Associate Corporate Counsel

About the Position

The Associate Corporate Counsel is a critical member of the legal department at the Producers Guild of America. This person is responsible for independently negotiating and executing legal agreements, handling related obligations pertaining to the Guild’s programs, events and operations, identifying and advising on legal issues to mitigate legal exposure for the organization, and maintaining compliance with the Guild’s corporate governance and employment practice obligations.

How to Apply

Please upload a resume, cover letter, sample of your unedited writing, and a list of professional references. We invite you to respond to the following prompts in your cover letter: Please tell us how your background and experience is relevant to this position. What is of interest to you about this position?

Compensation Range, Reporting Structure and Work Schedule

• Compensation Range: $110,000 - $125,000 annually, commensurate with skills and experience (full-time, exempt position)

• This position reports to: General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer

• Location: Los Angeles. The Guild works on a hybrid schedule of in-office on Tues, Wed, and Thurs and remote on Mon and Fri.
  

Responsibilities*

Responsibilities for the Associate Corporate Counsel break down as follows (Note: the General Counsel and/or other Guild leadership may modify the following responsibilities and/or percentages, as appropriate, to meet Guild priorities):

• Legal Work in Support of Guild Programs, Events, and Operations - 50%

• Corporate Governance Compliance and General Legal Matters - 30%

• Employment Practice Compliance and HR Director support - 20%

Legal Work in Support of Guild Programs, Events and Operations

• Negotiate, draft and execute legal agreements and related obligations in support of Guild events, operations, sponsorships, programs, and core initiatives, and manage/track deliverables in coordination with staff

• Events - i.e., co-hosting, venue, catering, liquor, sponsorship, contractors, NDAs

• Secure insurance and/or waivers for events

• Handle applicable state/city/local requirements

• Draft legal disclaimers, as appropriate

• Secure licenses and/or releases when relevant

• Operations - i.e., technology/database, leases, phone/video conference, equipment

• Sponsorships/Programs/Core initiatives - i.e., year-round sponsors, Producers Mark, PGA Create, Set Etiquette, Hire PGA, screeners

• Identify/resolve legal issues that arise in connection with Guild events, operations and programs, and provide legal recommendations to the Board and/or staff, as appropriate

• Ensure the Guild’s legal compliance with Guild staff’s processing of O1/O2/Visa applications and handle complex applications, as needed

• Support HR Director in securing insurance for the Guild and Foundation (i.e., E&O, D&O, EPLI, General Liability, Workers Compensation) and preparing responses to audit requests

• Support Producers Mark and Awards Arbitrations administration, as needed

Corporate Governance Compliance and General Legal Matters

• Track and complete all required corporate filings for the Guild and Foundation

• Track all legal agreement and corporate compliance deadlines and keep legal department informed

• Review and update corporate governance documents for the Guild and Foundation, as appropriate (Articles, Bylaws, Procedures), and advise on requirements and obligations

• Maintain and update Board handbooks at least annually for the Boards of the Guild and the Foundation

• Draft and send legal-related communications to the Board and Membership (meeting notices, minutes, ballots)

• Maintain and update Membership policies and procedures

• Respond to and maintain records regarding complaints against producers, requests for legal resources, etc.

• Update and maintain Guild agreement templates

• Respond to complaints, claims and/or other litigation related-requests (i.e. subpoenas)

• Draft cease and desist letters in protection of Guild intellectual property

• Respond to federal, state and city inquiries (i.e., census, tax questions, employee verifications)

• Conduct research and advise/make recommendations regarding specific legal issues as requested by General Counsel and/or Corporate Counsel

• Manage outside counsel

Employment Practice Compliance and HR Director Support

• Track and ensure compliance with the Guild’s federal, state and local employment practice obligations and maintain/update Guild policies, in support of HR Director

• Research and keep legal department informed regarding applicable employment law changes

• Update Employee Handbook, required workplace notices and posters, and other documents for employees

• Support end-to-end management of employee onboarding and offboarding in collaboration with the HR Director

• Support HR Director in the management of non-exempt employee compliance with time tracking, and responses to questions regarding payroll, time off, and Guild policies, raising questions to the General Counsel and the Corporate Counsel, as appropriate.

*The Associate Corporate Counsel should raise to the General Counsel and/or other Guild leadership, as appropriate, any questions pertaining to these responsibilities

Skills/Minimum Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school

• Admission to the California State Bar (or eligibility to register as in-house counsel)

• 3+ years of relevant legal experience in a corporate, employment or entertainment department at a law firm

• Strong knowledge of contract law, employment law, and corporate governance

• Superb organizational and time-management skills with the ability to work diligently and expeditiously to bring legal issues and work assignments to closure

• Proven ability to independently identify and analyze legal issues, and use sound judgment to make recommendations in light of legal requirements, business needs, and the goals for the organization

• Outstanding attention to detail and strong verbal and written communication skills; must be able to work independently and cross-departmentally with other Guild staff members to spot legal issues and support Guild programs, events, and membership needs

• Hard work ethic and a positive attitude with desire to become a part of a small but mighty staff that services producing members worldwide

Benefits

• The Guild offers a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance paid time off (vacation, holidays, personal days, sick time), and a 401(k) plan.

• For employees based in California, monthly parking at the PGA office is paid by the Guild.

About the Organization

TheProducers Guild of America represents over 8,500 producers. It is a non-profit trade organization that represents, protects and promotes the interests of all members of the producing team in film, television and emerging media. The Producers Guild is committed to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in its operations and activities. We foster an inclusive environment where people of different experiences, perspectives, interests, and ideas are valued, engaged, and enjoy full opportunities to collaborate, contribute and grow professionally.

The Producers Guild of America is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and is commensurate with skills and experience.