Director, M&A Legal Affairs

Established in 2015, Create Music Group is a leading music and entertainment company. The company operates as a record label, distribution company, and entertainment network which generates 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. The company works with superstar artists, major and independent record labels, and global media brands. It operates a number of companies including Label Engine, one of the largest independent music distribution platforms in the world, with over 75,000 artists and 5,000 label clients; and Flighthouse, a digital entertainment brand focused on Gen Z,  which has more than 300 million followers across social media. Create Music Group is based in Hollywood, CA and has 400 employees worldwide.

Job Summary

The Director, M&A Legal Affairs will be responsible for advising on a broad range of M&A transactions, including acquisitions of music companies, record labels, publishing rights, and other music-related assets.

This role will be a director-level role and report to the VP of M&A Legal, and will work closely with the Corporate Development and M&A teams, as well as external legal counsel.

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 the target company or target 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.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• 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. Experience with debt financing 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 the unique challenges associated with acquiring music companies, including intellectual property, copyright, royalties, and contractual obligations
• Proven track record of managing complex deals and working 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 communication skills, both written and verbal
• Previous experience with international M&A transactions preferred
• Familiarity with corporate governance, compliance, and post-acquisition integration in the music industry preferred

Pay Scale

• $160,000 - $220,000 per year
• The final compensation within this range will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, skills, and overall fit for the role.

Fair Chance Policy

In accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider employment for qualified applicants with criminal histories. We evaluate candidates based on their qualifications and the nature of the offense in relation to the job for which they are applying.