Associate Legal Counsel

About the Role

Associate Legal Counsel  We are seeking a highly-motivated, proactive, and detail-oriented Associate Legal Counsel to join the US Legal team and help with day-to-day legal matters for content productions in the US, with a heavy focus on supporting an iconic automotive brand. This role requires an individual with a strong foundation in production, creative, and legal compliance, specifically in advertising compliance, intellectual property rights, and creative asset review. This position will report to the VP, Legal & Business Affairs, and will involve working closely with our Account, Project Management, and Production teams to advise on a wide range of projects.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and practical day-to-day legal advice to key stakeholders across account, project management, creative, and production on various US content production projects.
• Oversee and ensure all creative assets (print, radio, digital, TV, and social media) comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including applicable consumer protection and advertising laws. This includes securing the necessary clearances for talent, music, trademarks and other related intellectual property rights.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a high-volume of production-related agreements, including but not limited to statements of work, talent and influencer agreements, location releases, music licenses, below-the-line crew, vendor, and other production services agreements. 
• Work alongside our integrated Business Affairs team to advise on and mitigate legal risks during the production lifecycle, including intellectual property rights management, generative AI, music/stock licensing, rights of publicity, and other clearance matters, as well as review initial creative, rough cuts, and approve assets prior to release. 
• Act as a key point of contact for both internal and external partners to address legal feedback and streamline approval processes, and ensure clear communication and seamless collaboration between teams.
• Proactively identify, manage, and offer reasonable solutions to ongoing legal risks, and support the team in maintaining a structured, efficient workflow. As the team matures, help build and refine processes to ensure that the approval and clearance process runs like “clockwork” with minimal friction.
• Provide support on various other commercial legal matters, as needed.
• Monitor relevant industry developments and best practices, provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders about legal developments, and help adapt our commercial and production processes accordingly.
• Liaise with external counsel, as needed.
• Report to the VP, Legal & Business Affairs and work closely with the Business Affairs team and Commercial Legal team to ensure all campaigns are managed seamlessly and effectively and in accordance with the applicable client contract.

About You

The essentials:

• J.D. and active member of the Bar in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• 3-5 years of professional experience, including 2 years in-house experience – preferably within the agency and/or digital production industry 
• Experience with advertising content production and rights clearance. Experience within the automotive industry is a plus.
• Flexibility and willingness to take on tasks in new areas of the industry.
• Confidence in your business/commercial awareness.
• A working knowledge of contract law and intellectual property rights as they relate to advertising, marketing, and digital + physical production 
• SAG/Union experience a plus, but not required
• The ideal candidate will be proactive, hands-on, and able to manage a varied, high-volume workload in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate and provide practical solutions to key stakeholders
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills
• Flexible and a willingness to take on tasks in new areas of law
• Enthusiasm to work within a team, but also able to work independently with minimal supervision
• A positive attitude, ability to roll up your sleeves to get the job done and not sweat the small stuff!

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At Media.Monks, we believe in fostering an environment where a diversity of perspectives can thrive. We proactively work to design hiring processes that promote equity and inclusion while mitigating bias. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage qualified applicants, from all backgrounds, who are excited to contribute to our mission.