Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute qualified solicitor (3 to 5 years PQE) to join our Legal & Business Affairs team in Liverpool. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the business’ music publishing operations worldwide, providing high quality Legal & Business Affairs advice across a range of rights, agreements, and territories.
The ideal candidate will have a background in music publishing, specifically focusing on music rights, licensing, and contract management. This role involves providing comprehensive legal, drafting and administrative support to ensure compliance and protection of our music catalogue.
Key Responsibilities:
* Draft, negotiate, and finalise a broad range of music publishing agreements within set business rules, including (but not limited to):
* Exclusive Songwriting Agreements;
* Co-Publishing Agreements;
* Publishing Administration Agreements;
* Synchronisation Licences;
* Sample Licences; and
* Ancillary agreements related to music publishing activities.
* Provide advice on copyright ownership, exploitation, and royalty structures in both UK and international contexts.
* Support cross-functional teams (Business Development/Sales, Finance, Rights, Operations and Sync Departments) with contractual and rights-related queries.
* Manage and track contract workflows through contract management software (experience using Hubspot desirable but not essential).
* Knowledge of BIEM member societies and related international publishing frameworks.
* Assist with due diligence and drafting in relation to asset purchase agreements and catalogue acquisitions.
* Ensure compliance with company policies, copyright law, regulatory frameworks and music industry standards.
* Contribute to process improvement initiatives within the Legal & Business Affairs department.
Qualifications
* Law degree.
* LPC or SQE2 (with requisite qualifying work experience).
Experience:
* UK qualified solicitor with 3 to 5 years PQE (relevant industry experience will be considered) with prior in-house or private practice experience in music publishing.
* Demonstrable experience drafting, negotiating, and finalising music publishing and licensing agreements.
* Strong understanding of international publishing rights and experience working with BIEM member territories is highly desirable.
* Strong understanding of UK/ International data and privacy regulations is highly desirable.
* Excellent command of Microsoft Word and use of tracked changes.
* Familiarity with contract management systems (Hubspot advantageous) exhibiting a natural comfort and familiarity in a tech-driven environment.
* Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
* Experience maintaining and updating contract templates to reflect current industry standards and legal requirements.
* Administrative support within department.
Skills:
* Detail-oriented with a meticulous approach to drafting and review (precise attention to detail is imperative).
* Commercially minded with strong business and financial acumen.
* Analytical and solution-oriented with the capability to assess risk and provide strategic recommendations and solutions which inform business decisions, working toward business KPIs.
* Principled, self-motivated, and proactive, with the ability to work autonomously.
* A collaborative team player who is receptive to direction and constructive feedback.
* Highly organised and detail orientated with the ability to own and manage multiple projects, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines effectively with limited supervision.
* Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with artists, industry professionals, and internal/external stakeholders.
* A genuine passion for music and enthusiasm for contributing to a creative, inclusive, and growth-oriented company culture.
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic and technology led environment, embracing new challenges and displaying flexibility in responding to evolving industry trends and business needs.
Attitude:
* Team player with professional work ethic.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Passionate about music and the music industry.
* Ability to maintain a professional manner inside and outside of the business.
* Enthusiasm for working with writers and business partners at all levels.
* Non-confrontational, articulate and respectful communication style.
Additional Information
SET THE TONE WITH US
Working at Believe means having individual and collective impact in a fast-growing company!
At all stages of their careers, Believers are an important part of what we are doing: shaping the future of the music industry.
We need teams that truly reflect the diversity of our clients: our international presence is an inspiring and enriching work environment for each one of us, with daily opportunities to connect with our colleagues all over the world.
We have two hearts at Believe - our People and our Artists.
We believe in THE POWER OF OUR PEOPLE, who grow every day to develop their potential… We aim to provide our Believers with the best environment to thrive.
ROCK THE JOB
* 25 days annual leave increasing with length of service (28 days at 3 years, 30 days at 5 years)
* 1 day off for your Birthday & 1 day off to move house each year.
* Salary sacrifice pension with matched employer contributions
* Life Assurance and Group Income Protection Plan
* Optional Private Medical Insurance (BIK)
* Enhanced Employee Assistance Program
* Believe Academy - dedicated learning and development platform
* Hybrid working options for all teams
* Sociable office spaces
* Monthly wellbeing initiatives
SING IN HARMONY
* Ambassador program: an employee volunteering initiative dedicated to all Believers interested in having a positive impact on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), wellbeing and the planet.
We are committed to having a workforce that is representative of the community it serves at all levels of the organisation. We, therefore, welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion and sexual orientation.