Corporate Legal & Operations (San Diego)
Corporate Legal & Operations Company: Harbor Light Entertainment (HLE) Location: San Diego-based / Hybrid Status: Contract to Full-Time Compensation: Negotiable based on experience Target Start Date: December ABOUT HARBOR LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT Harbor Light Entertainment is a film and media production company built to operate at the intersection of creativity and capital. HLE develops and produces feature films and media projects while working alongside strategic partners to structure financing and retain long-term ownership in the content it creates. Our approach allows us to move efficiently, support projects at multiple stages, and build a growing library of intellectual property across film and music. OUR CULTURE We are a lean, high-trust team that moves with intention. We value people who are proactive, take ownership with autonomy, and bring professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment to everything they do. This is a place to build, not just maintain, and we are looking for team members who are energized by working closely with leadership and navigating complex, evolving business needs. ROLE OVERVIEW Harbor Light Entertainment is seeking a Corporate Legal & Operations to provide legal and operational support across the company's corporate contracts, specifically joint ventures, intellectual property, and general business activities. The ideal candidate will have experience in the entertainment and production industry and an interest in contributing to both legal matters and broader business operations. This individual will work directly with leadership and external partners to structure transactions, draft and negotiate agreements, manage corporate legal matters, and identify and mitigate legal risks across the company's operations. Beyond core legal responsibilities, the role offers the opportunity to support HLE’s broader business operations and strategic priorities as an extension of the legal function, including contributing to cross-functional initiatives, streamlining internal processes, and advancing key business objectives. Candidates should have 2–4 years of legal experience , preferably with exposure to corporate law, entertainment, media, intellectual property, finance, venture capital, private equity, or related fields. The ideal candidate is commercially minded, highly organized, comfortable working independently, and able to provide practical legal guidance in a dynamic environment. An interest in taking on responsibilities beyond traditional legal work is a plus. RESPONSIBILITIES Provide legal support to HLE leadership across corporate and business matters. Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a variety of corporate and commercial agreements. Support negotiating and executing film, television, media, production, financing, licensing, distribution, and partnership agreements. Assist with general corporate matters. Review contracts and identify key legal, financial, operational, and business risks. Advise leadership on contractual obligations, rights, liabilities, and potential areas of exposure. Support intellectual property matters, including ownership, licensing, usage rights, and protection of HLE's growing IP portfolio. Assist with financing structures, investment agreements, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships. Coordinate with outside counsel on specialized legal matters when necessary. Maintain organized records of contracts, corporate documents, legal correspondence, and other materials. Help develop and maintain internal legal processes, templates, and contract standards. Conduct legal research and provide concise, practical recommendations to leadership. Assist with employment, vendor, confidentiality, and other general business agreements as needed. Monitor key legal deadlines, renewals, filings, and contractual obligations. Work closely with executives and internal teams to ensure business initiatives are structured and executed appropriately from a legal perspective. Provide legal support across HLE's broader portfolio of film, media, music, and strategic business activities. Contribute to HLE’s broader business operations and strategic initiatives based on interest and experience. This may include supporting internal processes, coordinating cross-functional projects, improving workflows, and helping move key business priorities forward. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR J.D. from an accredited law school. Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; California bar admission preferred. 2–4 years of relevant legal experience. Experience in corporate law, commercial transactions, entertainment law, media, intellectual property, finance, or a related practice area. Experience drafting and negotiating commercial and corporate agreements. Strong understanding of contract structure, legal risk, and business terms. Experience working with executives, founders, production companies, investment firms, or other entrepreneurial businesses preferred. Entertainment, film, television, music, media, or intellectual property experience is a strong plus. Experience with financing transactions, investments, joint ventures, licensing, or strategic partnerships is a plus. Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. Ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, practical business recommendations. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities. Strong judgment, discretion, and professionalism. Comfortable working in a lean, entrepreneurial environment with evolving priorities. An interest in business operations, project management, or strategic execution beyond traditional legal work is a plus. The ideal candidate may be interested in contributing to operational initiatives alongside their core legal responsibilities. TOOLS & TECHNICAL SKILLS Microsoft Word and PowerPoint Google Workspace Adobe Acrobat DocuSign or similar electronic signature platforms Experience with contract management or legal document management systems is a plus Familiarity with corporate filing and entity management platforms is a plus Strong proficiency with document review, contract redlining, and legal research tools
