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Contract Music Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McKoy Worob Averill Scott & Koenig LLP

Be Seen First

Legal Assistant - Entertainment Law

New York, NY · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Maintain and update client files and document management systems. * Assist with contract review ... music industry matters. * Mentorship from experienced attorneys and industry professionals.

Umusic

Manager, Artist Royalties

Los Angeles, CA

We are the world's leading music company. In everything we do, we are committed to artistry ... Manage artist, management, attorney, and internal stakeholder inquiries, ensuring timely and ...

Warner Records

Associate Director, LBA

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented junior lawyer to join our Los Angeles-based ... Draft and negotiate music publishing contracts and other transactional documents, including co ...

AEI LAW PC

Law Clerk

Paso Robles, CA

$65K - $72K/yr

... and other attorneys in business and intellectual property litigation, contract work, and ... Familiarity with intellectual property, entertainment law (film, television, arts, media, music ...

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All JobsContract Music Attorney Jobs

Contract Music Attorney information

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$52K

$119.2K

$200K

How much do contract music attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract music attorney in the United States is $119,188.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Music Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Music Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a deep understanding of copyright, contract, and entertainment law. Familiarity with drafting and negotiating music industry contracts, using legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), and staying updated on music licensing platforms is crucial. Excellent negotiation, attention to detail, and interpersonal communication skills set top performers apart. These skills ensure that clients' rights and interests are protected in complex and evolving music industry agreements.

What is a contract music attorney?

A contract music attorney is a legal professional who specializes in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts within the music industry. Their primary role is to protect the interests of musicians, producers, songwriters, record labels, and others involved in music-related agreements such as recording contracts, publishing deals, licensing, and management agreements. They ensure that their clients fully understand the terms and legal implications of these contracts and help resolve any disputes that may arise. Having a contract music attorney is crucial for navigating the complex legal landscape of the music business and safeguarding your rights.

What is the difference between Contract Music Attorney vs Music Licensing Specialist?

AspectContract Music AttorneyMusic Licensing Specialist
CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, legal certificationsMusic industry experience, licensing certifications
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, entertainment companies, private practiceRecord labels, media companies, licensing agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal advisory for contracts, negotiations, legal complianceManaging licensing deals, rights management, contract negotiations

While both roles involve music rights and contracts, a Contract Music Attorney primarily provides legal advice and handles contractual disputes, whereas a Music Licensing Specialist focuses on securing licenses and managing rights for commercial use. The attorney's role is more legal and advisory, often requiring a law degree, while the licensing specialist emphasizes industry knowledge and licensing processes.

What are some common challenges Contract Music Attorneys face when negotiating deals for artists or labels?

Contract Music Attorneys often navigate complex negotiations involving multiple stakeholders, such as artists, record labels, publishers, and managers. One common challenge is ensuring that the contract language accurately reflects their client’s interests while anticipating potential legal issues related to royalties, copyright, and intellectual property. Additionally, balancing industry standards with specific client needs and managing tight deadlines can make negotiations intricate. Effective communication and a strong understanding of current music industry trends are crucial to overcoming these obstacles.
More about Contract Music Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Music Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Contract Music Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Music Attorney jobs? The most popular types of Music Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Music Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Music Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Music Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Music Attorney jobs are:
Contract Music Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Music Attorney job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,188 per year, or $57.3 per hour.
Manager, Artist Royalties

Manager, Artist Royalties

Universal Music Group

Woodland Hills, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Universal Music Group rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 65 rated media

Job description

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:
UMG is currently seeking to fill the role of Artist Royalties Manager.In this role, you will be an integral member of our Catalog Artist Royalty team, responsible for preparing statements and analysing artist accounts to ensure that we are accurately reporting royalties to artists and third parties in accordance with the applicable agreements and licenses.
This position affords the right candidate exposure to all aspects of royalty reporting across multiple UMG labels and many key players in the business space.The right candidate will have a passion for music and be hungry to learn and grow in the business of music.
How you'll CREATE:
  • Manage the accurate and timely preparation, review, and distribution of artist, producer, and third-party royalty statements in accordance with contractual obligations.
  • Establish priorities and allocate resources effectively across reporting cycles, special projects, audits, inquiries, and ad hoc requests to ensure critical deadlines are met.
  • Supervise and coach royalty analysts, providing guidance on contract interpretation, royalty calculations, issue resolution, and professional development.
  • Manage artist, management, attorney, and internal stakeholder inquiries, ensuring timely and professional resolution.
  • Support financial close processes, audit requests, and reporting requirements as needed.
  • Work to complete outstanding projects related to various artists.
  • Identify opportunities to improve royalty processes, enhance internal controls, and optimize workflow efficiency through automation, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Bring your VIBE:
  • Proficient in Excel, Business Objects/Business Intelligence.
  • Proven ability to prioritize effectively and manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Strong understanding of recording, producer, licensing, and other royalty-related agreements, with the ability to interpret and apply contractual provisions accurately.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience preferred, including coaching, mentoring, motivating, and developing team members.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and recommend practical solutions.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Self-motivated.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Experience:
  • 2-4 years Royalty experience with recording contracts and processing royalty statements.
  • Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.

Education:
  • Four-year college degree in Business, Accounting or Finance or equivalent work experience.

Perks Playlist:
Join an entrepreneurial, global organization where authenticity, boldness, creativity, connection, drive, and insight aren't just values-they're how we work every day. Here are some of the ways we support you along the way (and just a few of the benefits we offer):
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Including 100% coverage for out-patient in-network mental health services
  • Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants
  • Wellbeing reimbursements for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and so much more (up to $720/year)
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
  • 401(k) with 100% immediate vesting on the first 5% of your contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution

A 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.
Please note, UMG is not enrolled in E-Verify in California and New York, and cannot support employment of candidates whose employer must enroll in E-Verify, for example candidates on STEM-OPT.
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:
Royalties & Copyright
Salary Range:
$59,550 - $88,000
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.

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