{"id":5402,"date":"2025-04-21T22:53:54","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T22:53:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/top-music-lawyers-2025-the-billboard-list\/"},"modified":"2025-04-21T22:53:54","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T22:53:54","slug":"top-music-lawyers-2025-the-billboard-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/top-music-lawyers-2025-the-billboard-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Music Lawyers 2025: The Billboard List"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n\tN<\/span>o legal story captivated the music industry more in the past year than the downfall of Sean \u201cDiddy\u201d Combs \u2014 the once all-powerful hip-hop mogul who now faces horrific accusations of sexual abuse.<\/p>\n

\n\tStarting with a lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend in late 2023, a slow stream of allegations against Combs gave way to a flood \u2014 including dozens of individual civil cases and a sprawling criminal prosecution centered on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs has denied all accusations and pleaded not guilty in the criminal case.<\/p>\n

\n\tWhen the trial in the criminal case starts in a Manhattan federal courthouse \u2014 it is currently scheduled to begin in May \u2014 the whole music world will be watching. \u201cWhether these allegations are true or not, the story is fascinating to people,\u201d says Howard King, a top music attorney who has worked in the hip-hop space for decades. \u201cIt\u2019s can\u2019t-miss stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tBefore the claims against Combs became public, he had reached heights matched by few others in the industry \u2014 as a hugely successful artist and producer, as a music executive at his Bad Boy Records and as a businessman behind popular brands of clothing, vodka and more. In the wake of the litigation, Combs is already facing the imminent loss of much of that once-\u00adformidable business empire; if convicted at a trial, he also faces the prospect of a life prison sentence.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cHe was at the top. He had made so much money from his label and his \u00adapparel and everything else,\u201d King says. \u201cThey say, \u2018The higher you are, the bigger the fall.\u2019 Well, Combs couldn\u2019t have been any higher in the business. It\u2019s a \u00adspectacular fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tSpread across a complex criminal case and civil lawsuits in multiple jurisdictions, the Combs debacle unsurprisingly involves a slew of high-powered lawyers, ranging from veteran defense attorneys to experienced sex-crimes prosecutors to a prolific plaintiff\u2019s lawyer who says he represents more than 100 victims. And that\u2019s not even mentioning the Big\u00a0Law attorneys hired to defend top industry players who have been dragged \u2014 they say wrongly \u2014 into the messy litigation.<\/p>\n

\n\tCombs himself is represented in the criminal case by Marc Agnifilo, a former prosecutor and longtime criminal defense attorney with an extensive background in handling the kind of complex, high-profile charges that Combs now faces.<\/p>\n

\n\tAfter a stint at the Manhattan district attorney\u2019s office, Agnifilo spent several years as a federal prosecutor in New Jersey, targeting organized crime like the Mafia and the Bloods. Not coincidentally, many of those cases centered on the same federal RICO law (the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) that the feds are now using against Combs, whom they allege built a vast crime syndicate to facilitate sexual abuse.<\/p>\n

\n\tAfter leaving the government, Agnifilo spent nearly two decades working for prominent New York defense attorney Ben Brafman \u2014 a lawyer who himself repped Combs for years, including during his earliest abuse cases in 2023. At Brafman\u2019s firm, Agnifilo represented clients including Martin Shkreli, the so-called \u201cPharma Bro\u201d convicted of securities fraud in 2017, and Keith Raniere, the leader of the upstate New York sex cult Nxivm.<\/p>\n

\n\tThough Agnifilo lost the Nxivm case (Raniere was convicted in 2019 and sentenced to 120 years in prison), it could still provide valuable insights. Like the case against Combs, the charges against Raniere were part of a recent trend of prosecutors using the RICO statute, a law typically more associated with mobsters and drug cartels, against powerful men who allegedly commit mass-scale sex crimes with the aid of a criminal enterprise.<\/p>\n

\n\tRounding out the defense team are Teny Geragos, another Brafman alum (and daughter of celebrity attorney Mark Geragos) who joined Agnifilo when he left to start his own firm last year; Brian Steel, a veteran Atlanta defense attorney who rose to fame last year by winning Young Thug\u2019s release from jail on high-profile gang charges; and Alexandra Shapiro, a well-known appellate law specialist. The team previously included Anthony\u00a0L. Ricco, another leading New York defense attorney, but he withdrew in February for undisclosed reasons.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tA courtroom sketch of Sean Combs (center) with Marc Agnifilo (left) and Teny Geragos in court in 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tElizabeth Williams\/AP Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tThe charges against Combs were filed last year by Damian Williams, the top federal prosecutor for Manhattan, who is known for cases against cryptocurrency entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried, former U.S. senator Bob Menendez and New York Mayor Eric Adams. Following the election, President Donald Trump has said he\u2019ll fill that post \u2014 vacated when Williams resigned in December \u2014 with Jay Clayton, a corporate attorney at a prestigious Big\u00a0Law firm who headed the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission during the first Trump administration.<\/p>\n

\n\tUnlike the case against Adams \u2014 which was controversially dropped in early April \u2014 there has been no indication that Trump or Clayton plan to back away from Combs. The same attorneys under Williams (Meredith Foster, \u00adEmily\u00a0A. Johnson, Christy Slavik, Madison Reddick Smyser and Mitzi Steiner) are all still on board, and the district attorney\u2019s office has since added Maurene Comey \u2014 one of the lead prosecutors in the sex trafficking case against Ghislaine Maxwell, a top accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein.<\/p>\n

\n\tOf course, the criminal case is only part of the story. Dozens of civil lawsuits have also been filed against Combs since late 2023 seeking monetary damages from the rapper over a wide range of \u00adalleged wrongdoing, including rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sex trafficking, emotional distress and employment violations.<\/p>\n

\n\tDue to the sheer volume of cases, the use of Doe pseudonyms and the potential for duplicates across jurisdictions, it\u2019s hard to isolate an exact number of lawsuits. But court records indicate that at least 70 have been filed across the federal judiciary and New York and Los Angeles courts, with more potentially filed elsewhere.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe very first came from Combs\u2019 ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who alleged in November 2023 that he had repeatedly abused her over their decadelong relationship, including one instance of rape. That lawsuit, which came with an unusual \u201ctrigger warning\u201d and introduced the now-infamous term \u201cfreak\u00a0off,\u201d ended in a settlement just a day after it was filed. But it started a cascade of accusations and litigation against Combs that hasn\u2019t stopped since.<\/p>\n

\n\tIn that case, Ventura was \u00adrepresented by Douglas Wigdor, a well-known plaintiff\u2019s attorney who rose to prominence during the #MeToo movement by filing lawsuits against Harvey Weinstein and Fox News. Later, after Ventura\u2019s case was settled, Wigdor filed a second case against Combs in December 2023, representing a woman who said the star raped her in 2003 when she was just 17 years old. Combs has denied the allegations.<\/p>\n

\n\tAn avalanche of cases followed Ventura\u2019s lawsuit. Legendary civil rights attorney Gloria Allred sued Combs on behalf of Thalia Graves, who claims he raped her in his New York studio in 2001. Lisa Bloom, Allred\u2019s daughter and a high-profile attorney in her own right, filed another suit for Dawn Richard, a member of the Bad Boy-signed Danity Kane, who claims he harassed and assaulted her during \u201cyears of inhumane working conditions.\u201d Combs has denied the allegations.<\/p>\n

\n\tOne case, filed by ex-Combs producer Rodney \u201cLil Rod\u201d Jones, initially named Universal Music Group and its chairman\/CEO, Lucian Grainge, as co-defendants, accusing them of aiding and abetting Combs\u2019 alleged misconduct. Repped by Donald Zakarin from the firm Pryor Cashman, UMG and Grainge blasted those claims as \u201crecklessly false\u201d and threatened to pursue sanctions against the attorney who had filed them. Weeks later, that lawyer, Tyrone Blackburn, conceded there had been \u201cno legal basis\u201d for the allegations and asked to have them \u201cwithdrawn immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tNo one has filed more Combs lawsuits than Tony Buzbee, a Houston-area lawyer who announced at a press conference in October that he was representing 120 alleged victims. Buzbee, who previously brought two dozen sexual abuse cases against NFL star DeShaun Watson, has since filed at least 40 lawsuits on behalf of men and women who say Combs victimized them.<\/p>\n

\n\tIn one, Buzbee made the headline-grabbing decision to add Jay-Z as a co-defendant, accusing him in December of joining Combs in the rape of a 13-year-old girl in 2000. Jay-Z vehemently denied those accusations and turned to Alex Spiro, a prominent litigator at Quinn Emanuel known as an aggressive advocate whose clients have included Adams, Elon Musk, Megan Thee Stallion and Alec Baldwin. Spiro went scorched-earth in defense of Jay-Z, not only attacking the lawsuit in a flurry of filings but launching a multipronged counteroffensive against Buzbee himself. First Jay-Z sued the attorney for extortion and defamation, and then he sued Buzbee\u2019s client over similar claims. Buzbee and his client have denied any wrongdoing.<\/p>\n

