Job Opportunity: Lead Counsel at Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited (SPNI)
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Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited (SPNI), one of the nation’s premier media conglomerates, is seeking applications for the position of Lead Counsel within its Legal and Standards & Practices (S&P) division, located at their Mumbai headquarters. This opening is tailored for accomplished legal professionals eager to work at the cutting edge of India’s media, entertainment, and technology industries.
Position Highlights
- Title: Lead Counsel
- Function: Legal & S&P
- Location: Mumbai
- Reporting to: Senior management/General Counsel (as per company structure)
Qualifications & Experience
To be eligible for this prestigious position, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:
- Academic Qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B.) from a recognized Indian university. Candidates with an LL.M. or additional certifications in media/technology law will have an advantage.
- Professional Experience:
- Minimum 10–12 years post-qualification pure legal experience.
- Demonstrated ability and leadership at leading global law firms and/or within the in-house legal team of major multinational corporations.
- Extensive exposure to the Media & Entertainment sector, with 5–6 years focused directly on media, broadcasting, film production, OTT, and digital platforms.
- Specialized experience in commercial transactions, contracting, intellectual property, licensing, content acquisition, product launches, and information technology matters.
- Domain Knowledge:
- In-depth understanding of Indian and international regulations related to media, copyright, broadcasting standards, advertising, and digital content distribution.
- Familiarity with technology contracts and data protection laws applicable to media organizations.
Key Responsibilities
As Lead Counsel at SPNI, you will play a central strategic role in safeguarding the company’s interests and enabling seamless business operations. Core responsibilities typically include (but may not be limited to):
- Transactional Leadership:
- Drafting, negotiating, and vetting high-value commercial contracts with domestic and international partners—covering licensing, acquisitions, distribution, joint ventures, syndication, technology collaborations, and partnership agreements.
- Media & Content Law:
- Advising on legal matters related to broadcasting, digital content production, distribution, and monetization.
- Managing copyright, trademark, intellectual property portfolios, and rights clearance for various content formats.
- Handling regulatory filings and liaising with bodies such as MIB, TRAI, CBFC, and other statutory agencies.
- Risk Management & Compliance:
- Ensuring stringent adherence to industry codes, ethics policies, and global standards in content production and broadcast.
- Developing and monitoring internal standards and practices for all SPNI brands and channels.
- Proactively advising leadership on risk mitigation in rapidly changing content, technology, and regulatory environments.
- Dispute Resolution:
- Overseeing content disputes, pre-litigation and litigation management, arbitration, and regulatory enforcement matters.
- Managing relationships with external counsel and representing SPNI in forums as required.
- Stakeholder Collaboration:
- Serving as a key advisor to business development, programming, distribution, marketing, product, and technology teams.
- Training teams on legal requirements and updates in the media landscape.
- Supporting the launch and expansion of new platforms—television, digital, or OTT—with robust legal documentation and due diligence.
- Leadership & Innovation:
- Contributing to thought leadership on industry best practices, participating in policy advocacy, and engaging with industry bodies on emerging legal and regulatory issues.
- Leading junior counsel and collaborating across global teams to foster a culture of compliance, innovation, and ethical business practice.
Why SPNI?
- Industry Impact: Work at a media giant shaping India’s evolving entertainment and digital landscape, with a multi-channel, multi-platform presence.
- Strategic Authority: Directly influence high-profile business decisions and safeguard intellectual/media assets for iconic brands.
- Professional Growth: Engage with complex, cross-border transactions, cutting-edge technology, and high-stakes industry issues within a dynamic global environment.
- Work Culture: Join a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace offering ample opportunities for leadership and career advancement.
Application Process
- How to Apply:
- Interested candidates must apply via SPNI’s official careers portal, as per instructions in the vacancy announcement.
- Prepare an updated CV and cover letter clearly detailing your experience in the media, entertainment, technology, and legal domains.
- Ensure to address your expertise in handling complex transactions, content law, and industry regulatory frameworks.
- Selection Procedure:
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews/assessment rounds with the senior legal and business leadership.
Official Link: https://www.sonypicturesnetworks.com/current-openings?jobId=30525&jobId=30504&jobId=30525&jobId=30524
If you are a senior legal professional with extensive experience in media, entertainment, commercial transactions, and a passion for navigating fast-changing regulatory landscapes, this Lead Counsel role at Sony Pictures Networks India offers a significant career milestone and high-profile exposure within the world of broadcasting and digital media.
Take the next step—apply now to join one of India’s most respected entertainment networks!
