Attorney in Nashville, TN at BMI

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:  BMI’s Legal department is seeking an attorney to join the team that provides legal counsel to BMI’s copyright administration, distribution, and affiliate customer service teams.  As part of that position, the Attorney will be responsible for the management of a personal case load of one or more areas of focus, which may include copyright administration/affiliate services matters, estates, and drafting contracts with current or potential BMI affiliates.  The Attorney will also assist BMI’s licensing efforts with a case load of BMI infringement and arbitration matters.

LOCATION: Nashville, TN office. BMI has transitioned back to working in the office on a regular hybrid schedule. At present, most team members are expected in the office three (3) days a week. Decisions regarding future transitions will take place in phases as BMI continues to closely monitor COVID-19 as employee safety is our priority.

FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

• Analyze any legal issues affecting BMI royalty distributions in transactions or disputes between songwriters, composers, music publishers and other third parties with respect to authorship, copyright ownership and/or royalty share entitlement.  Communicate BMI’s official position to interested parties and manage the implementation of any resolution.
• Work with Legal staff to manage estate files to effect an orderly transition from the deceased affiliate to affiliate’s successor. Work with Legal staff in approving new membership agreements with the estate/heirs, engage in communications with estates/heirs and obtain all necessary testamentary documentation.
• Draft agreements between BMI and its affiliated songwriters, composers, music publishers and other stakeholders; provide advice on, and/or draft, a variety of legal contracts between BMI and outside vendors.
• Prosecute and manage copyright infringement actions throughout the U.S., including drafting motion and discovery papers, negotiating settlements, reviewing song ownership documentation, attending settlement conferences and supervising outside counsel.
• Prosecute and manage collection arbitrations involving BMI licensed radio and TV stations, including supervising collection attorneys throughout the U.S. and negotiating settlements.
• Provide advice on and/or draft contracts between BMI and outside vendors.
• Provide legal and business-related advice to the Company. 
• Assist other BMI attorneys and interact with BMI management with respect to the above responsibilities.  
• Supports BMI’s Core Values and cultivates a culture of diversity and inclusion.
• Regular attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education:  4-year college degree and Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school required.  Admitted to the Tennessee State Bar or New York State Bar with qualification to register as in-house counsel in Tennessee.  In addition, fulfilling continuing legal education requirements is also required.

Experience:  Minimum three (3) years transactional or litigation experience, at least a portion of which should be in the music industry, either in a law firm or in-house.  Experience in music copyright administration or business affairs in a music company is preferred. Prior knowledge of U.S. copyright law as it relates to music is a plus.

Skills and Abilities: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to analyze business problems from a legal and practical perspective
• Strong initiative and sound judgment, with the ability to work independently
• Ability to manage many projects at once and to prioritize them
• Ability to negotiate authoritatively and persuasively
• Ability to work cooperatively with other company executives 
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Some travel required

License(s)/Certifications Required: Admission to the Tennessee State Bar or New York State Bar with qualification to register as in-house counsel in Tennessee. Eligibility to practice in the federal courts is required.  Notary Public license is desired but not necessary.

Salary Range
The specific base salary offered to a successful applicant will be based on individual qualifications, skills, experience, and education. The pay range is subject to change at any time based on various internal and external factors. The position may also be eligible for one or more performance-based bonuses. In addition to cash compensation, BMI offers a competitive portfolio of benefits to its employees, as described below.

What We Give to You:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401K with employer match
Flexible spending accounts
Paid vacation and paid sick/personal time
12 paid calendar holidays
Paid volunteer time off
Summer hours that offer more time for fun in the sun
Company paid life insurance
Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave
Tuition assistance for qualified team members
Commuter benefits (New York)
Amazing and engaging culture
Employee Resource Groups

BROADCAST MUSIC, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: All applicants will receive equal opportunity for employment without regard of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran’s or marital status, disability, or any other cultural factor.

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