\n\tThat campaign hasn\u2019t always gone smoothly. Buzbee filed his own case against Quinn Emanuel, claiming the firm has been harassing his former clients. In late December, a judge admonished Spiro for his \u201crelentless filing of combative motions containing inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks,\u201d saying it was inappropriate and \u201cunlikely to benefit his client.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tBut it\u2019s hard to argue with the results. While the case against Buzbee remains pending and a judge indicated he\u2019ll allow parts of it to proceed to trial, his client voluntarily dropped her case against Jay-Z in February \u2014 a move Spiro quickly said had occurred without any kind of payment.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cBy standing up in the face of heinous and false allegations, Jay has done what few can,\u201d Spiro said in a statement at the time. \u201cHe pushed back, he never settled, he never paid one red penny, he triumphed and cleared his name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\t\tMusic Groups<\/strong>\t<\/h2>\n

\n\tJeffrey Harleston
<\/strong>General counsel\/executive vp of business and legal affairs
<\/em>Martha Braithwaite
<\/strong>Executive vp of business and legal affairs
<\/em>Saheli Datta
<\/strong>Executive vp\/chief compliance officer and employment, Universal Music Group
<\/em>Steve Gawley
<\/strong>Executive vp of business and legal affairs and business development, REPUBLIC Collective, Universal Music Group
<\/em>Jason Kawejsza
<\/strong>Executive vp\/head of business and legal affairs, Interscope Capitol Labels Group, Universal Music Group
<\/em>Nicola Levy
<\/strong>Executive vp of digital business affairs
<\/em>Alasdair McMullan
<\/strong>Executive vp of business and legal affairs\/head of litigation
<\/em>Michael Seltzer
<\/strong>Former executive vp\/head of commercial transactions for business and legal affairs, Universal Music Group<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tGenerative artificial intelligence continues to evolve and, for the second year running, was what UMG\u2019s legal team spent the most time on, filing or participating in lawsuits against AI firms Anthropic, Udio and Suno over the past year. \u201cWe believe in responsible AI and have been working to ensure that our artists can explore the creative opportunities provided by AI in an \u2018ethical context\u2019\u00a0\u2026 \u2018in the service\u2019\u00a0\u201d of the artist, Harleston says. UMG also expanded digital licensing deals with several streaming and social partners that Harleston says align with UMG\u2019s Streaming\u00a02.0 agenda by \u201cembracing artist-centric principles that better benefit artists and songwriters.\u201d (Seltzer, who is recognized for his work in the past year, has since left UMG.)<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cWorking with artists to support their creative vision across all formats and platforms,\u201d Harleston says, \u201cso they can effectively engage with their superfans globally.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tPaul Robinson
<\/strong>Executive vp\/general counsel
<\/em>Brad Cohen
<\/strong>Senior vp\/head of litigation\/associate general counsel
<\/em>Jon Glass
<\/strong>Senior vp\/head of digital legal affairs
<\/em>Trent Tappe
<\/strong>Senior vp\/deputy general counsel\/chief compliance officer
<\/em>Michael Kushner
Maryrose Maness
<\/strong>Senior vps\/deputy general counsels
<\/em>Dana Sheahan
<\/strong>Vp\/head of mergers and acquisitions, Warner Music Group<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWMG kicked off February with two big announcements: the $450\u00a0million acquisition of a controlling stake in Tempo Music Investments\u2019 catalog and a new deal with Spotify that included a direct licensing component with Warner Chappell Music. Robinson says the legal team covering mergers and acquisitions, led by Sheahan, and the digital legal team, led by Glass, \u201cpulled back-to-back all-nighters\u201d working with the corporate and business development teams to meet the deadline of announcing the deals the same day as the company\u2019s quarterly earnings. \u201c[It was] an excellent example of our team\u2019s skill and work ethic,\u201d Robinson says.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cFinding ways to simplify digital licensing for the benefit of the entire music ecosystem,\u201d Robinson says. \u201cMusic companies and streaming services operate globally, yet much of the digital licensing framework remains highly localized.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJulie Swidler
<\/strong>Executive vp of business affairs\/general counsel
<\/em>Wade Leak
<\/strong>Executive vp\/deputy general counsel\/chief compliance, ethics and privacy officer
<\/em>James Mullan
<\/strong>Executive vp of international business and legal affairs\/international general counsel
<\/em>Jeff Walker
<\/strong>Executive vp\/head of business and legal affairs, global digital business
<\/em>Stephanie Yu
<\/strong>Executive vp\/head of business\/legal affairs lead
<\/em>David Jacoby
<\/strong>Senior vp\/head of U.S. litigation
<\/em>Susan Meisel
<\/strong>Executive<\/em> vp\/corporate deputy general counsel
<\/em>Michael Roberson
<\/strong>Senior vp of U.S. business and legal affairs, Sony Music Entertainment<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSony Music\u2019s acquisitions of Queen\u2019s and Pink Floyd\u2019s catalogs last year \u2014 reportedly worth more than $1\u00a0billion and $400\u00a0\u00admillion, respectively \u2014 spotlighted the value of name and likeness rights. Sony had worked with both bands for decades and was keen to consolidate its ownership of their songs. The acquisitions positioned Sony to create new ways to interact with the \u201cpriceless\u201d music digitally, says Sony Music Entertainment CEO Rob Stringer, who explains, \u201cWe think Dark Side of the Moon<\/em> or Thriller<\/em> or \u2018Bohemian Rhapsody\u2019 or Born To Run<\/em> [by Bruce Springsteen, whose catalog Sony acquired in 2021]\u00a0\u2026 are going to be experientially very exciting for generations, certainly well beyond mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cArtist deals. In the music industry, it takes years for artists to develop, but there is growing interest in signing shorter deals,\u201d Swidler says. \u201cThis may hinder the process and time needed to nurture the development of these creators.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tSony Music\u2019s acquisition of Queen\u2019s catalog last year \u2014 reportedly worth more than $1\u00a0billion \u2014 spotlighted the value of name and likeness rights.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPete Still\/Redferns<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\t\tStreaming<\/strong>\t<\/h2>\n

