Paralegal

Position summary Under general supervision and per established policies and procedures, the Senior Paralegal provides substantive legal and transactional support to attorneys across music, entertainment, licensing, intellectual property, and commercial matters. The Senior Paralegal is expected to exercise independent judgment, manage complex legal workstreams, and maintain a thorough understanding of applicable firm policies and professional standards. The role requires effective collaboration and communication with attorneys, clients, outside counsel, artists, rights holders, and industry professionals, as well as strict confidentiality in all client and firm matters. This position is not limited to the functions and responsibilities described below, which may be changed as business and client needs evolve. Our Entertainment & Media Industry Group is looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented Paralegal to join our Transactional Music Team. This role will focus on music industry clearance agreements and copyright-related matters, supplying critical support to attorneys handling high-profile transactions across the music industry. Job duties and responsibilities Draft, review, revise, and support negotiation of a broad range of music, entertainment, licensing, and commercial agreements, including producer, side artist, mixer, work-for-hire, merchandise license, data transfer, appearance release, manufacturing and supply, and artist merchandising agreements. Manage music and entertainment clearance matters, including researching and documenting rights, evaluating contractual requirements, and ensuring proper rights and protections are secured. Conduct U.S. Copyright Office (USCO), legal, corporate, and business entity research; manage copyright registrations, recordations, and related intellectual property matters. Conduct and coordinate substantive due diligence for music catalog acquisitions, licensing transactions, royalty financings, music publishing deals, and other complex entertainment transactions. Analyze and track key contractual rights, obligations, renewal and termination provisions, and other deal terms; identify issues and recommend next steps. Prepare substantive deal summaries and maintain comprehensive tracking resources covering music transactions, global brand licensing, artist rights, vendor agreements, and other significant contractual matters. Oversee legal compliance for artist sweepstakes and contests, including drafting and reviewing official terms and conditions, affidavits, prize provider agreements, and related documentation. Communicate directly with attorneys, clients, artists, rights holders, outside counsel, and industry professionals to resolve substantive issues and facilitate transactions. Exercise independent judgment in managing multiple complex matters, identifying legal and business risks, and determine when issues require attorney involvement. Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive client, transactional, and firm matters. Job duties and responsibilit i es included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time. Requirements Education: Undergraduate degree and paralegal certificate required; will consider candidate with comparable relevant experience in lieu of a paralegal certificate. Experience: 7+ years of directly relevant paralegal experience, preferably in music transactions, entertainment law, intellectual property, or a related practice; substantial law firm experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience with sophisticated music, entertainment, licensing, copyright, and commercial transactions. Skills: Strong understanding of music industry agreements, rights ownership, rights clearance, and copyright law. Experience with U.S. Copyright Office (USCO) registration and recordation processes. Strong analytical and critical-thinking s ills