At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate music agreements while supporting creative teams.
- Company: Join a leading music company with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with exciting career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of the music industry and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with a passion for music and strong drafting skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a motivated and commercially minded Music Lawyer to join our UK Legal & Business Affairs team as Manager - Legal & Business Affairs. This role supports our recorded music and music publishing divisions, working closely with creative, commercial and operational teams across the business. You will play a key part in ensuring our agreements, rights management and day‑to‑day legal operations run smoothly, efficiently and in line with industry best practice.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of agreements across recorded music and music publishing, including songwriting, administration, recording, producer, mixer, featured artist, video, artwork and photographer agreements.
- Advise on intellectual property rights relating to recordings, compositions and other creative assets.
- Review and negotiate controlled‑compositions provisions.
- Support the Legal & Business Affairs team with new areas of business as required.
- Provide day‑to‑day legal support to departments including Royalties & Copyright, Finance, A&R and Operations.
- Assist with contractual queries, disputes, invoice approvals, deal structuring, and the provision of templates and contractual information.
- Support senior lawyers within the UK Legal & Business Affairs team.
- Assist with data‑protection and compliance matters.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience working as a music lawyer, either in‑house or in private practice, across a broad range of music‑industry matters.
- Strong drafting skills and clear, effective communication.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise to meet deadlines.
- Ability to understand local operational needs while recognising wider strategic considerations.
- Effective team player.
- Proactive and able to use initiative.
- Qualified lawyer in England and Wales with experience in music‑industry legal work.
- Demonstrable interest in the music industry.
- Interest in legal issues affecting the music and creative sectors.
It’s a plus if you also have experience at a major music publisher, major label or large independent record label. We’re ideally looking for someone who has 0-4 years PQE.
Music Lawyer employer: BMG
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Music Lawyer, where your expertise will directly contribute to the success of our recorded music and publishing divisions. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values creativity and professional growth, offering ample opportunities for career advancement in the vibrant UK music industry. With a focus on employee well-being and a commitment to industry best practices, we provide a supportive environment that empowers you to thrive in your legal career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Music Lawyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the music industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work as a music lawyer. Include examples of agreements you've drafted or negotiated. This will not only showcase your skills but also demonstrate your passion for the music industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current trends in the music industry. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the team’s success. Research the company and come armed with questions that show your genuine interest in their operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Music Lawyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Music:When writing your application, let your love for music shine through! We want to see how your passion aligns with the role of a Music Lawyer. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm for the industry.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your experience in drafting and negotiating agreements, as well as any work you've done in the music industry. We appreciate attention to detail, so ensure everything is clear and concise!
Be Clear About Your Experience:In your application, be upfront about your legal experience, especially in music law. Whether it's in-house or private practice, we want to know how your background prepares you for this role. Don't forget to mention any specific skills that relate to the job description!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BMG
✨Know Your Music Law Basics
Brush up on key concepts in music law, especially around agreements and intellectual property rights. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and passion for the industry.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Prepare examples of agreements you've drafted or negotiated in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to drafting and how you ensure clarity and compliance with industry standards.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Highlight your experience working collaboratively with different teams. Share specific examples of how you've supported creative, commercial, or operational teams in previous roles to show you're a team player.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with recent developments in the music industry, especially those affecting legal practices. This will not only impress your interviewers but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
