At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal support for artist merchandise and e-commerce projects at Universal Music.
- Company: Join the world’s leading music company, Universal Music Group UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits including private medical insurance and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in a fast-paced, innovative music industry.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 2+ years' experience in music or entertainment law.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Music is Universal
It’s the passionate and dedicated team at Universal Music who help make us the world’s leading music company. From A&R to finance, legal to digital, sales to marketing, Universal Music is the place to grow and develop your career within a truly commercial and innovative business that leads in everything it does.
Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, age, marital status, background, pregnancy, or caring responsibilities. We also recognise the importance of diversity of thought within our teams and are fully committed to embracing the talents of people with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other forms of neurocognitive variation.
We will always seek to make appropriate adjustments to recruitment, workplaces, and work processes to be fully inclusive to people with different needs and working styles. If you need us to make any reasonable adjustments for you from application onwards, including alternatives to the online form or to disclose a neurocognitive condition, please email UniversalMusicCareers@umusic.com.
About Us – Legal & Business Affairs
The Label Legal Team (part of the broader Legal & Business Affairs team) provides legal and business affairs support to all Universal Music UK labels, including the Polydor Label Group, Island EMI Label Group, Fontana and Decca Records. The team works closely with label executives and commercial teams to deliver practical legal advice that supports the development of artists, brands and commercial opportunities across the business.
The Role
This role is responsible for providing a full range of legal and business affairs support to Universal Music UK's labels in relation to artist and brand merchandise, retail partnerships and e-commerce activities. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, you will negotiate and draft a broad range of commercial agreements while providing pragmatic legal advice that supports the growth of our merchandising business.
Key Responsibilities
Drafting, negotiating and advising on agreements relating to:
Artist merchandise agreements, including new deals, renewals and extensions.
Brand licence agreements and strategic brand partnerships.
Retail and e-commerce agreements with commercial partners.
Venue merchandise agreements.
Pop-up store agreements and associated commercial arrangements.
Other merchandise and e-commerce related agreements as .
Overseeing and administering:
Legal deal approvals and internal sign-off processes.
Option diaries and key contractual deadlines.
Rights management systems and related documentation.
Litigation matters, including liaising with external counsel where appropriate.
Day-to-day legal support for merchandise and e-commerce projects across the labels.
Skills, Experience, Qualifications and Behaviours Required
Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales.
Minimum of 2 years' post-qualification experience, ideally gained within music, media or entertainment law.
Experience drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial agreements.
Strong commercial awareness and the ability to provide practical, business-focused legal advice.
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously.
A proactive, self-sufficient approach with strong attention to detail.
A collaborative team player with excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Why Join Us?
A varied and challenging role working across high-profile artist, merchandise and e-commerce projects.
The opportunity to work alongside a talented, collaborative and dynamic Legal & Business Affairs team.
Close involvement with the commercial activities of Universal Music UK's labels.
Exposure to an exciting, innovative and fast-moving industry where no two days are the same.
About UMG UK
We are Universal Music Group UK – the UK’s leading music-based entertainment company. We exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. We help UK artists produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to inspire and entertain fans at home and around the world.
Bonus Tracks: Your Benefits
Group Personal Pension Scheme (between 3% and 9%)
Private Medical Insurance
25 paid days of annual leave
Interest Free Season Ticket Loan
Holiday Purchase scheme
Dental and Travel Insurance options
Cycle to Work Scheme
Salary Sacrifice Cars
Subsidised Gym Membership
Employee Discounts (Reward Gateway)
Just So You Know…
The company presents this job description as a guide to the major areas and duties for which the jobholder is accountable. However, the business operates in an environment that demands change and the jobholder's specific responsibilities and activities will vary and develop. Therefore, the job description should be seen as indicative and not as a permanent, definitive, and exhaustive statement.
Job Category:
Senior L&BA Manager in London employer: Universal Music
Universal Music Group UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and opportunities for professional development. Located in the heart of the UK's music industry, our team is dedicated to shaping culture and empowering artists, making it a truly rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior L&BA Manager 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.
✨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 Universal Music, 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
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior L&BA Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Universal Music, 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 Universal Music and the specific role of Senior L&BA Manager. 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 Universal Music’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Music
✨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 Universal Music.
✨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 Universal Music.
