Apply here by 9 September 2022
Overview
PRS for Music are recruiting for a Lead Counsel with previous experience of music rights licensing. This is a newly created role, and is being offered on a full time, permanent basis.
The successful applicant will provide commercial support to their music rights licensing team; with a focus on the negotiation and drafting of high value licensing agreements, plus giving expert advice on licence tariff development.
The role’s licensing component will involve negotiating the terms of licences as well as providing advice on commercial terms relating to broadcasting, on-demand services, music services of all kinds, physical products (CDs, DVDs, etc.), and public performance of music.
Along with working closely with the litigious and compliance lawyers, the post will also involve handling licence disputes. The technological component of the position will be centred on supporting a variety of commercial matters, such as IT agreements and procurement.
About the Legal team
PRS for Music are a company founded on a legal concept and the Legal team is at the heart of everything they do. The company’s in-house law firm with industry experts providing specialist legal advice across all areas of the business. They are a grounded, solutions orientated group that strives to embrace a values led culture; and they organise themselves around the “5Cs” of Corporate, Commercial, Contentious, Compliance and Copyright. They do strategy, policy, governance and anti-piracy as well as the nuts and bolts of legal work. PSR for Music focus on continuing to develop their diverse team into essential business partners.
About You
-> A qualified solicitor with substantial broad commercial competence that you have earned from working for an organisation or in private practise in the area of music rights licensing. It would be beneficial to have some knowledge of agreements relating to IT.
-> Knowledge of the music industry or of other content industries is essential together with a genuine interest in intellectual property rights and their use across technologies. We handle a vast amount of data – so knowledge of associated compliance areas would also be an advantage.
Education
-> Degree level qualification (2:1 (or above) LLB in Law or equivalent)
-> 6 years PQE
Person Specification
-> Self-motivated and self-reliant. Strong communication skills, both written and oral, including presentation skills. Ability to use appropriate level of language depending on audience, avoiding complex legal jargon. High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
-> Ability to build strong relationships with all colleagues within the organisation you will enjoy working as part of a wider team.
About Us
PRS for Music operates at the centre of the UK music industry and is one of the leading music rights organisations globally. They undertake collective rights management on behalf of over 160,000 members. They protect and optimise the value of rights entrusted to us, distributing royalties with market leading transparency and efficiency when music is performed, broadcast, streamed, downloaded, reproduced, played in public or used in film and TV.
Why PRS?
PRS care. They will help you grow throughout your career and invest in your development. Lawyers at PRS have gained invaluable industry experience working on their matters and have been sponsored on specialist courses (e.g. post graduate diplomas in copyright and competition law) as well privacy qualifications (e.g. CIPP/E) and business/management courses including MBAs and equivalent.
The company has worked hard at PRS for Music to create a culture where each colleague can bring their true selves to work and thrive.
PRS want you to have the work/life balance you need, so their flexible working approach covers both location and hours. You can work with your manager to find the hours that work best for you, as long as you are available for meetings when needed. PRS even provide the opportunity twice a year to work remotely, for up to a month at a time, in the UK or abroad.
PRS love music and host events so they can socialise as a team and share their passion. From their legendary Christmas Gig and PRS Presents to quizzes, drag queen bingo, comedy nights and team socials. Wellbeing is high on the agenda with a full programme of events, webinars, and initiatives, plus a team of Mental Health First Aiders to ensure everyone is happy, healthy and engaged.
Apply here by 9 September 2022