\n\tKevan Choset
<\/strong>Interim general counsel
<\/em>Darren Schmidt
<\/strong>Associate general counsel\/global head of record label licensing
<\/em>Sofia Sheppard
<\/strong>Associate general counsel\/global head of licensing and business development, Spotify<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSpotify began this year with a bang by renewing its licensing agreements with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group \u2014 deals that Choset says reflect the company\u2019s belief that innovation is crucial to making subscriptions more appealing to a global audience while also improving artist remuneration. \u201cThese multiyear deals require complex legal structuring to support new licensing frameworks and revenue models that benefit artists, songwriters and rights holders, enabling innovations like new paid subscription tiers, bundled music and nonmusic content, and richer audio and visual content catalogs,\u201d he says. \u201cWith nearly $60\u00a0billion paid to rights holders to date, our legal and strategic work continues to expand the value of music on our platform.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cThe key is to balance innovation with responsibility,\u201d Choset says. \u201cConsider not just what AI can do, but what it should do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJon Cohen
<\/strong>Senior corporate counsel
<\/em>Stephen Worth
<\/strong>Head of legal\/associate general counsel
<\/em>Cyrus Afshar
Nicolas Gauss<\/strong>
Associate general counsels, Amazon Music<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tIn November, Amazon Music Unlimited began offering subscribers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada one audiobook title per month from the vast collection on Amazon-owned Audible. \u201cWe worked quickly and effectively to offer this new benefit to customers,\u201d Afshar says, \u201cand now we\u2019re proud to say that Amazon Music Unlimited customers have access to more than 1\u00a0million audiobooks in the U.S., and more than 800,000 in the U.K. and Canada, included with their subscription.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cAs an L.A. resident, it was incredibly rewarding to work on bringing the Los Angeles FireAid Benefit performances to life on Amazon Prime Video this past January,\u201d Afshar says. \u201cFireAid raised in excess of an estimated $100\u00a0million to support those in our community affected by the devastating fires, bringing both hope and showing the power of music as a unifying force.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJordan Fasbender
<\/strong>Executive vp\/chief legal officer\/secretary
<\/em>Jon Kurland
<\/strong>Executive vp of business affairs\/chief entertainment counsel, iHeartMedia<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAlong with traditional deals like iHeartMedia\u2019s exclusive audio partnership for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, which yielded original coverage and podcast programming, the company\u2019s legal team helped \u201cdrive iHeart\u2019s expansion into immersive music experiences\u201d over the past year, as Kurland puts it. That included an exclusive Meta Horizon Worlds virtual reality concert capture of Charli\u00a0xcx and Troye Sivan\u2019s Sweat arena tour and supported Coldplay\u2019s interactive Fortnite experience for its Billboard\u00a0200 No.\u00a01 album Moon Music<\/em>, which Kurland calls \u201can interactive blend of music and gaming that brought fans deeper into Coldplay\u2019s world.\u201d He adds, \u201cThese projects showcase iHeart\u2019s leadership in innovative audio experiences, amplifying cultural moments at an unprecedented scale.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cAs streaming and digital continue to grow,\u201d Kurland says, \u201congoing collaboration among stakeholders is essential to ensure sustainable profitability while also fairly compensating artists and rights holders.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tThe attorneys at iHeartMedia supported the interactive Fortnite experience for Coldplay\u2019s Billboard\u00a0200 No.\u00a01 album Moon Music<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKevin Winter\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tKevin Montler
<\/strong>Vp of global music, legal, YouTube<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tYouTube calls itself \u201cthe new television\u201d and boasts of \u201crobust \u2018twin engines\u2019 of growth with advertising and subscription-based services,\u201d Montler says of the \u201cfreemium\u201d business model that has helped YouTube reach an estimated 2.5\u00a0billion monthly users globally and attract 125\u00a0million subscribers to YouTube Music and Premium combined. Operating on such a large scale requires working with a worldwide web of rights holders and organizations. \u201cIn the past year, we have developed a strong portfolio of global licensing deals with labels, publishers and societies,\u201d he adds. Meanwhile, looking at the industry overall, Montler acknowledges that a challenge remains in \u201ccreating sustainable distribution models that reward artistic contribution and recognize how people use music today as technology evolves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cThe Alzheimer\u2019s Association. I\u2019ve seen the disease steal people\u2019s vitality firsthand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAma Walton
<\/strong>Executive vp\/general counsel, SoundCloud<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWalton touts SoundCloud\u2019s partnerships with a variety of pioneering AI music services, including FADR, Soundful, Voice-Swap, Tuney, Tuttii and AIBeatz, as part of the company\u2019s effort to \u201cfurther democratize music creation.\u201d She says that leading the charge on these agreements has been rewarding because they are helping the company \u201cprovide user-friendly access to cutting-edge and ethical AI tools\u201d that empower a diverse array of voices to create and easily share music on the service. \u201cI\u2019ve been deeply involved in navigating evolving regulations, championing ethical AI compliance and safeguarding intellectual property to ensure we\u2019re building a sustainable future for AI-supported creativity,\u201d Walton says.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201c\u00a0\u2018Growing the pie\u2019 to expand revenue opportunities for creators and fans alike should be a key music business priority. Streaming is not enough to meet the needs of artists and fans in the streaming age.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRobert Windom
<\/strong>Chief content counsel
<\/em>Elizabeth Miles
<\/strong>Senior legal director of Apple media services
<\/em>Adam Blankenheimer
<\/strong>Principal counsel of Apple media services, Apple<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tApple Music\u2019s new slate of subscriber offerings kept its legal team busy in the last year. The attorneys helped put together deals to bring features like Apple Music Classical to CarPlay and assisted in the launch of three live-hosted genre radio stations for Latin, dance and chill music on the service. On top of that, \u201cwe handled the talent deals and licensing for Apple Immersive Video music pieces on Apple Vision Pro with artists such as Alicia Keys, RAYE and Metallica,\u201d Blankenheimer says. \u201cBringing music to life in this kind of groundbreaking, mind-blowing way is the sort of work we love to do.\u201d Apple Music\u2019s paid subscribers total about 54\u00a0million in the United States and 115\u00a0million in the rest of the world.
The music industry today in a word \u201cHigh volume,\u201d Blankenheimer says.<\/p>\n

\n\t\tLive<\/strong>\t<\/h2>\n

\n\tMichael Rowles
<\/strong>Executive vp\/general counsel, Live Nation Entertainment<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAfter several years of lobbying and preparation, Live Nation and Ticketmaster have begun implementing all-in pricing at the venues and festivals the company owns and tickets, \u201censuring fans see the full ticket price up front,\u201d explains Rowles, who has served as the concert promoter\u2019s in-house attorney since 2006. \u201cWe\u2019ve been advocating for all-in pricing for years, and it\u2019s encouraging to see support in both houses of Congress and adoption in a number of states,\u201d says Rowles, who has been lobbying Congress to make all-in pricing U.S. law as part of a larger ticketing reform package that would ban deceptive practices, give artists greater control over ticket resale and strengthen enforcement of the BOTS (Bolstering Online Transparency) Act.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cUse AI to create efficiencies and reduce costs, but don\u2019t become overreliant on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tShawn Trell
<\/strong>Executive vp\/COO\/general counsel, AEG<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tEarlier this year, AEG opened The Pinnacle \u2014 a 4,500-capacity live-music and event venue anchoring the 19-acre mixed-use development Nashville Yards in Tennessee. (Kacey Musgraves performed at its inaugural concert on Feb.\u00a027.) The venue is owned by the Yards development through a partnership between Southwest Value Partners and AEG Real Estate and is operated by AEG Presents. \u201cThe Pinnacle in Nashville is something we\u2019re exceptionally proud of,\u201d Trell says. \u201cThe reception from the city, the artists, the fans and the music community has been great across the board.\u201d Next up for AEG is a flexible, 2,500- to 4,000-seat venue in Portland, Ore., in development with local promoter Monqui Presents \u2014 which Trell says \u201ccontinues to build on The Pinnacle\u2019s tail wind\u201d \u2014 and a 4,000-capacity indoor venue in Austin\u2019s River Park development.<\/p>\n

\n\t\tPublishing<\/strong>\t<\/h2>\n

\n\tPeter Brodsky
<\/strong>Executive vp of business and legal affairs\/general counsel
<\/em>Jonas Kant
<\/strong>Senior vp of business and legal affairs
<\/em>Nicole Giacco
<\/strong>Senior vp of business and legal affairs\/ethics and compliance officer
<\/em>Michael Abitbol
<\/strong>Senior vp\/head of U.S. digital, Sony Music Publishing<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSMP\u2019s attorneys facilitated Sony Music\u2019s Queen catalog acquisition, deal extensions with Usher and Lainey Wilson, new agreements with hit-makers like Mike Dean and more. \u201cWe\u2019ve also continued to advocate for songwriters across major and emerging digital platforms, while also navigating strategy around AI and copyright protection,\u201d Abitbol says. And as the AI age is dawning, Abitbol remains optimistic following a recent ruling in favor of copyright holder Thomson Reuters in its case against Ross Intelligence. \u201cIt is a useful precedent that will hopefully encourage courts to reach the same conclusion in cases involving generative AI models,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cAs subscriber growth in major markets begins to slow down,\u201d Abitbol says, \u201cit is crucial that we find growth in emerging markets and license new business models.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tStephen Dallas
<\/strong>Senior vp of business\/legal affairs, global digital strategy and business development
<\/em>Don Glista
<\/strong>Vp of business\/legal affairs and creative affairs
<\/em>Kerrigan Hennings
Ira Hoffman<\/strong>
Vps of business\/legal affairs
<\/em>Angelica Merida
<\/strong>Vp of business\/legal affairs, international and digital development, Universal Music Publishing Group<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tUMPG\u2019s team of attorneys began 2025 with a massive win: The publisher was the first to make a deal with Spotify that improved streaming rates for its songwriters since the service\u2019s bundling of music and audio books cut royalty rates in March 2024. \u201cIt\u2019s a great example of finding common ground so that all boats are raised in the rising tide,\u201d Hennings says. But Dallas notes the team is also constantly \u201cseeking the best terms possible for our songwriters and stakeholders\u201d as it works with TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, SoundCloud and other platforms. Meanwhile, UMPG\u2019s team continues to secure catalog deals, sign new talent and re-up its current roster.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity we support:<\/strong> \u201cA colleague at UMPG, Tyler Gutowsky, heads up a foundation called Handle With Care,\u201d Hennings says, \u201cwhose stated purpose is to deliver everyday necessities \u2014 socks, food, water, blankets \u2014 in care packages that they create and distribute in real time to local homeless populations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tPeter Rosenthal
<\/strong>Executive vp\/global head of legal and business affairs
<\/em>Steve Butler
<\/strong>Head of legal and business affairs for North America
<\/em>Chris Head
Tim Meade<\/strong>
Senior vps of legal and business affairs
<\/em>Chris White
<\/strong>Senior director of legal and business affairs, Warner Chappell Music<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAmong the highlights for the WCM team this past year was the company\u2019s acquisition of the controlling stake in Tempo Music Investments. \u201cIt exemplifies our approach to collaborate across our central, recorded-music and publishing teams to bring in the catalogs of Philip Lawrence, Tyler Joseph, Wiz Khalifa, Florida Georgia Line and others,\u201d Rosenthal says. The WCM legal team has also celebrated the breakthrough successes of artists like Shaboozey, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims and Ros\u00e9. Shaboozey\u2019s hit \u201cA\u00a0Bar Song (Tipsy)\u201d tied the record for most weeks (19) at No.\u00a01 on the Billboard Hot\u00a0100, while Boone\u2019s \u201cBeautiful Things\u201d was No.\u00a01 on the 2024 year-end Global\u00a0200 and Global Excl.\u00a0U.S. charts.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cIt\u2019s still helpful to view [AI] through basic first principles of copyright law,\u201d Rosenthal says. \u201cDoes the AI process or its output implicate the rights holder\u2019s exclusive rights to make copies, to adapt or prepare derivative works, to distribute or to publicly perform or display?\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tThe Warner Chappell Music legal team has celebrated the breakthrough successes of hits including Shaboozey\u2019s \u201cA\u00a0Bar Song (Tipsy),\u201d which tied the record for most weeks (19) at No.\u00a01 on the Hot\u00a0100.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKevin Winter\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\t\tRights Groups<\/strong>\t<\/h2>\n

