Dylan Schlesinger, J.D.
Dylan Schlesinger is a contract management and legal operations professional specializing in commercial agreements, intellectual property, and publishing industry contracts. With a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School and a background in Film and English Literature from Brandeis University, she combines legal training with a strong foundation in media, entertainment, and storytelling. Her career has included work across publishing, entertainment, and corporate legal environments, where she has managed high-volume contract portfolios and supported complex, cross-functional negotiations.
She has extensive experience managing the full contract lifecycle, including licensing agreements, MSAs, SOWs, IP acquisition deals, and vendor contracts across multiple business units. At HarperCollins Christian Publishing, she oversaw 500+ commercial agreements across five publishing houses, developed standardized contract playbooks, and implemented CLM improvements that enhanced operational efficiency. Her work is defined by her ability to streamline systems, translate legal complexity for non-legal stakeholders, and improve alignment between legal, editorial, finance, and operational teams.
Alongside her corporate legal experience, Dylan is deeply engaged in civic and nonprofit leadership. She serves as Fundraising Chair for the League of Women Voters of Nashville, where she leads vendor negotiations, donor engagement, and large-scale event planning. She is committed to civic participation, mentorship, and community-based initiatives, and continues to explore opportunities where contract expertise, strategic thinking, and public service intersect.
• Juris Doctor
• Certificate in Intellectual Property and Media
• Brooklyn Law School – Doctor of Law (JD), Intellectual Property Law
• Brandeis University – Bachelor’s Degree (Film Studies & English Literature; minors in Legal Studies & Theater)
• Influential Women 2026
• Selected participant, ECPA Emerging Leaders Program
• Young Leaders Council – Spring 2025 Cohort
• Influential Women Network
• League of Women Voters of Nashville (Fundraising Chair)
• Young Leaders Council (Spring 2025 Cohort participant)
• ECPA Emerging Leaders Program
• Fundraising Chair, League of Women Voters of Nashville
• Civic engagement and voter empowerment initiatives through LWV Nashville
• Therapy dog reading support program (children’s literacy support initiative)
• Music and community event planning with local vendors and nonprofit stakeholders
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to trusting my instincts, staying open to opportunities, and focusing on work that feels meaningful to me. A major part of my growth has come from treating people with respect regardless of role and maintaining a strong work ethic. Many opportunities came from simply being willing to say yes—whether that was answering a call, taking on a new challenge, or stepping into unfamiliar spaces.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that you never want to be the smartest person in the room. That perspective has helped me stay humble, remain open to learning, and avoid letting ego interfere with growth. It’s a reminder that every environment has something to teach me if I stay receptive.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to treat everyone with respect, regardless of title or position. Strong relationships and reputation matter just as much as technical skill. I’d also encourage them to develop a strong work ethic, stay curious, and remain open to unexpected opportunities—even when they don’t look exactly like the plan.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is navigating a competitive and sometimes misaligned job market, especially in contract management and legal operations roles. At the same time, there are strong opportunities in process optimization, CLM systems, and cross-functional legal operations work. Nonprofit leadership and civic engagement also offer meaningful ways to expand impact and build connections outside traditional corporate structures.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values guiding my work are respect, humility, and integrity. I believe in treating people well at every level, maintaining a strong work ethic, and staying grounded enough to keep learning. I also value being intentional about the work I choose—focusing on roles and opportunities that feel meaningful rather than purely transactional.