Director of Legal Affairs @ Global Music Platform

Overview

Whistler Partners is partnering with a leading music and entertainment company operating at the intersection of content, distribution, and technology. Established in 2015, the company functions as a record label, distribution company, and entertainment network generating over 15 billion music streams each month on DSP’s.

Named #2 on the Inc 5000 Fastest Growth Companies in America in 2020, the company has grown exponentially by leveraging its owned IP with its media and technology platform. It works with superstar artists, major and independent record labels, and global media brands. Its portfolio includes one of the largest independent music distribution platforms in the world, with over 75,000 artists and 5,000 label clients, as well as a Gen Z-focused digital entertainment brand with more than 300 million followers across social media.

Headquartered in Hollywood, CA, the company employs approximately 350 people worldwide.

Why this role?

This is a director-level M&A legal role embedded within a fast-scaling, IP-driven entertainment platform. You will advise on strategic acquisitions across music companies, record labels, publishing rights, and other music-related assets—working directly with Corporate Development, Finance, and executive stakeholders.

The position reports to the VP of M&A Legal and offers significant exposure to complex, high-value transactions within a rapidly evolving global entertainment business.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal support and advice on all aspects of M&A transactions, from deal structuring to post-closing integration.
• Draft, review, and negotiate term sheets, letters of intent, purchase agreements, and other related transaction documents.
• Conduct and oversee due diligence on potential acquisitions, including reviewing contracts, intellectual property rights, and other legal and financial aspects of target companies or assets.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (including Finance, Corporate Development, and Operations) to ensure smooth execution of transactions.
• Advise on legal risks and regulatory considerations related to acquisitions.
• Assist in the integration of newly acquired businesses, including compliance with corporate governance, IP management, and labor laws.
• Stay informed of changes in laws and regulations that may impact the company’s M&A activities or the broader music and entertainment industry.

Top Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Must be admitted to practice law and in good standing with relevant state bar.
• 5+ years of legal experience with a strong focus on M&A transactions, corporate law, and entertainment/music law. Debt financing experience preferred but not required.
• Prior experience at a top-tier law firm or in-house counsel role, preferably within the music or entertainment industry.
• Knowledge of music licensing, publishing, distribution, and related rights.
• Strong understanding of intellectual property, copyright, royalties, and contractual obligations in music company acquisitions.
• Proven track record of managing complex deals under tight deadlines.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong business acumen and ability to advise on both legal and commercial aspects of transactions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• International M&A experience preferred.
• Familiarity with corporate governance, compliance, and post-acquisition integration in the music industry preferred.

Compensation

• $200,000 – $225,000 base salary, depending on experience.
• Los Angeles (hybrid) or New York City (remote).

TL;DR

Director-level M&A legal role at a high-growth global music and digital media platform advising on acquisitions of labels, publishing rights, and music-related assets. Strong deal exposure, cross-functional leadership, and $200–225K base.

About Whistler Partners
Matchmakers, Not Headhunters

Whistler Partners is a boutique matchmaking firm focused on counseling the best and the brightest attorneys over the course of their careers. We believe that the right move comes from working closely with talent to curate their long-term career paths. When it comes to career advice, what matters is not the size of the agency but the strength of your individual recruiter. We readily admit that we are elite and only work with the best – after all, a little elitism is okay when it comes to your career.

Employers love us because we are picky about whom we represent, and attorneys love us because we get them their dream jobs.