Join the World's Top Legal Talent Network

We are UMG, the Universal Music Group. We are the world’s leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship. We own and operate a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. We identify and develop recording artists and songwriters, and we produce, distribute and promote the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music to delight and entertain fans around the world.

How We LEAD

Universal Music Group is seeking an Associate Director/Director, Business and Legal Affairs for the Santa Monica, CA offices. This position is responsible for a heavy transaction flow in connection with the domestic and international distribution, sales, marketing, financing, acquisition, and licensing of digital content and technology licensing associated therewith.

How You’ll CREATE

• Provide ongoing legal counseling resulting from the above-mentioned transactions. This will include drafting, reviewing and negotiating a variety of legal agreements such as content agreements, distribution agreements and technology service agreements.
• Reviewing other agreements relating to the recorded music business.
• Provide legal support for the global digital business operating out of Los Angeles and London and will work closely with the Business Development, Commercial and Advanced Technology teams.
• Provide advice to Universal Music Group’s individual labels on digital business affairs.
• In-depth knowledge of agreements relating to the distribution, sales, marketing, advertising, and financing of recorded music and video product preferred, including familiarity with publishing and other music industry issues.
• Must be adept at drafting and negotiating licensing deals and be willing to draft and negotiate agreements outside of previous areas of expertise. Must also be willing to learn new areas of law and technology.
• Must be comfortable working with new and evolving business models in an evolving industry and business.
• Ability to multi-task and juggle competing priorities, as well as stay on top of critical dates on short-term deals and tasks.

Bring Your VIBE

• JD required
• Bar admission in good standing in CA/NY preferred
• Minimum 5-7 years law practice experience required. Strong law firm experience/training required.
• Must have excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Highly motivated and with a desire to work in a team environment, both in the Santa Monica office and across other offices.
• Must be willing to work extended hours and accommodate disparate time zones.
• Must be self-directed and well organized.
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment.
• Strong customer/client service skills a must.
• Must be able to work under time constraints.
• A background in corporate and technology transactions, including content licensing and distribution a plus.

Perks Playlist

• Be part of an entrepreneurial, global organization that values authenticity, drive, creativity, relationships, and a competitive spirit

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and FSA options, as well as:

  • 100% coverage for out-patient mental health services
  • Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)
  • A lifetime fertility support allowance of $30,000 to plan participants
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
  • 100% immediately vested 401(k) match on the first 5% of your contribution on eligible compensation

• Variety of ways to prioritize much-needed time away from work including:

  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees
  • 3-weeks PTO for non-exempt employees
  • 2-weeks paid Winter Break
  • 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day)
  • Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)
  • Generous paid parental leave for every type of parent

Check out our full overview of benefits on the Perks Playlist page of the career site.

Disclaimer: This job description only provides an overview of job responsibilities that are subject to change.

Universal Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an E-Verify employer in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.

For more information, please click on the following links.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish

Job Category

Business & Legal Affairs

Salary Range

$99,400 - $208,654

The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include, as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. All candidates are encouraged to apply.