\n\tChristos Badavas
<\/strong>Executive vp\/general counsel, SESAC Music Group<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tBadavas has spent the past year leading the legal work behind upsizing SESAC\u2019s entire business securitization and the group\u2019s October acquisition of media software and services company HAAWK. He has also been involved with SESAC\u2019s continued expansion of partnerships outside the United States, including with Soundreef in Italy, as well as the Korean Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers to take over licensing of repertoire in South Korea in an initiative that builds on SESAC\u2019s collaboration and joint ventures with the Asian societies through the Asian Alliance Music Rights Organization.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cStreaming fraud [remains] a problem that impacts the payouts for legitimate songwriters and artists,\u201d Badavas says. \u201cAddressing such fraud is a focus of major labels, industry organizations and digital music providers. As a result, I expect the industry to continue to consider new rules to curb artificial consumption in 2025 and add some new guardrails around streaming fraud.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tTim Dadson
<\/strong>General counsel, SoundExchange<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tDadson has been busy working on the Web\u00a0VI rate proceeding that will set rates and terms for webcasters to stream sound recordings for the period of 2026-30, he says, adding that it \u201cis of paramount importance to the recording artists and rights owners that \u00adSoundExchange represents.\u201d He notes that he and his team are \u201calways working diligently on licensing and enforcement to ensure that digital service providers are paying creators what they owe\u201d \u2014 such as the organization\u2019s ongoing lawsuit against SiriusXM for allegedly withholding over $150\u00a0million in unpaid royalties by bundling satellite and web streaming services. SiriusXM has challenged the claims.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cAs companies seek to capture the attention of the public, music is frequently used to augment, enhance or simply be the product, but more often than not, the artists and rights owners behind that music see diminishing returns for their work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tClara Kim
<\/strong>Executive vp\/chief legal and business affairs officer, ASCAP<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cASCAP continues to be focused on closing music-\u00adlicensing deals that deliver the most value to our members,\u201d Kim says, noting that ASCAP recently announced the highest reported revenue and distributions for any performing rights organization in 2024, with $1.835\u00a0billion in revenue collected and $1.696\u00a0billion available for royalty distributions. She adds that \u201c90\u00a0cents of every revenue dollar is going back to creators because we, by our own governance, do not keep any profits and we don\u2019t have any investors we have to pay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cIn flux. The \u00adever-increasing launch of new technologies, including generative artificial intelligence and applications and services that use music, has required every executive in the music industry to be hyper-aware of changes in the business landscape and in legal and regulatory regimes to operate successfully.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRick Marshall
<\/strong>General counsel, Mechanical Licensing Collective<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe Music Modernization Act requires that every five years, the U.S. Copyright Office undertakes a review of the MLCs designation as the exclusive administrator of the compulsory blanket mechanical license. Its filing to the U.S. Copyright Office highlighted the successes and achievements since launching in 2021, Marshall says. \u201cThe ongoing review process also highlighted the overwhelming support that the MLC has received from its diverse group of stakeholders, including the number of individual rights holders and dozens of respected songwriter advocacy, publisher and industry organizations that filed public comments and expressed their support of the MLC,\u201d Marshall adds.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe detection and prevention of fraudulent activity remains a top priority for the industry, and continued collaboration is key to strengthening efforts in this area. By working together, the industry can enhance fraud-\u00addetection systems and enforcement strategies to better protect artists, songwriters and other stakeholders from the effects of fraud.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tStuart Rosen
<\/strong>Senior vp\/chief legal officer, BMI<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tOne year after investment firm New Mountain Capital acquired BMI, the benefits of that historic deal still yield dividends, Rosen says. \u201cPartnering with New Mountain Capital last year was the most consequential event of my 28 years at BMI,\u201d he says. \u201cWe now have the ability to invest and build an even bigger and better BMI, all to the benefit of our incredible roster of songwriters, composers and publishers.\u201d In September 2024, BMI filed a rate court action against SiriusXM to maintain fair compensation for its members. SiriusXM has challenged the petition.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cAccept that AI is not going to go away or be legislated out of existence. Instead, consider how it can help in your creative process, all the while fighting for attribution and compensation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tEmio Zizza
<\/strong>General counsel, Global Music Rights<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tZizza\u2019s main focus has been recruiting more artists in Global Music Rights\u2019 fight for proper compensation from digital service providers. In addition to welcoming young rap stars like Yeat to the roster, Zizza oversaw the extension of the company\u2019s relationship with several other songwriters, including Post Malone, who spent six weeks atop the Hot\u00a0100 in 2024 with \u201cI Had Some Help\u201d (featuring Morgan Wallen). \u201cGMR\u2019s very existence is based on the fact that creators deserve to be valued better than they have historically,\u201d Zizza says. \u201cIt\u2019s a fundamental problem, but if [digital service providers] properly recognize the value of creators, it\u2019s a fixable problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cAI is a tool and that tool can be used for good or not. Artists should embrace all the ways that AI benefits them creatively but at the same time aggressively defend against the ways that artists can be \u00adexploited \u2014 and\/or underpaid \u2014 by technology companies and other corporate interests.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tGlobal Music Rights extended its relationships with songwriters including Post Malone, who spent six weeks atop the Hot\u00a0100 in 2024 with \u201cI Had Some Help,\u201d featuring Morgan Wallen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJason Kempin\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\t\tAssociations<\/strong>\t<\/h2>\n

\n\tDanielle Aguirre
<\/strong>Executive vp\/general counsel, National Music Publishers\u2019 Association<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cThis year, the NMPA has been focused on our lawsuit against Twitter\/X for its refusal to license the music on its platform,\u201d Aguirre says. The publishers trade association is also fighting \u201cSpotify\u2019s bad faith move to significantly reduce songwriter royalties\u201d after the streaming giant added audiobooks and reclassified some subscriptions as \u201cbundles.\u201d Plus, the NMPA issued takedown notices in February to some 2,500 podcast episodes that allegedly contain unlicensed music. \u201cBoth matters demonstrate that DSPs still disregard the importance of songwriters\u2019 contributions to the success of their platforms and refuse to pay fairly for the works that drive their platforms\u2019 value,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe overregulation of our music copyrights. Copyright owners must be able to negotiate rights in a free market instead of under burdensome and constraining rules and regulations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tKen Doroshow
<\/strong>Chief legal officer, RIAA<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAs AI keeps rapidly transforming the music industry from the recording studio to the Grammy stage, the RIAA\u2019s top attorney is on the front lines for creators. Last year, Doroshow oversaw the filings of the first-ever lawsuits challenging the use of copyrighted sound recordings to train generative AI music services, taking on AI firms Suno and Udio for alleged copyright infringement. \u201cA mature and sustainable AI industry needs to license the content that is so vital to its development \u2014 including copyrighted sound recordings \u2014 in the free market so that artists, songwriters and rights holders can have a voice in how their work is used and be fairly compensated for these valuable materials,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cSeveral, but I\u2019ll call out Bread for the City. It\u2019s a wonderful organization that provides broad services and support for low-income residents of the District of Columbia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRyan McWhinnie
<\/strong>Vp of business and legal affairs, Merlin<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tMcWhinnie cites closing the indie rights group\u2019s first AI pilot program with a global leader in the space as part of its inaugural Merlin Connect deal as a major milestone, accomplished with the support of Merlin senior director of business and legal affairs Shrina Patel. The deal is a \u201cpioneering platform designed to help emerging tech platforms access an expansive library of high-quality independent music,\u201d McWhinnie explains. It reflects Merlin\u2019s \u201ccommitment to innovation, ensuring that independent music remains at the forefront of new technological developments, with partners who want to be on the right side of history about copyright, consent and culture.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cMarket consolidation. As major players continue to seek to offset falling market share by acquiring independent labels, we\u2019re seeing an increasingly concentrated market, which raises concerns about competition, artist opportunities and the long-term diversity of the music business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\t\tTalent & Litigation<\/strong>\t<\/h2>\n

