Who We Are

The Manatt Music team is a close-knit group of attorneys, consultants, specialists and professionals who provide excellent service, create growth opportunities and positively affect the creative ecosystem through individual transactions, stalwart representation and national advocacy efforts. We represent icons, global brands, cutting-edge and forward-thinking disruptors, developing and emerging talent, executives, and good ideas. We are a meritocracy that rewards initiative, teamwork and ambition.

Job Description

We are looking for an attorney who is passionate about the business of music, entertainment, and issues facing global icons and brands. We are looking for someone to primarily manage clearing albums and records, utilizing their abilities to critically think and contribute and creatively problem solve.

What You’ll Do

• Review and coordinate preparation of comments in connection with standard third-party participant agreements for compositions and recorded music

• Third-party participant agreements: producer agreements, mixer agreements, featured artist agreements, letters of direction, certificates of recording, songwriter agreements, etc.

• Draft and coordinate revision of standard third-party participant agreements as well as other basic agreements in music, entertainment and adjacent fields (including publicity and interview releases)

• Work directly with other attorneys, consultants and professionals

• Further develop critical thinking and strategy in the world of intellectual property

Whom We’d Like to Meet

• Someone with basic experience and/or a demonstrated interest in the music business or one of its closely adjacent fields (for example, corporate work or intellectual property development or enforcement)

• Someone who is passionate about helping recording artists fulfill their visions and who is eager to learn

• Someone who takes initiative and says, “I can do that,” when presented with an opportunity or obstacle

• Someone who has the courage to collaborate

• Someone who is motivated by excellence and to be excellent

• Someone who is a visionary and has a positive outlook on the future of entertainment law

• Someone who is a critical thinker with attention to detail

• Someone who is an effective and articulate communicator with strong verbal and written skills

• Someone who is confident in what they know but also knows what they don’t know and is excited to ask questions and learn

• Someone whose bar membership is in good standing in the jurisdiction in which they plan to practice or awaiting bar results in the jurisdiction in which they plan to practice

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Fostering diversity, equity and inclusion is one of Manatt’s core values and is fundamental to our organization’s continued progression. We believe a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we live, work and serve enriches Manatt’s culture and enhances our ability to understand our clients’ needs and develop better, more impactful solutions. In collaboration with Firm leadership, our Diversity and Inclusion department drives the Firm’s efforts, engaging our legal, consulting, business, and administrative professionals to create and sustain a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. 

About Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is a leading professional services firm, providing integrated legal and consulting services to a global client base. With offices strategically located in California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento and Silicon Valley), New York (New York City and Albany), Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Boston, the Firm represents sophisticated clients — including Fortune 500, middle-market and emerging companies — across a range of industry sectors such as health care; financial services; entertainment; digital and technology; and energy, environmental and real estate. For more information, visit www.manatt.com.

Join Us

If you want to join a future-thinking, entrepreneurially-minded team of passionate and driven professionals, we strongly encourage you to apply. All candidates must apply through our online application portal (apply here). Required application materials include a cover letter, resume, transcript and writing sample (two to three pages from your academic or work experience of which you are the sole author).

EEO/AA EMPLOYER/Veterans/Disabled

Manatt is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex or gender (including gender identity, gender expression, status as a transgender or transsexual individual, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age (over 40), genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, sexual orientation, political activity or affiliation, genetic or and any other protected classes or characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the American Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.

The base annual pay range for this role is between $70,000 - $90,000. The base pay to be offered will vary and depend on skills and qualifications, experience, and location and will also take into account internal equity. Additional medical, financial and/or other benefits will be offered dependent on the position.