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The Vice President, Legal Affairs provides practical, business-focused advice to the Sony Pictures Experiences division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) including Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in all areas of business operations, such as licensing, franchising, procurement, supply agreements, operations, marketing, and brand protection. The VP negotiates and drafts agreements including franchise, licensing, and vendor agreements. The role advises the business on compliance with regulatory requirements including, business permits, food service, alcohol licensing, employment, information security and data privacy. The VP must possess the written, verbal, interpersonal and collaboration skills to engage successfully with all levels of the organization.  Position is located in Culver City, California with business travel including to Austin, Texas, as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Provide Legal Services for Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas – Provide legal advice to Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas and Fantastic Fest regarding all areas of business operations, including but not limited to licensing, franchising, procurement, supply agreements, operations, marketing, and brand protection. Negotiate and draft agreements related to these business operations. Advise business on compliance with regulatory requirements including, business permits, food service, alcohol licensing, employment, information security and data privacy.

• Provide Legal Services for other Sony Pictures Experiences business operations – Provide legal advice to the Sony Pictures Experience division regarding all areas of business operations, including but not limited to licensing, procurement, supply agreements, operations, marketing, and brand protection. Negotiate and draft agreements. Advice business on compliance with applicable regulatory requirements including, business permits, food service, alcohol licensing, information security and data privacy.

• Manage external counsel – Select, manage, and oversee external counsel to provide legal advice and services when necessary. Manage relationships and budget to ensure effective use of external resources.

• Collaborate and coordinate with SPE specialized legal groups – Function as primary point of contact for Sony Pictures Experiences with SPE’s internal legal specialists for legal matters, including employment law, labor relations, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, intellectual property, trademark, content protection, litigation, competition law, information security and data privacy. Work collaboratively with SPE specialized legal teams on Sony Pictures Experience matters and SPE initiatives and requirements.

• Regulatory and Compliance advice – Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards to ensure the company's compliance and mitigate potential risks. Coordinate with SPE Ethics and Legal Compliance team to implement Sony and SPE compliance program requirements.

Requirements:

• Juris Doctorate

• Admission to practice law in CA

• 7 or more years of experience practicing law, with a focus on corporate or commercial law

• Experience in the restaurant industry or hospitality sector is required

• Must have strong knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, with the ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide practical solutions

• Must have proven track record of drafting and negotiating a variety of legal agreements and contracts

• Able to work comfortably with senior executives on legal issues

• Able to write clearly and concisely for both a legal and non-legal audience

• Possess strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including a strong presentation skill set for audiences of varying size and experience with legal issues

• Experience managing multiple projects with competing priorities and tight deadlines

• Experience with selecting, and cost-effective management of, outside counsel and other relevant service providers

• Able to be an innovative/creative problem solver who can find legal solutions to business issues

• Able to focus on both results and continual process improvement

• Able to work independently

• Be down to earth with high emotional intelligence, sound judgment, common sense, confidence, and ability to act decisively

• Be a team player with the ability to forge close working relationships throughout the company on a global basis

• Able to travel to Austin, Texas and other business locations, as needed

The anticipated base salary for this position is $230,000-$315,000. This role may also qualify for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

SPE will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with applicable law.

To request an accommodation for purposes of participating in the hiring process, you may contact us at SPE_Accommodation_Assistance@spe.sony.com.