At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft and negotiate music licensing agreements for TikTok and other ByteDance platforms.
- Company: Join a leading tech company shaping the future of music and digital content.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams across time zones in a fast-paced setting.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of music rights in a dynamic and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified lawyer with experience in music rights and digital licensing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the Team
ByteDance is looking for a transactional attorney with multiple years of experience drafting and negotiating digital music licenses, artist/label distribution/service agreements, and other music rights-related agreements to join its team of music lawyers in London. The role will support ByteDance’s Music Business Development team’s efforts to execute the company’s music licensing strategy across TikTok, CapCut, and other ByteDance-owned digital properties, including SoundOn, a direct digital distribution platform. The role is based in London.
Responsibilities
- Draft and negotiate blanket/full catalogue licence agreements with record labels, aggregators, music publishers, and collecting societies based in the UK & EU, supporting ByteDance products and services, including TikTok and CapCut.
- Draft, negotiate and provide guidance regarding licence agreements with independent artists, record label distribution partnerships, and artist/label services agreements for SoundOn.
- Work cross‑functionally with key internal stakeholders and provide legal guidance concerning potential music rights implications of various new product/service initiatives and commercial partnerships.
- Work cross‑functionally with ByteDance product and business teams—including Ad Sales, Monetisation, Marketing, Strategic Partnerships, Artist and Label Relations, User Growth and other relevant teams—to clear rights for marketing, promotion, and music performance streaming events, including synchronization agreements for sound recordings and musical compositions, and artist performance agreements.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Qualified lawyer in the UK or an EU jurisdiction.
- Significant experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating talent/artist, music rights, and content/platform‑related agreements, including direct experience with licensing agreements for or with digital service providers, media companies, technology companies, music services, UGC platforms, or music rightsholders.
- Experience gained at a leading law firm, music rightsholder, UGC platform, digital platform, media company, or music service.
- Strong analytical, communication, drafting, and negotiation skills, with the ability to assess and clearly communicate legal and business risks, trade‑offs, and recommended solutions.
- Pragmatic, business‑oriented judgment and a strategic, risk‑based approach to problem‑solving in ambiguous or evolving situations.
- Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously, prioritise effectively, and work independently and cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced environment.
- Willingness to support cross‑time‑zone collaboration, including meetings outside normal business hours when needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience advising on digital music licensing and related commercial, product, and regulatory issues.
- In‑house experience at a technology platform, media, entertainment, or music company.
- Familiarity with legal issues relating to music rights, artist and talent matters, content distribution, user‑generated content, and platform operations.
- Experience structuring and negotiating complex, cross‑border, or high‑value commercial transactions.
- Experience partnering with stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions and time zones.
Music Counsel, EMEA employer: ByteDance
ByteDance is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where creativity and innovation thrive. As part of our Music Counsel team, you will have the opportunity to engage with leading music industry stakeholders while enjoying a culture that promotes collaboration, professional growth, and a commitment to diversity. With competitive benefits and a focus on employee development, ByteDance empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the evolving landscape of digital music licensing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Music Counsel, EMEA
✨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.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including ByteDance, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Music Counsel, EMEA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at ByteDance, 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 ByteDance and the specific role of Music Counsel, EMEA. 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 ByteDance’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at ByteDance
✨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 ByteDance.
✨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 ByteDance.
