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Music Legal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At Warner Chappell Music (WCM) - the global music publishing arm of Warner Music Group (WMG) - we ... creative, legal, engineering, accounting and licensing teams to ensure projects are managed ...

Music Therapist

Aurora, CO · On-site

$24.11 - $36.17/hr

Performs interventions utilizing music therapy techniques and skills as appropriate for the age ... Voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal plan ...

Instructs patients individually or in groups in prescribed instrumental or vocal music and music ... Legal Insurance - Roadside Assistance - Affinity Program Many of our positions offer the ...

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Music Legal information

See salary details

$27K

$48.2K

$74K

How much do music legal jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for music legal in the United States is $48,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Music Legal vs Music Licensing Specialist?

AspectMusic LegalMusic Licensing Specialist
Required CredentialsLaw degree, legal licensingKnowledge of licensing processes, certifications may vary
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, entertainment companiesMusic companies, licensing agencies
Industry UsageLegal advice, contract reviewNegotiating licensing deals, managing rights

Music Legal professionals focus on legal aspects like contracts and intellectual property rights, often with a law degree. Music Licensing Specialists handle licensing negotiations and rights management, typically with industry-specific certifications. While both roles work within the music industry, Music Legal roles are more legally oriented, whereas Music Licensing Specialists focus on licensing processes and negotiations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Music Legal, and why are they important?

To thrive in Music Legal, you need a solid understanding of copyright law, contract negotiation, and intellectual property rights, typically supported by a law degree and bar admission. Familiarity with licensing platforms, rights management systems, and industry-standard contract templates is crucial. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and strong negotiation skills help build relationships and resolve disputes effectively. These skills ensure accurate legal protection, smooth business operations, and the safeguarding of artists' and companies' interests in a complex industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Music Legal roles, and how can they be navigated?

Professionals in Music Legal roles often face challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving digital licensing models, negotiating complex contracts, and ensuring compliance with copyright laws across multiple territories. Navigating these requires staying current with industry trends, collaborating closely with artists, managers, and record labels, and developing strong negotiation and analytical skills. Building a network within the music and legal communities can also provide valuable support and insight when addressing novel or ambiguous legal issues.

What is music legal and what does a music legal professional do?

Music legal professionals are experts who handle the legal aspects of the music industry. They work on contracts, copyright issues, licensing, royalties, and intellectual property rights to protect artists, songwriters, producers, and music companies. Their responsibilities include negotiating deals, ensuring compliance with laws, and resolving disputes. They play a crucial role in helping clients navigate the complex legal landscape of music, ensuring their rights and interests are safeguarded.
More about Music Legal jobs
What cities are hiring for Music Legal jobs? Cities with the most Music Legal job openings:
What states have the most Music Legal jobs? States with the most job openings for Music Legal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Music Legal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Music Legal jobs are:
Infographic showing various Music Legal job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 22% Full Time, 67% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,215 per year, or $23.2 per hour.
Associate Director, Business and Legal Affairs

Associate Director, Business and Legal Affairs

Warner Music Group

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

At Warner Music Group, we're a global collective of music makers and music lovers, tech innovators and inspired entrepreneurs, game-changing creatives and passionate team members. Here, we turn dreams into stardom and audiences into fans. We are guided by three core values that underpin everything we do across all our diverse businesses:
  • Curiosity: We do our best work when we're immersing ourselves in culture and breaking through barriers. Curiosity is the driving force behind creativity and ingenuity. It fuels innovation, and innovation is the key to our future.
  • Collaboration: Making music and bringing it to the world is all about the power of originality amplified by teamwork. A great idea, like a great song, travels globally. We ignite passions and build connections across our diverse community of artists, songwriters, partners, and fans.
  • Commitment: We pursue excellence for our team and our talent. Everything in music starts with a leap into the unknown, and we're committed to keeping the faith, acting with integrity, and delivering on our promises.

