Associate - Legal

Position: Associate – Corporate Legal

Reporting into: Senior Lead Counsel - Networks, StudioNext and Corporate

Business/Function: Legal and S&P

Location: Mumbai

1. Purpose/Overview of the role: Reporting to the Senior Lead Counsel the incumbent will be responsible for providing legal support to the enabling functions across BONE, HR, Admin, Finance & Tax, Commercial, Compliances, Beyond Next and other enabling functions at Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited (formerly known as Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited) and its group companies.

2. Key Result Areas:

• Timely drafting, negotiation, structuring and execution of low to high complexity contracts for all enabling functions across the Network, which shall include Finance, Commercial, HR, Admin, BONE, Compliance, Legal, Post Productions by providing legal inputs, advisories and rendering services through the contractual process.


• Processes and Systems: Managing, implementing various systems and processes for the better functioning of various verticals within the organization including online contract requisition system, Master Data Management Project, Contract Lifecycle Management System, Contractual Matrix, rights management grid and others. Templatization of important agreements.


• Document management: Proper and timely recordkeeping of all the documents executed in the applicable folders as per the nomenclature agreed within the organization.


• Engaging, learning, and winning the confidence for handling medium to high complexity contracts.


• To provide contracting and legal support for new initiatives and special projects of the company.


• To ensure due adherence to legal policies and processes by business team and address any gaps or difficulties in its implementation.


• To mitigate risks and proactively protecting the company’s interest and assets.


• Assist in providing accurate, effective, and timely legal advice, analysis and support on commercial and contractual matters considering the commercial environment.


• Assist in the development of best practice with regards to the legal aspects of commercial and contractual matters entrusted.


• Assist in creating contractual briefs for seniors, management, and external counsel.


• To liaise with intra departments of the company w.r.t. commercial and contractual matters where appropriate to ensure that all relevant legal issues are identified, and appropriate support is provided.


• Influence and assist in discussions between clients and other functions to ensure the best legal solution provided to meet commercial objectives and to encourage best practices.


• Understand tax and regulatory structure of the company and be able to safeguard the from exposure in the contracts.


• Provides regular reports and updates to line manager and to clients, as appropriate.

3. Educational & Work Experiences / Key Requirements:

• Incumbent must be holding a bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B.) from a top law school/university.


• Masters or Diplomas in legal vocations/subjects like Media and Entertainment, Intellectual Property Rights etc. shall be given weightage but are not must.


• Minimum 5-7 years post LL.B. as in house lawyer and/or in law firms. Experience in courts by way of ‘private practice’ shall not be accounted for.


• Substantial experience in media and entertainment industry, especially in:
  
  
  
  • acquisition and licensing of content
  
  
  • Production and talent contracts
  
  
  • In depth knowledge of the Copyright Act, 1957, Corporate and Labour Laws, including the regulatory framework
  
  
  
  

4. Critical Competencies: Behavioural

• Ability to leverage relationships, build a strong network and have effective negotiations.


• Strong communication skills and a team player.


• Working within deadlines.


• Must be self-driven and motivated to take initiatives.


• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to handle pressure situations with alacrity.


• Incumbent must have multitasking ability. Timely and efficient delivery of legal support is the key.


• Strategic thinker balanced with a grasp of details. Must possess the ability to switch between execution and strategy mode most effortlessly.


• Ability to see the big picture, visualize the future and develop relevant functional strategies which value add to our business.


• Must be excited by and be able to navigate ambiguity.


• Must be able to get the job done by working collaboratively with others.

5. Critical Competencies: Technical

• Excellent drafting skills; Good knowledge of sports monetisation avenues, media rights, contract law, arbitration and civil litigation. Good knowledge of the intellectual properties laws, sports broadcasting and the regulatory framework of media and entertainment industry.


• Someone who is able to enhance industry specific understanding, having good drafting skills and be an effective process implementation resource.


• Ability to understand and interpret the relevant regulations and apply the same to the work situation.


• Good analytical and presentation skills and capable of providing sound and practical legal advice to the business heads.


• Demonstrated (hands on experience) subject matter knowledge in structuring, drafting and closing of the deals.