Paralegal - (Hybrid)

Company: Reed Smith LLP
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: March 13, 2025

Job Description:

US Job Description

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Firm Information

Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions and regulatory matters.

Our team of 3,000 people (including more than 1,600 lawyers) across more than 30 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, operate as one global partnership to drive progress for our clients, for ourselves and for our communities.

Position Summary

Under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures provides legal/broad support to the attorneys. Must be familiar with and observe established policies and guidelines. Must maintain positive contact with attorneys (both the company's and outside counsel), support staff, and vendors. Observes confidentiality of all matters. This position is not limited to the functions and skills listed on this description and responsibilities may be revised as needed.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Transactional Music Paralegal

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.

Key Responsibilities:

Draft, review, and track producer agreements, side artist agreements, mixer agreements, work-for-hire agreements, and other clearance-related contracts.
Manage the execution and organization of clearance agreements, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements.
Conduct U.S. Copyright Office (USCO) research as well as handle copyright registrations and recordations.
Maintain contract databases and document management systems.
Assist attorneys with due diligence reviews for music catalog acquisitions, licensing agreements, and financing transactions.
Communicate with attorneys, clients, opposing counsel, and industry stakeholders to facilitate contract execution and clearance.
Support broader transactional work, including royalty financings, music publishing deals, and music catalog acquisition agreements.

Qualifications & Skills:

3+ years of directly relevant experience as a paralegal in music transactions, entertainment law, or a related field (law firm or in-house music company experience preferred).
Strong understanding of music industry contracts, rights clearance, and copyright law.
Ability to take direction and collaborate effectively with attorneys to ensure efficient handling of legal matters.
Familiarity with USCO registration and recordation processes.
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent judgement.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, document management systems, and legal research tools.
Work alongside top-tier music attorneys on some of the most significant transactions in the industry.
Gain firsthand experience in high-stakes music deals, licensing agreements, and complex copyright matters.
Collaborate on strategic legal initiatives that shape the future of the music industry.

Job duties and responsibilities 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; candidates with relevant paralegal experience may be considered in lieu of a paralegal certificate.

Experience: 3+ years of paralegal experience in music transactions, entertainment law, or related fields, including in-house experience with a music company.

Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to collaborate with individuals at all organizational levels. Ability to organize and prioritize issues and workload. The ability to work on projects independently or with little supervision. Flexibility and ability to adapt to constantly changing priorities. Exercising independent judgment and initiative.

Other

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Equipment To Be Used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc.

Essential Job Functions:

Manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with strong prioritization and critical thinking skills.
Analyze complex situations, find key variables, and choose the most effective course of action.
Propose creative solutions and strategies to improve processes or resolve challenges.
Adapt to shifting priorities and changing work conditions, keeping composure and resilience under pressure.
Make independent decisions and exercise discretion in evolving situations.
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals at all organizational levels.
Maintain a customer-focused mindset, delivering high-quality service and solutions to internal and external stakeholders.
Build collaborative relationships and engage in constructive dialogue.
Proficient in technology, including relevant software applications and telecommunication tools.
Available to travel for meetings and training as needed and work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet project deadlines.

Working Conditions: You will be required to work in the office at minimum 3 days per week. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.

Pay Ranges:

This represents the presently-anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith's pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.

Century City: $$40.87 - $50.48


Benefits Package Overview:
401k Plan
Medical
Health Savings Account
Virtual Health
Dental
Vision
Accident Insurance
Hospital Indemnity
Critical Illness Insurance
Life Insurance
Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt Staff)
College Savings Plan
Transportation Benefit
Back-up Child Care
College Coach
Pet Insurance
Paid Time Off (all full time staff, exempt and non-exempt. Does not include temporary full time work)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401 (k) plan.

Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reed Smith's success depends heavily on the effective utilization of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran's status, or any characteristic protected by law. As a firm, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all.

Reed Smith provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.
Remote working/work at home options are available for this role.

Keywords: Reed Smith LLP, Los Angeles , Paralegal - (Hybrid), Legal , Los Angeles, California