Legal Counsel

Job Purpose

To provide sound, practical, and business-oriented legal services and advice to the SXSW teams, especially in support of intellectual property, commercial contract negotiation, data privacy, and operational support to the Legal Department.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Review, markup/draft (from forms and scratch), and negotiate a variety of commercial contracts, including sales and sponsorship agreements, film, T.V., and music festival agreements, software and technology license agreements, trademark and content license agreements, talent agreements, independent contractor and venue agreements and supporting documents across each department.
• Support on data privacy issues, including updating the SXSW privacy policy and drafting/negotiating data privacy addendums.
• Assist the legal team in managing the SXSW intellectual property portfolio, actively monitor and respond to defense matters, and conduct intellectual property clearance efforts. Provide legal support for international and ancillary SXSW events.
• Update the SXSW’s rights tracking database by modifying the speaker, performance, and client agreements.
• Support legal technologies and law firm vendors, including invoices and purchase orders.
• Collaborate with and facilitate cross-team decision-making between and among the legal team and other key departments and stakeholders.
• Provide onsite assistance during the SXSW event.
  
  
  

Qualifications & Skills

Qualifications include:

• Expertise in intellectual property, the entertainment industry, and data privacy experience are preferred.
• Experience with litigation, risk management (insurance), and employment law is a plus.
• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• License to practice law in at least one state.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of applicable legal experience.
• Highly motivated self-starter with an agile mindset and positive energy.
• Works well under pressure
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Excellent people and communication skills
• Proficient in M.S. Office and Google Suite. Experience with AirTable is a plus.
  
  
  

Work Location & Schedule

The position is located in Austin, Texas. SXSW is currently on a hybrid model, and at least three (3) days in the office each week are required. Core business office hours are Mon-Fri, 10 am – 6 pm. Must be available to work additional hours from January to March, including evenings and weekends.