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Contract Music Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QSIC

VP Legal

You'll own the entire legal function: commercial contracts, corporate governance, IP, music ... Demonstrated ability to operate as a sole or first in-house lawyer, self-directing across multiple ...

WME Group

Assistant, Business Affairs

Bronx, NY

$21/hr

... music, sports, television and theater. A global entertainment agency, home to many of the world ... The WME Books Business Affairs team utilizes the law, contracts and business judgment to strategize ...

Wmeimg

Assistant, Business Affairs

New York, NY

$15.75/hr

... music, sports, television and theater. A global entertainment agency, home to many of the world ... The WME Books Business Affairs team utilizes the law, contracts and business judgment to strategize ...

WME Group

Assistant, Business Affairs

Madison, NY · On-site

$21/hr

... music, sports, television and theater. A global entertainment agency, home to many of the world ... The WME Books Business Affairs team utilizes the law, contracts and business judgment to strategize ...

Sony Electronics

$103K - $147K/yr

At Sony Music Publishing ("SMP") , we believe every voice matters. We are the #1 global music ... This role is responsible for negotiating and drafting contracts and other documents, and ...

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Deputy General Counsel

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$205K - $220K/yr

You cannot perform without honoring the history that gives the music meaning. You cannot educate ... KEY RESPONSIBILITIES LEGAL COUNSEL & CONTRACTS * Advise internal clients on legal issues in content ...

SXSW LLC

Deputy General Counsel

Austin, TX · On-site

Manage one junior attorney. * Review, markup/draft (from forms and from scratch), and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including sales and sponsorship agreements, film and TV, and music ...

SXSW, LLC.

Deputy General Counsel

Austin, TX

Manage one junior attorney. * Review, markup/draft (from forms and from scratch), and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including sales and sponsorship agreements, film and TV, and music ...

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All JobsContract Music Attorney Jobs

Contract Music Attorney information

See salary details

$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.

VP Legal

QSIC

Remote

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

VP, Legal Remote - United States Legal / Full-time
About QSIC
QSIC is an Audio + AI company redefining what in-store means for retailers and brands worldwide. We use intelligent audio to drive real, measurable commercial outcomes - and we move fast. We work with some of the largest retailers on the planet, including Dollar General and 7-Eleven, across the US, Australia, UK/Europe, and Mexico.
We're building something genuinely new. Now we need the legal function to match.
The role
You will be the sole in-house legal resource, reporting to the CFO. This is a high-autonomy, high-breadth role.
You'll own the entire legal function: commercial contracts, corporate governance, IP, music licensing, international expansion, securities, compliance, and outside counsel management across four jurisdictions. The breadth is real. So is the autonomy.
This is not a role where you maintain what already exists. Policies and processes are being built, not maintained. You will write the playbook.
You'll own:
Commercial and Contracts
  • Enterprise agreements with major retailers and brand partners - MSAs, SOWs, data agreements, addenda
  • Legal review and negotiation across the full commercial lifecycle

Corporate Governance
  • Board resolutions, annual minutes, and entity maintenance across US, AU, UK, and MX
  • Corporate transactions: restructures, secondary sales, and debt facilities

IP and Licensing
  • Patents, trademarks, and music rights across multiple collecting societies and PROs
  • Licensing strategy as the product evolves

International Expansion
  • Entity formation, local employment agreements, GDPR and privacy compliance, and regulatory clearance in new markets

Securities and Capital
  • Loan documentation, warrant and option administration, ESOP, 409A valuations, and cap table oversight

Outside Counsel and Risk
  • Management of a panel of external counsel across 4+ jurisdictions - budget ownership, prioritisation, vendor selection
  • Advisory to leadership on compliance (SOC2, ISO), AI policy, data privacy, and emerging regulatory issues

You'll bring:
  • 8-12 years PQE, with meaningful time at a top-tier law firm and in-house at a growth-stage technology company
  • Strong commercial negotiation skills
  • Demonstrated ability to operate as a sole or first in-house lawyer, self-directing across multiple legal domains
  • Commercial contract experience with enterprise customers - ideally in retail, media, or SaaS
  • Cross-border legal experience across the US and at least one of AU, UK, or LATAM
  • Outside counsel management: budget ownership, panel coordination, vendor selection
  • Genuine fluency with technology, and comfort operating in an AI-forward environment

Bonus points for:
  • Music licensing or content rights experience (collecting societies, PROs, digital distribution)
  • Holdco restructure or corporate reorganisation experience
  • Familiarity with Australian corporate law alongside US

Who you are:
This is as much a personality hire as an experience hire.
You thrive on breadth, not depth - energised by switching between a patent filing, an enterprise contract, and a board resolution in the same day. You're a pragmatic problem-solver, not a risk-averse blocker. You communicate directly: the CFO and CEO want a clear recommendation and the two risks they need to know about, not a 10-page memo.
You have high EQ and cultural awareness - comfortable working across AU, US, and European teams with different working styles. You're at ease with ambiguity, because you're writing the playbook, not maintaining one. You manage up: proactively flagging issues, proposing solutions, and holding leadership accountable on legal timelines. And you're low-ego and collaborative. QSIC values loyalty, resilience, and humour. The legal function should reflect that.
Who we are:
We live by four values:
Honesty First: Frank, direct, respectful, and fair. We choose honesty over getting it perfect.
Invent Solutions: We see a problem and solve it. No dwelling, no excuses.
Laugh and Learn: Genuine curiosity, never taking ourselves too seriously.
One Team: Diverse people, one direction. That's what makes us great.
A note on applications:
There's no such thing as a perfect candidate. However you identify, and whatever background you bring, if this role excites you, please apply. QSIC is an equal opportunity employer and we know a diverse workforce makes us better.

Apply