\n\tKen Abdo
Paul Bowles
Cynthia Katz
Tim Mandelbaum
Michael Reinert
Leron Rogers
Alex Threadgold
Heidy Vaquerano<\/strong>
Partners, Fox Rothschild<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe firm\u2019s clients span artists, labels and investment firms, including Kobalt Music, BMG, Primary Wave, Concord, Litmus, Iconoclast, Stevie Wonder, Wu-Tang Clan, $uicideboy$, Raphael Saadiq, Stone Temple Pilots, M\u00f6tley Cr\u00fce, Better Noise Music, Trace Adkins, Three Dog Night and Kool\u00a0& The Gang. Mandelbaum highlights Fox Rothschild\u2019s work with HarbourView Equity Partners, where over the past year, \u201cour team handled a $500\u00a0million debt financing for HarbourView that was backed by its music royalties catalog. This was among the music industry\u2019s biggest deals of the past year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe music landscape is shifting away from major labels, which once dominated, and toward independent DIY music creation and distribution,\u201d Mandelbaum says. \u201cIn this social media-driven world, it is increasingly hard for major labels to nurture and develop talent, let alone break new artists and sustain their careers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJenny Afia
<\/strong>Partner, Schillings<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAs a leading attorney involved in privacy protection, Afia is fiercely protective of the reputations of those she represents \u2014 including megawatt artists like Adele, Madonna, Michael Bubl\u00e9 and Elton John \u2014 and cites \u201cdis- and misinformation\u201d that threatens \u201cartists\u2019 license to operate\u201d as one of the biggest issues facing stars today. To that end, Afia says one of her major accomplishments this past year was resolving a looming crisis for a \u201cglobal house music act facing a cancel culture campaign\u201d that ended in a public apology, retraction of false information on which the claim was based and the act\u2019s reputation remaining intact.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cI\u2019m on the U.K. advisory board of Common Sense Media, which works to improve the internet for children.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tLisa Alter
Katie Baron<\/strong>
Partners, Alter Kendrick & Baron<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAlter and Baron, who count Primary Wave Music, BMG Rights Management, Steve Miller, Kenny Gamble\u00a0& Leon Huff, Paul Rodgers and other top industry names as clients, handled numerous big deals over the past year \u2014 including repping Iconic Artists Management in the acquisition of Rod Stewart\u2019s song catalog and acting as music counsel to Influence Media Partners in connection with an asset-backed securitization deal. Looking ahead, the firm is concerned about the threat posed by the \u201cunchecked\u201d power of tech companies and widespread deregulation, Alter says.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cThe implications of AI should be considered and addressed at the deal-making phase of every music transaction,\u201d Alter says, \u201ctogether with the respective rights of the parties to monetize content through the training of AI models.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJonathan Altschul
<\/strong>Managing attorney, The Altschul Firm<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAltschul advised As1One Production Co. in connection with the Paramount+ docuseries As1One: The Israeli-\u00adPalestinian Pop Music Journey<\/em>, which debuted in December and was created in association with Best Production Co. for MTV Entertainment Studios. The four-part project details the creation of as1one, the first pop group comprising both Palestinian and Israeli members, as well as the band\u2019s move to Los Angeles in October 2023 and its journey amid the ongoing war in Gaza. While Altschul does not name individual talent clients, he has represented companies on the corporate side such as Simon Fuller\u2019s XIX Entertainment and South Korea\u2019s SM Entertainment.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cArtists need to be more vigilant about the grants of rights involving their recordings and the right to use their likenesses and voices contained in most recording agreements and releases,\u201d Altschul says. \u201cArtists should avoid allowing others unfettered rights to use their voices and recordings to train AI systems.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tKen Anderson
Jill Berliner
Ray Garcia
Mark Lee
Celeste Moy<\/strong>
Partners, Rimon<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tRimon boasts a star-studded roster of clients, including iconic bands like Soundgarden, Foo Fighters and Nirvana, as well as entities affiliated with late stars like Frank Sinatra and Warren Zevon. Representing legendary R&B group Earth, Wind\u00a0& Fire, attorneys at Rimon won a trademark lawsuit last year against a tribute act that used the band\u2019s name without permission. The firm is also repping the Beastie Boys in an ongoing copyright case claiming the restaurant chain Chili\u2019s used the rap trio\u2019s iconic 1994 song \u201cSabotage\u201d in a social media advertisement without permission. According to the suit, \u201cdeceased Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch included a provision in his will prohibiting such uses.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cWhat is next in the \u2018golden age of the arts\u2019? The current administration\u2019s gutting of the Kennedy Center and determination of what music is suitable for consumption by Americans could have a significant impact on the industry,\u201d Lee says.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tAttorneys at Rimon won a trademark lawsuit last year against an Earth, Wind\u00a0& Fire tribute act that used the legendary band\u2019s name without permission.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRichard E. Aaron\/Redferns<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tPeter Anderson
<\/strong>Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tDavis Wright Tremaine\u2019s clients include the three major-\u00adlabel groups and artists such as Mariah Carey, Cher, \u00adCardi\u00a0B and Miley Cyrus. The firm scored a major victory for Cher last May in a closely watched copyright matter over the singer\u2019s half share of royalties on classic Sonny\u00a0& Cher hits including \u201cThe Beat Goes On\u201d and the No.\u00a01 Hot\u00a0100 single \u201cI\u00a0Got You Babe.\u201d Sonny Bono\u2019s widow, Mary, \u201cclaimed that a Copyright Act notice of termination that she had sent to a number of publishers cut off Cher\u2019s rights under her and Sonny\u2019s 1978 marital settlement agreement,\u201d Anderson says. \u201cWe sued for declaratory relief, arguing that Ms.\u00a0Bono conflated copyright interest with a contractual right to royalties.\u201d A federal judge found in Cher\u2019s favor, and the case will now go to trial on the issue of the amount owed to her.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cEvolving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tGerard M. Anthony
<\/strong>Founding partner, Anthony Law Group<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAs lawyer for Gabe\u00a0P\u2019s trendsetting rap freestyle platform, On the Radar Radio, Anthony helped negotiate OTR\u2019s deal with beverage company Monster, ensuring that it \u201cnot only provided for branding support but touring and showcase resources,\u201d he says. A longtime legal adviser to the Afropunk Music Festival, Anthony negotiated and helped produce its first edition with Seattle public radio station KEXP. \u201cThe lineup featured a good mix of local artists and also headliner Cautious Clay that had not been featured in the market, despite a strong fan base,\u201d he recalls. Other clients include rappers 22Gz and Poiison, singer-songwriter Raheem DeVaughn, producer KatoOnTheTrack and musicians Jack Freeman, 2forwOyNE, Luxury Lane and The Colleagues.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cRoyalty payments. Artists and producers in particular still have to go through archaic payment systems to receive royalty payments.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMarvin Arrington Jr.
Vince Phillips<\/strong>
Founding partners
<\/em>Aurielle Brooks
<\/strong>Partner, Arrington & Phillips<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tArrington & Phillips represents a roster of artists in genres ranging from hip-hop to country. YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Kevin Gates, Keri Hilson and country artist Kevin Smiley all benefit from the firm\u2019s guidance. Among its recent work is the \u201cgroundbreaking negotiation\u201d to clear the AI sample on Sexyy Red and Drake\u2019s hit single \u201cU My Everything,\u201d Phillips says. \u201cThe track debuted at No.\u00a044 on the Billboard Hot\u00a0100, marking the first-ever clearance of an AI-generated \u2018BBL Drizzy\u2019 sample in music history.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cBig tech. Artists now rely heavily on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, etc.,\u201d Phillips says, \u201cbut changing algorithms and pay-to-play models make organic reach unpredictable. Viral success is often random, making career longevity hard to maintain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tCraig Averill
Jeff Worob
Laxmi Vijaysankar<\/strong>
Partners, Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWith a roster that includes Maroon\u00a05, Bailey Zimmerman, LCD Soundsystem, Zac Brown Band, Jason Isbell, Maggie Rogers, Leon Bridges, Interpol and producer Dave Cobb, Vijaysankar says high points of the firm\u2019s work in the past year include representing STEM Disintermedia in the company\u2019s distribution matters and advising longtime watch collector John Mayer on his \u201clandmark collaboration\u201d with luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet. \u201cMayer was appointed creative conduit, advising the CEO and [chief marketing officer] on future directions and strategies in the luxury watch world,\u201d she says of the deal, which included Mayer helping to design the Royal Oak perpetual calendar wristwatch.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe power of music to shape culture cannot be overstated,\u201d Vijaysankar says. \u201cIt transcends boundaries and influences social change. Fostering inclusive and equitable representation in business is essential and should persist regardless of the reversals taking place in other industries.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAkinyemi Ayinoluwa
<\/strong>Founder\/managing partner, Hightower Solicitors and Advocates<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAyinoluwa says that Hightower \u2014 which represents major Afrobeats producers including Magicsticks (Asake), Ragee (Davido), Damie (BNXN), Rexxie (Zlatan) and Blaq Jerzee (Mr.\u00a0Eazi) \u2014 \u201crecently finalized a publishing agreement between Empire Music and Ragee,\u201d who co-produced Chris Brown\u2019s \u201cSensational.\u201d The track was nominated for best African music performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards for both featured artists Davido and Lojay. Ayinoluwa says, \u201cThis achievement, the result of many months of negotiation, exemplifies Hightower\u2019s commitment to guiding clients in building viable music catalogs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cIn 2025, the fate of independent recording artists is uncertain, as the major record labels have started acquiring the label services and music distributor companies that once afforded independent artists a fair shot at controlling their destinies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tEd Baden-Powell
Nick Eziefula
Paddy Gardiner
Ben Gisbey
Tom Iverson
Euan Lawson
Ed Weidman<\/strong>
Partners, Simkins<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSimkins clients include rights society PRS for Music, Universal Music Group and the estates of David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. The firm is also representing Experience Hendrix and Sony Music in the well-\u00adpublicized claim for ownership of copyrights, related rights and royalties by the heirs of Jimi Hendrix\u2019s former bandmates in The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell. Redding and Mitchell \u2014 both represented by estates since their deaths in 2003 and 2008, respectively \u2014 originally signed away their rights in the early 1970s following Hendrix\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cWall Street and the City of London continue to show a great interest in the music business,\u201d Lawson says. \u201cBut with all that interest comes heightened performance expectations, so the industry needs to continue to find ways to grow, but in a sustainable manner, ensuring that new talent is not overlooked in favor of catalog artists.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tHector Baldonado
<\/strong>Founder, The Baldonado Group<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe Baldonado Group \u201cclosed several catalog sales, placed record executives at the major record labels and closed high-level merchandising and touring deals,\u201d Baldonado says. Notably, the firm \u2014 which represents Rod Wave, Lil\u00a0Durk, Moneybagg\u00a0Yo, Yovng Chimi, Bossman Dlow, untiljapan, Jorjiana, BuVision, Great Day Records and the estate of Juice WRLD \u2014 closed the BuVision label deal that formed a partnership between record executive Abou \u201cBu\u201d Thiam\u2019s label and Atlantic Music Group. Baldonado also directly negotiated his executive role with Atlantic CEO Elliot Grainge and worked on the Juice WRLD-\u00adFortnite collaboration. For the latter, an avatar of the late rapper appeared in Fortnite to debut a new song, \u201cEmpty Out Your Pockets,\u201d alongside Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Ice Spice.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cChildren of Promise NYC. Supporting young children affected by parental incarceration through targeted initiatives is a pivotal step in changing the course of a family\u2019s history.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tStephen Barnes
<\/strong>Senior partner, Yorn Levine Barnes Krintzman Rubenstein Kohner Endlich Goodell & Gellman<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tBarnes represents Snoop Dogg, who may be the busiest man in show business. Over the past year, he acted as a special correspondent and cultural ambassador for NBC\u2019s coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics, appeared as a host on The Voice<\/em>, launched liquor brand Gin\u00a0& Juice with longtime friend\/collaborator Dr.\u00a0Dre and released Missionary<\/em>, his first Dre-produced album since his debut, Doggystyle<\/em>, that landed at No.\u00a03 on Top Rap Albums. (In March, Snoop was announced as the commencement speaker at the University of Southern California\u2019s Marshall School of Business.) Barnes also represents Death Row Records, Jill Scott and comedians Chris Rock and Kevin Hart.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharities I support:<\/strong> \u201cCancer Support Community Los Angeles, The Girl Friends and Reading Partners of Los Angeles.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tAttorney Stephen\u00a0D. Barnes has represented Snoop Dogg as the veteran rapper served as a cultural ambassador for NBC\u2019s coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics, appeared as a host on The Voice<\/em>, launched a liquor brand with longtime friend\/collaborator Dr.\u00a0Dre and released the 2024 album Missionary<\/em>, which landed at No.\u00a03 on Top Rap Albums.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tChristopher Polk for Billboard<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tRichard Baskind
Head of music
Alasdair George
Anthony Orum<\/strong>
Partners, Simons Muirhead Burton<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSimons Muirhead Burton represents a wide array of artists including NEMZZZ, Alan Walker and R\u00d8MANS, as well as producers P2J, Sammy SoSo and Ari Pensmith, all three of whom have worked with Tyla. The firm also repped Lola Young\u2019s label imprint, Day One, as the British singer-\u00adsongwriter broke through with her top\u00a020 Hot\u00a0100 hit single \u201cMessy.\u201d Additionally, it represents music companies such as Cooking Vinyl, Kobalt Music and NWS Group. Orum points to the joint venture between Firebird Music and Yungblud\u2019s Locomotion\/Special Projects team (which reportedly will have Firebird invest tens of millions of dollars in YungBlud\u2019s business) as a major achievement of the past year.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity we support:<\/strong> \u201cDeath Penalty Project \u2014 a pro bono team associated with Simons Muirhead Burton that represents death row convicts and campaigns internationally for the abolition of capital punishment,\u201d Orum says. \u201cIn 2024, the team secured dancehall legend Vybz Kartel\u2019s release from prison after 15 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJeffrey Becker
<\/strong>Chair of entertainment and media law practice group, Swanson Martin & Bell<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tBecker continued his firm\u2019s work representing the estates of legends including Aretha Franklin and Frankie Knuckles, as well as working with rising artists such as Natalie Jane and WesGhost. He spent much of the past year working with legislators to strengthen the Right of Publicity Act in Illinois, which Becker says is \u201cnow one of the few states in the country to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence to replicate an artist\u2019s voice or image for use in sound recordings and videos without their prior consent.\u201d Other highlights include helping sign Ax and the Hatchetmen to Arista Records, while representing frontman Axel Ellis in his deal to star in the musical teen drama The Runarounds<\/em> for Amazon Prime.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> Becker founded Sound of Summer, an annual charity concert held in Chicago, which has raised thousands of dollars to support a variety of music-related nonprofits including Musically Fed, She Is the Music, Soundgirls and, this year, the Save the Music Foundation.<\/p>\n

