At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to negotiate and manage international distribution deals in the entertainment industry.
- Company: Avalon, a leading talent management and production group with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical cover, life assurance, and a competitive holiday allowance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the entertainment world while working with top talent and innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with experience in media law and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Legal and Business Affairs team at Avalon supports all of Avalon’s various divisions, including talent management, TV production, distribution and live promotions, as well as overseeing legal and regulatory compliance for the Avalon Group in the UK and the US. The team includes six other lawyers, and prides itself on being collaborative, commercially astute and effective, with a substantial combined knowledge of all areas of the entertainment industry.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Legal Counsel, Distribution to join our Legal & Business Affairs team. This role is at the heart of our international distribution activities, working closely with our Distribution team to drive and protect the commercial interests of the distribution business across all forms of content exploitation worldwide. The successful candidate will be the primary legal resource for our Distribution team, providing support throughout the full lifecycle of distribution deals — from initial commercial negotiation through to contract execution. In addition to this specialist focus, the role also provides broader legal and business affairs support as required across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the primary legal advisor to the Distribution team, supporting the negotiation of key commercial terms across all forms of content exploitation.
- Provide practical, commercial legal advice to the Distribution team at all stages of a deal, balancing legal risk against commercial opportunity.
- Support the exploitation of ancillary and secondary rights arising from Avalon’s content catalogue, ensuring robust contractual protections and appropriate revenue sharing arrangements.
- Supervise and oversee other members of the legal & business affairs team on distribution or other matters as required.
- Identify, assess and advise on legal risks associated with distribution activities and broader business operations.
- Manage relationships with external legal counsel where specialist advice is required.
- Provide legal and business affairs support to all internal clients in a timely and accurate manner, always taking into account business priorities and strategies.
- Proactively collaborate with all departments within Avalon, including Distribution, Talent Management, Press & Publicity, Finance, Corporate, Digital & Marketing and Production.
- Work across a wide range of matters in support of all Avalon businesses as and where required.
Specific Duties
- Draft, review, negotiate and finalise a wide range of distribution agreements, including finished programme licences, format licences, and ancillary rights agreements.
- Negotiate agreements relating to international co-productions.
- Advise the Distribution team on appropriate deal structures.
- Respond to Distribution queries relating to the exploitation of rights, holdbacks, clearances and onward reporting.
- Maintain and develop standard form distribution contract templates.
- Provide support to the PR and Marketing teams in connection with promotional activities, brand partnerships, sponsorship, advertising, and clearance matters.
- Provide support in respect of live comedy tours, theatre and events promoted and produced by Avalon.
- Provide support to the Avalon talent management and television development and production teams.
- Provide legal support on matters such as client reporting, debt recovery, data protection, trademarks and other forms of brand and IP protection.
- Support the Head of Legal & Business Affairs on any other legal matters as required by the business.
About You
- Qualified solicitor admitted in England & Wales (or equivalent UK qualification), with a current practising certificate.
- Substantial post-qualification experience in media and entertainment law, with a demonstrable focus on television distribution and international content and format licensing.
- Deep, hands-on experience negotiating finished programme licence agreements and format licence agreements across multiple international territories.
- Good working knowledge of ancillary rights exploitation.
- Proven ability to confidently lead commercial negotiations independently and effectively.
- Ability to interpret and clearly explain complex legal and contractual issues to non-lawyers.
- Pro-active business orientated approach.
- Highly organised with an ability to manage and prioritise effectively.
- Excellent technical drafting skills with strong attention to detail.
- Commercial mindset: able to give practical, solutions-focused legal advice.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Passion for content.
About Avalon
Avalon is a multi-award-winning talent management, television production and live promotion group with offices in London, Los Angeles and New York. Avalon, Artists Rights Group and The Agency together represent a diverse and distinctive roster of artists including actors, comedians, writers and directors. Our core values help define our purpose and shape our culture. We are always on the lookout for exceptional talent and are committed to creating a diverse environment.
What We Offer
- Private Medical Cover
- Cycle to work scheme
- Income protection scheme
- Life assurance
- Pension scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Competitive holiday allowance
- Season ticket loans
- Monthly staff drinks, seasonal parties, tickets for our Live gigs, Monday breakfasts and more
Senior Legal Counsel, Distribution in London employer: Avalon
Avalon is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, the company offers diverse opportunities in the dynamic entertainment industry, alongside attractive benefits such as a cycle to work scheme, life assurance, and competitive holiday allowances. Located in the heart of London, Avalon provides a unique environment for legal professionals to engage with award-winning talent and contribute to exciting projects across various entertainment sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel, Distribution in London
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel, Distribution in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Avalon, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Avalon and the specific role of Senior Legal Counsel, Distribution. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Avalon’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avalon
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Avalon.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Avalon.