WMG is home to a wide range of artists, musicians, and songwriters that fuel our success. That is why we are committed to creating a work environment that actively values, appreciates, and respects everyone. We encourage applications from people with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Consider a career at WMG and get the best of both worlds - an innovative global music company that retains the creative spirit of a nimble independent.
A little bit about our team:
At Warner Music Group, we are a global collective of music makers and music lovers, tech innovators, and inspired entrepreneurs. The ADA Business & Legal Affairs team is a close-knit group of passionate music attorneys who handle the legal issues relating to the distribution, monetization, and marketing of independent music. As the global distribution company for independent artists and labels at WMG, ADA provides the creative spirit of a nimble independent with the innovative reach of a global leader.
Your role:
As the Associate Director of Business & Legal Affairs for ADA, you will be a key player in structuring and executing the deals that drive our global distribution business. You will act as a primary legal partner to our A&R, marketing, and finance teams, providing expert counsel on a wide range of transactional and intellectual property matters. We are looking for a high-performing attorney who is ready to take full ownership of their deals, from the initial term sheet to the final signature, while thriving in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Here you'll get to:
  • You will structure, negotiate, and draft a variety of complex industry agreements, including distribution agreements and amendments, label service deals, license agreements, NDAs, commercial vendor agreements, and termination agreements, among others.
  • You will provide day-to-day legal and business counseling to ADA's A&R, finance, marketing, label management, commerce, and international departments regarding contractual obligations and rights.
  • You will take full ownership of the deal lifecycle, ensuring all contracts are executed accurately and efficiently while maintaining a high standard of attention to detail.
  • You will investigate and resolve claims and disputes, including copyright, audit, and breach of contract matters, in coordination with WMG's corporate legal and litigation departments.
  • You will liaise with the finance and accounting departments to ensure accurate interpretation of complex deal terms and compliance with financial obligations.

About you:
  • You have a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school and are a member in good standing of the New York State Bar.
  • You have at least 3-5 years of post-bar experience as a practicing transactional attorney.
  • You are a "Type-A" professional with extremely high attention to detail and a commitment to precision in drafting and negotiation.
  • You are ready to take complete ownership of your deals and drive them to completion independently while remaining a team-oriented collaborator.
  • You are a proactive problem-solver who can manage multiple high-priority assignments simultaneously under tight deadlines.
  • You are deeply passionate about music, innovation, and the independent label community.

We'd love it if you also had:
  • Experience working in-house at a music distributor or record label, or within the music/entertainment practice of a major law firm.
  • In-depth knowledge of copyright, trademark, and rights of publicity (NIL) as they pertain to the recorded music industry.
  • A strong understanding of the evolving digital landscape and its impact on music distribution and monetization.

As the home to 10K Projects, Asylum, Atlantic Music Group, East West, FFRR, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Warner Records, Warner Classics, and several other of the world's premier recording labels, Warner Music Group champions emerging artists and global superstars alike. And our renowned publishing company, Warner Chappell Music, represents genre-spanning songwriters and producers through a catalog of more than one million copyrights worldwide. Warner Music Group is also home to ADA, which supports the independent community, as well as artist services division WMX. In addition, WMG counts film and television storytelling powerhouse Warner Music Entertainment among its many brands.
Together, we are Warner Music Group: Independent Minds. Major Sound.
Love this job and want to apply?
Click the "Apply" link at the top of the page, or apply directly with your LinkedIn. Applying with LinkedIn will import all of the information you put in your profile, but will still allow you to upload a resume and cover letter.
Don't be discouraged if you don't hear from us right away. We're taking our time to review all resumes, and to find the best people for WMG.
Thanks for your interest in working for WMG. We love it here, and think you will, too.
This position requires a minimum of 4 days per week in the office. We value in-office collaboration, which is essential for talent development and strong working relationships. #LI-OnsiteSalary Range: $100,000 to $135,000 AnnuallySalary ranges are included for job postings where required by law. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as work experience and business needs. The pay range is subject to change at any time dependent on a variety of internal and external factors.
Warner Music Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Links to relevant documents:
2026 Benefits At A Glance final.pdf
EVerify Participation Poster.pdf
Right To Work .pdf