\n\tDavid Bercuson
<\/strong>Founder\/president, David Bercuson<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tBercuson has long represented KC\u00a0& The Sunshine Band, InnerCat Music Group and Farruko and his label, Carbon Fiber Music, among others. In the past 12 months, he \u00adadded Colombian stars and couple Greeicy and Mike Bahia to his roster, as well as reggae clients Buju Banton, Alkaline and Jovi Rockwell. Bercuson also negotiated the use of Willie Nelson\u2019s \u201cOn the Road Again\u201d for a dancing plush toy and is assisting clients named as defendants in the massive dembow<\/em> lawsuit, in which Jamaican duo Steely\u00a0& Clevie are suing more than 150 artists including Bad Bunny, Karol\u00a0G, Pitbull, Drake, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi and Justin Bieber over their use of the duo\u2019s dembow rhythm.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharities I support:<\/strong> \u201cThe Anti-Defamation League, ACLU and Southern Poverty Law Center to protect democracy, freedom and the rights of all people and to eliminate hate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJason Berger
<\/strong>Partner
<\/em>Matt Cottingham
<\/strong>Nashville co-managing partner, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThroughout 2024, along with continuing to provide representation to clients including Wyatt Flores and Fridayy, Berger and Cottingham helped platinum-selling artists Tucker Wetmore and BNYX negotiate new recording contracts with their respective labels. Meanwhile, both partners have set their sights on getting their clients fairly paid, with Cottingham stating the music industry as it stands today should be working on \u201cfinding a solution to adequately compensate songwriters in the digital streaming era, while navigating the practical limitations within the current framework of the major-label system.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cACM Lifting Lives,\u201d Cottingham says. \u201cAs a member of the ACM board of directors and a passionate supporter of the country music community, ACM Lifting Lives is near and dear to my heart. Lifting Lives provides aid in times of need to those in the industry, with a focus on health-related initiatives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJason Boyarski
David Fritz
<\/strong>Founding partners, Boyarski Fritz<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tBoyarski Fritz has been behind numerous noteworthy deals recently, including renegotiating Lil Tecca\u2019s deal with Republic Records, Blackpink member Jisoo\u2019s first solo major-label deal with Warner Records and label deals for Will Smith and Tainy. The firm also negotiated a catalog sale encompassing publishing, masters and neighboring rights for a former founding member of Maroon\u00a05; deals for a documentary about Earth, Wind\u00a0& Fire and founding member Maurice White; branding and touring deals for Interscope artist Towa Bird, including her opening slot on Billie Eilish\u2019s tour; and multiple producer and songwriter deals for top hit-makers like Louis Bell, Pete Nappi, Cirkut and Karl Rubin.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe transformation of traditional record deals \u2014 where labels owned the masters \u2014 into licenses and distribution-type models where the artists own the masters,\u201d Boyarski says.<\/p>\n

