing of the Bar.

Commercial and Entertainment Litigation Associate

The candidate should have 3-6 years of experience , for a fast-paced litigation practice representing some of the best-known companies in the entertainment industry. Associates are given plenty of hands-on experience taking and defending depositions, arguing in court, negotiating with opposing counsel and working closely with clients and partners.'