Manager, Legal & Business Affairs

Job Description

THE AGENCY

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is a leading entertainment and sports agency, with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, digital media, publishing, sponsorship sales and endorsements, media finance, consumer investing, fashion, brand management and consumer product licensing, and philanthropy. Distinguished by its culture of collaboration and exceptional client service, CAA’s diverse workforce identifies, innovates, and amplifies opportunities for the people and organizations that shape culture and inspire the world. The trailblazer of the agency business, CAA was the first to build a sports business, create an investment bank, launch a venture fund, found technology start-up companies, establish a philanthropic arm, build a business in China, form brand marketing services division, and launch a family office advisory practice, among other innovations. Named Most Valuable Sports Agency by  Forbes for nine consecutive years, CAA represents more than 3,000 of the world’s top athletes in football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer, in addition to coaches, on-air broadcasters, and sports personalities and works in the areas of property sales and sponsorships, media advisory, brand consulting, venue development and strategic advisory, and executive search.

OVERVIEW

For more than 30 years, CAA Brand Management has helped brands of all shapes and sizes show up in new consumer product categories, experiences and territories, through licensing, strategic partnerships and joint ventures. CAA Brand Management is a division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Together we represent many of the most successful global brands and professionals working in television, film, music, theatre, video games, sports, and digital content. We also provide a range of strategic and marketing consulting services to corporate clients.

CAA Brand Management is currently seeking a full-time attorney to support the Legal & Business Affairs department.  This is a hybrid role which will be based out of our London Office in Hammersmith.  The ideal candidate is a qualified lawyer with 3+ years' experience at a law firm or at an in-house legal department with expertise in licensing.  The role will focus on providing support to CAA Brand Management’s clients in their licensing programs by draft and negotiating license agreements, deal memos and various commercial agreements.  It may from time to time also involve providing recommendations concerning intellectual property matters as well as providing support on more general corporate matters as needed. Although not required, it would be beneficial for the candidate to have a background in intellectual property law.  The ideal candidate must be thorough, thoughtful, detail-oriented, flexible, self-driven and collaborative and must able to prioritise and juggle multiple responsibilities among different client teams.  

Main Responsibilities to include, but not limited to:

• Prepare, review and negotiate license agreements, collaboration agreements and deal memos.

• Support the group’s overall goal of increasing organisational efficiency, including effective contract administration, record keeping and document management, and achievement of business objectives in a manner that minimizes legal risk.  

• Advise business on a variety of legal and business issues and strategy for various commercial transactions related to licensing.

• Anticipate and identify potential legal problems for the Vice President, Head of Legal & Business Affairs, CAA Brand Management, and assist in developing strategies to avoid litigation and reduce potential areas of risk.  

• Collaborate and create positive long-term relationships with colleagues and clients. 

• Conduct legal research and monitor legal developments as appropriate.

• Other related projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Strong academic background with 3+ years' experience as a qualified lawyer. 

• Authorised to work in the location where practicing, and admission to the respective jurisdiction’s bar.

• Law firm and/or in-house legal department experience in licensing and related transactions.

• Experience in licensing is required.

• Trademark law experience preferred.

• Excellent communication (written and oral), drafting and negotiation skills. 

• Manage time effectively, multitask in fast paced environment, take instruction but also work independently to meet demands of organisation and demonstrate flexibility to support business with shifting priorities.

• Ability to provide high-quality work product in a timely manner to meet demands of the organisation and to effectively and efficiently multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

• Highly team-oriented approach to work with a strong work ethic. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and Adobe Acrobat.

Please ensure you provide complete and legible information in your application. An incomplete application may affect your consideration for employment.Creative Artists Agency (“CAA”) is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and creating a workplace culture in which diversity and inclusion is valued and everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As part of our zero-tolerance approach to discrimination in any form, you and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, or any other legally recognised protected basis under UK law.Please inform CAA’s Recruitment Department if you need any assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.CAA does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless they were contractually engaged by CAA to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any such employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the acknowledgement and agreement that CAA will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.