\n\tJohn Branca
<\/strong>Partner\/head of music department
<\/em>David Byrnes
David Lande<\/strong>
Partners, Ziffren Brittenham<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAfter working with Beyonc\u00e9 on her highest-grossing trek to date, the Renaissance<\/em> world tour, including negotiations with Live Nation to promote the run\u2019s 56 stadium dates, Ziffren Brittenham handled legal aspects for the sale of the concert film Renaissance: A Film by Beyonc\u00e9<\/em> to AMC. The firm also has handled all legal aspects of her Grammy-\u00adwinning album Cowboy Carter<\/em> and negotiated the agreement with the NFL and Netflix for the creation of the Christmas Day halftime show Beyonc\u00e9 Bowl. In addition, Ziffren Brittenham negotiated with Netflix for the production and distribution of Olivia Rodrigo\u2019s concert film and oversaw the GUTS<\/em> star\u2019s endorsement deal with Lanc\u00f4me. To top it off, Ziffren Brittenham worked on SZA\u2019s SOS Deluxe: Lana<\/em> release, including the singer\u2019s distribution deal with RCA.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cAs an industry,\u201d Lande says, \u201cwe need to create ways in which artists can legitimately and permissibly use AI in the creative process.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tThe firm Ziffren Brittenham has represented Beyonc\u00e9 for her Renaissance<\/em> tour, the sale of concert film Renaissance: A Film by Beyonc\u00e9<\/em> to AMC, all aspects of her Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter<\/em> and an agreement with the NFL and Netflix for the creation of the Christmas Day halftime show Beyonc\u00e9 Bowl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKevin Mazur\/WireImage<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tWilliam Briggs
Joshua Rosenberg<\/strong>
Partners, Venable<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWith a client roster boasting A-list performers like Ariana Grande, The-Dream and Sony Music Entertainment, Venable provides legal representation for some of music\u2019s biggest stars. Most recently, Rosenberg has been defending client Jason Derulo and SME against a joint authorship claim over Derulo\u2019s 2020 No.\u00a01 hit \u201cSavage Love (Laxed \u2014 Siren Beat),\u201d for which he recently sought a summary judgment. Rosenberg also points to cybersecurity cases he\u2019s working on where anonymous hackers are stealing and selling artists\u2019 demos to the highest bidder. \u201cThis is not only an egregious invasion of the artists\u2019 personal privacy,\u201d he says, \u201cbut also a threat to derail the artists\u2019 creative process and business plan where they control the release of their music rather than these cyber criminals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cBe prepared to both fight and adapt,\u201d Rosenberg says. \u201cNapster showed that some things are inevitable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJordan Bromley
<\/strong>Leader of Manatt entertainment
<\/em>Robert Jacobs
<\/strong>Leader of entertainment litigation
<\/em>L. Lee Phillips
<\/strong>Senior partner
<\/em>W. Joseph Anderson
Binta Niambi Brown
Eric Custer
Gary Gilbert
Beau Stapleton<\/strong>
Partners, Manatt Phelps & Phillips<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tA recent point of pride for Manatt Phelps\u00a0& Phillips \u2014 which represents Ros\u00e9, Neil Young, Jack White, the Pop Smoke estate and others \u2014 was its pro bono legal services for FireAid, the January benefit concert that raised over $100\u00a0million for wildfire relief in Los Angeles. \u201cOur team helped identify and solicit sponsors and then drafted, advised on, negotiated and closed over 50 sponsorship deals and 20-plus streaming agreements to bring the concert to various platforms,\u201d Bromley says. \u201cWe also drafted and negotiated venue, production services and other related agreements in addition to overseeing all talent deals and advising on rights and clearance issues.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cBe unique, be consistent and be yourself,\u201d Bromley says. \u201cArtificial intelligence is not a replacement for the unbridled and incomparable creativity of people, but it is becoming more and more prevalent and accessible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tVernon Brown
<\/strong>Founder\/president, V. Brown & Associates<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWhen some of Brown\u2019s most notable clients \u2014 like Cash Money Records co-CEOs Ronald \u201cSlim\u201d Williams and Bryan \u201cBirdman\u201d Williams \u2014 first started releasing music, consumers bought physical albums and singles. Now most fans simply open a streaming app, and that has changed the way artists and labels make money. Brown believes the fair compensation surrounding that change is the most pressing issue facing the music industry today. \u201cIn this streaming era, the current revenue model heavily favors major labels and platforms. Artists only get fractions of a cent per stream, which means they can\u2019t make real money unless they hit absolutely massive streaming numbers,\u201d he says. \u201cFurther compounding this issue: Most artists don\u2019t understand how their royalty payments are calculated, and there\u2019s very little transparency about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRichard S. Busch
<\/strong>Partner in the litigation section\/head of the entertainment and intellectual property sections, King & Ballow<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tBusch has made a name for himself litigating complex copyright infringement cases, usually against digital services. He is representing Eight Mile Style (owner of songs written in whole or in part by Eminem) against Spotify in a copyright infringement action involving more than 240 musical compositions, which also includes the claim that certain provisions of the Music Modernization Act are unconstitutional. The judge in that case ruled against Eight Mile Style while avoiding the constitutional questions raised by the complaint, and Busch is appealing that decision. In another action, Busch represents a list of comedians including Andrew Dice Clay, George Lopez, Lewis Black, the heir of Bill Hicks and the estates of Robin Williams and George Carlin against Pandora for allegedly infringing their copyrighted literary works through distributing their content without obtaining performance or mechanical licenses for the underlying spoken word compositions.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cUnequal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRosemary Carroll
Michael Guido
Elliot Groffman
Rob Cohen
Gillian Bar
Renee Karalian
Ira Friedman<\/strong>
Partners, Carroll Guido Groffman Cohen Bar\u00a0& Karalian<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAchievements abounded among the firm\u2019s honorees (who were assisted by fellow partners Paul Gutman, Dave Keady, Celine Hollenbeck and Jenna Kon). Carroll advised Patti Smith regarding the 50th anniversary of her seminal album Horses<\/em>, which will be celebrated by tours in Europe and the United States, plus the release of a box set including original demos. Guido represented FKA\u00a0twigs in branding deals, as well as Mark Ronson on his move to Universal Music Publishing Group. Groffman, with Keady, negotiated a deal for Phish at Las Vegas\u2019 Sphere and, with Gutman, advised on Brandi Carlile\u2019s work with Joni Mitchell, culminating in the Joni Jam show at the Hollywood Bowl. Cohen represented Sabrina Carpenter in all aspects of her career, including her Netflix holiday special, Meta virtual reality concert, first arena tour and partnerships with Versace and Prada. Bar negotiated contract extensions for The National with 4AD, Gracie Abrams with Interscope Records and PinkPantheress with Sony Music Publishing; struck Aaron Dressner\u2019s new deal with UMPG; and celebrated Jack Antonoff\u2019s band Bleachers selling out Madison Square Garden. Karalian represents Mustard in his hit-making production projects, including his work on Kendrick Lamar\u2019s \u201cNot Like Us,\u201d and also assisted with the release of Playboi Carti\u2019s Billboard\u00a0200 No.\u00a01 album MUSIC<\/em>. Friedman represented Alicia Keys in various deals, among them the negotiation of the cast album for her Broadway musical, Hell\u2019s Kitchen<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tAttorneys Elliot Groffman and Paul Gutman at Carroll Guido Groffman Cohen Bar\u00a0& Karalian advised on the work between Brandi Carlile (right) and Joni Mitchell, culminating in the Joni Jam show at the Hollywood Bowl.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRandall Michelson\/LN-Hewitt Silv<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tUwonda Carter
Donald Woodard<\/strong>
Founding partners, Carter Woodard<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe \u00adAtlanta-based firm had a hand in some of the most notable hip-hop and R&B releases of the past year, from Carter negotiating Metro Boomin\u2019s publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (which yielded a pair of No.\u00a01 collaborative albums with Future) in 2024 to Woodard representing producers like Dernst \u201cD\u2019Mile\u201d Emile\u00a0II and Christopher \u201cTricky\u201d Stewart, who both contributed to Usher\u2019s Coming Home<\/em> album. In addition, Woodard\u2019s representation of King Willonius, whose viral hit \u201cBBL Drizzy\u201d sampled an AI-generated track, has turned him into a key figure in discussions surrounding AI and copyrights in the music business.<\/p>\n

