Senior Entertainment Paralegal
Department: Business Affairs Type of Employment: Full-Time
Location: New York City preferred, Nashville also considered
Reports To: COO
Salary Range: $97,000 – $118,000
Job Summary:
Firebird is seeking an experienced Senior Entertainment Paralegal with 5+ years of experience in music law to join our legal team. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of music industry contracts, rights management, licensing agreements, and intellectual property law. This role requires a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with strong contract drafting and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to support attorneys in complex entertainment transactions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Draft, review, and redline music industry agreements, including:
- Recording, publishing, and licensing contracts
- Artist, producer, and songwriter agreements
- Synchronization and mechanical licensing deals
- Live performance, touring, and brand sponsorship agreements
- Digital distribution and streaming platform agreements
- Assist attorneys in contract negotiations and deal execution.
- Manage music rights clearances and ensure compliance with copyright and intellectual property laws.
- Conduct legal research on entertainment law, music licensing, and industry regulations.
- Organize and maintain contract databases, legal documents, and rights management systems.
- Track royalties, mechanical rights, and performance rights in collaboration with PROs (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, SoundExchange, etc.).
- Assist with pre-litigation matters, dispute resolution, and compliance issues related to artist agreements and licensing.
- Liaise with artists, labels, music publishers, PROs, streaming services, and external counsel on legal and business affairs matters.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certification from an ABA-accredited program required.
- 5+ years of experience as an entertainment paralegal, preferably in music, film, or television.
- Strong knowledge of music publishing, licensing, and entertainment contracts.
- Experience working with record labels, publishers, production companies, or talent agencies is preferred.
- Excellent legal writing, contract drafting, and research skills.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in contract management systems and legal databases.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with attorneys, clients, and industry professionals.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with intellectual property law, copyright, and trademark matters.
- Experience with international licensing and global entertainment law.
- Understanding of digital rights management and emerging technologies (AI, NFTs, streaming platforms, etc.).
About Firebird:
Firebird is a next generation music company providing career and brand guidance to over 1,000 artists worldwide to help them develop and grow broader global audiences and build longer lasting, higher impact, more profitable careers.
Redefining the intersection of music, technology and finance, Firebird has rich expertise across the spectrum of artist management and intellectual property creation, from traditional endeavors like touring and recording, to cutting edge marketing and consumer product development, to emerging digital platforms from gaming to AI.
Firebird’s roster of partners includes some of the most important companies across the various aspects of the music landscape today including Red Light Management, Mick Management, Transgressive, Defected, Ntertain, Tape Room, Easier Said and many more.