\n\tMichael Cataliotti
<\/strong>Principal, Cataliotti Law<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThough Michael Cataliotti declines to detail his recent cases or name his clients due to \u201cthe nature of the work\u201d, according to Cataliotti, and as indicated by those who nominated him, he represents \u201cmultiple music industry executives at the vp, senior vp, executive vp and C-suite levels; Grammy-nominated producers, writers and performers; and internationally recognized chart-topping recording artists and writers-producers, as well as supporting members from audio engineers to managers\u201d.Skilled in immigration law, Cataliotti provides guidance for clients entering the United States and coordinates and supports them as they move around the globe. He expresses concern about \u201cthe political volatility that exists worldwide and the amount of incorrect, inaccurate and incomplete information that floods the conversations and policy-making halls.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRobert A. Celestin
<\/strong>Founding partner
<\/em>Alicia Ferriabough Taylor
<\/strong>Partner, The Law Offices of Robert A. Celestin<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tCountry superstar Shaboozey was everywhere in 2024 \u2014 and Celestin\u2019s firm negotiated high-level branding opportunities on behalf of the \u201cA\u00a0Bar Song (Tipsy)\u201d singer, including a Super Bowl ad with Nerds, a Cash App commercial and what Celestin describes as \u201cthe biggest endorsement deal [Jack Daniel\u2019s has] done with a multigenre artist.\u201d He adds that those deals wouldn\u2019t have been possible had it not been for the artist\u2019s broad appeal: \u201cShaboozey bridged the gap between country, pop and hip-hop in a way that has never been seen before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cPerfunctory,\u201d Celestin says. \u201cThe music industry is in a bit of a struggle to make culturally relevant, impactful and thoughtful music. Aside from a few artists like Kendrick Lamar and Chappell Roan, the industry seems to be focused on finding the quick, viral one-hit wonders via algorithms rather than developing artists who have something substantive to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRoss J. Charap
<\/strong>Partner, Barton<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tCharap recently moved from the firm ArentFox Schiff to Barton, where he advises BMG Rights Management U.S., Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and the estates of Billy Preston, Harold Arlen, Jessye Norman and pioneering hip-hop producer Larry Smith\u00a0Sr., among others. Along with his former partner, ArentFox Schiff\u2019s Matthew Finkelstein, Charap says, \u201cOn behalf of the Stones and BMG, my team successfully challenged a distribution rule of the Mechanical Licensing Collective that resulted in terminated publishers continuing to receive MLC royalties after their rights had been terminated.\u201d After intervention by the U.S. Copyright Office (which oversees the MLC), \u201call writers or their families who have exercised their termination rights will receive all post-termination royalties,\u201d Charap says, \u201cas well as a refund of all such royalties previously misdirected.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe dilution of royalty payments across the board.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJacqueline Charlesworth
<\/strong>Partner, Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tCharlesworth joined the entertainment litigation group at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein\u00a0& Selz\u2019s Los Angeles office in September, bringing with her a deep knowledge of copyright law. The one-time general counsel of the U.S. Copyright Office previously ran her own boutique firm in Los Angeles for five years. She represented Malcolm McLaren\u2019s publisher, Satisfaction Fulfilled, and peermusic, the work\u2019s administrator, in their case against Sony Music Publishing over the usage of the World\u2019s Famous Supreme Team\u2019s 1984 R&B hit, \u201cHey\u00a0DJ,\u201d co-written by McLaren, in Lizzo\u2019s \u201cAbout Damn Time.\u201d On behalf of the plaintiffs, Charlesworth won back the co-\u00adowner\u2019s rights to the song from a publisher that had claimed full ownership of the sampled material.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cIf you use AI tools in creating songs, make sure there\u2019s enough human authorship to register the songs for copyright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJay Cohen
<\/strong>Partner, Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cI currently represent ASCAP in high-stakes rate court litigation against the Radio Music License Committee concerning the licensing fees to be paid by commercial radio stations,\u201d Cohen says, noting that he\u2019s also representing the Mechanical Licensing Collective in \u201ca case alleging Spotify systematically revised its subscription structure\u201d to deny artists royalties. As the industry evolves, the protection of artists\u2019 royalties in the face of domineering corporations remains paramount \u2014 and Cohen is helping lead that fight. He also represents the National Music Publishers\u2019 Association, Sony Music Entertainment and StubHub.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cI am the chairman of the board of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts in New York. It is the oldest and largest provider of pro bono representation to artists and arts organizations and plays a vital role for the vast bulk of creators who cannot afford to pay lawyers to protect their work and livelihood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tSandra Crawshaw-Sparks
<\/strong>Senior partner
<\/em>Anthony Oncidi
<\/strong>Co-chair of labor and employment law department\/head of West Coast labor and employment practice, Proskauer Rose<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tCrawshaw-Sparks says that her firm \u201crecovered more than $60\u00a0million for our clients for the unlicensed use of their content on social media. We also defended Live Nation and Madonna in multiple class actions arising from The Celebration Tour.\u201d One suit claimed the music legend harmed her fans by starting concerts in New York later than scheduled. Proskauer Rose still represents the Recording Academy and Sony Music Entertainment in connection with multiple ongoing litigation, arbitration and advice\/counseling matters, as well as the estate of Quincy Jones.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharities I support:<\/strong> \u201cL.A. wildfire relief because the wildfires were devastating to the music industry and greater L.A.,\u201d Crawshaw-Sparks says, and \u201cthe Wildlife Society and Kitten Rescue \u2014 because they\u2019re kittens, for Pete\u2019s sake!\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tAttorney Sandra Crawshaw-Sparks of Proskauer Rose represents the estate of Quincy Jones. The musician, songwriter, producer, conductor, arranger, artist, record-label owner\/executive, TV\/film producer, magazine publisher and philanthropist died in November.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAmy Sussman\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tSy Damle
Gabe Fleet
Andrew Gass
Alli Stillman
Jonathan West
Joe Wetzel<\/strong>
Partners, Latham & Watkins<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cThe Latham team recently secured a significant win for Spotify in a first-of-its-kind federal lawsuit against the Mechanical Licensing Collective over royalty payouts for bundled music service offerings in a case closely watched by the entire digital streaming music industry,\u201d Stillman says. \u201cThe [Spotify] decision for the first time interprets a regulation governing how digital music services pay mechanical royalties, which was a key part of the settlement of the Phonorecords\u00a0IV rate-setting proceeding before the Copyright Royalty Board.\u201d That victory was a major achievement for the firm, which also represents the Digital Media Association, the North American Concert Promoters Association, the Digital Licensee Coordinator and Live Nation in its ongoing antitrust lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThere is a lot of focus on competition and revenue distribution in the digital streaming era,\u201d Stillman says.<\/p>\n

\n\tRobert Darwell
<\/strong>Head of global media
<\/em>Alexis Robinson
<\/strong>Leader of the entertainment, technology, media and advertising practice group\/co-leader of the music team
<\/em>Daniel Schnapp
<\/strong>Partner\/co-leader of the music, artificial intelligence, interactive media and technology transactions teams, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tOn behalf of Domain Capital Group, the team at Sheppard Mullin Richter\u00a0& Hampton oversaw deals to acquire the catalogs of Iggy Azalea, composer Andrew Bissell and country\/pop songwriter Ashley Gorley, while also negotiating for Gorley\u2019s future catalog on behalf of Sony Music Publishing. Robinson says the team \u201crepresented financiers and producers in connection with the sale to Paramount Pictures of the North American theatrical rights to the Robbie Williams biopic, Better Man<\/em>. Paramount\u2019s $25\u00a0million domestic acquisition fee makes it one of the biggest indie sales in years.\u201d Additional notable clients of the firm include ASCAP, Steinway Musical Instruments, Bandsintown, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Spotify.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cRemixing,\u201d Robinson says. \u201cThe industry is splicing old models with new tech and sampling from different business verticals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDoug Davis
<\/strong>Founder, The Davis Firm<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe Davis Firm represents a broad roster of clients including artists Pitbull, DJ Snake, LL\u00a0COOL\u00a0J, Lil\u00a0Jon, Barry Manilow and Dionne Warwick, as well as executives like Ron Perry, Jorge Mejia, Ezekial Lewis, Ryan Press and Jeannette Perez. Davis is particularly proud of his involvement in bringing LL\u00a0COOL\u00a0J back to Def Jam Records in 2019 and the rapper\u2019s first new release since his return, 2024\u2019s The FORCE<\/em>, which notched a top\u00a010 debut on Top Rap Albums. \u201cIt was such a personally rewarding experience when LL invited me to his press day and acknowledged my role in supporting the effort to make the album realized,\u201d Davis says. \u201cHe is a gem and representing him remains a privilege.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cResilient. The music industry is constantly evolving, adapting to new technologies, shifting business models and changing audience behaviors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJacob Ebin
Paul Fakler<\/strong>
Partners, Mayer Brown<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tFakler describes the music industry as \u201ccomplex,\u201d as demonstrated by its representation of Pandora Media in a \u201ccluster of copyright infringement cases brought by nine comedians or their estates in the Central District of California\u201d who claim that it and other streaming services failed to obtain sufficient rights to the underlying comedic material. \u201cDespite decades of industry custom and practice to the contrary,\u201d Fakler says, there was an effort \u201cto impose the music industry\u2019s byzantine licensing practices on the comedy industry.\u201d He adds, \u201cThe case will make new law on various topics related to sound-recording licensing and the comedy industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cDon\u2019t panic,\u201d Fakler says. \u201cAnd do not allow the panic strategically generated and exploited by content owners to bully you into rash and ill-conceived \u2018solutions\u2019 \u2014 whether legislative or contractual \u2014 to a problem that is not fully understood and may not be a problem at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tScott A. Edelman
<\/strong>Chairman\/partner of litigation and arbitration group
<\/em>Atara Miller
<\/strong>Partner of litigation and arbitration group\/member of global executive committee, Milbank<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tMilbank secured a victory on behalf of its client BMI against major concert promoters that helps BMI\u2019s affiliated songwriters, composers and music publishers earn more royalties when their copyrighted songs are performed at live concerts. \u201cIt sends an important message that the live-performance industry should recognize the value of those who craft the music that artists perform,\u201d Miller says. (The case is under appeal.) The firm also advises SoundExchange, Universal Music, Sony Music and Warner Music, among others.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cAI will likely transform important aspects of the industry, from how music is made and distributed to ownership and rights issues,\u201d Miller says. \u201cIt\u2019s crucial for songwriters, composers, music publishers, record labels and performing artists to understand, at a granular level, the streaming platforms, licensing frameworks and compliance mechanisms that protect their artistic works \u2014 especially if copyright protections are weakened by deregulation and new technologies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tScott Edelman
<\/strong>Partner
<\/em>Orin Snyder
<\/strong>Partner\/co-chair of trials practice group, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tGibson Dunn\u00a0& Crutcher has represented music industry powerhouses like Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga, Elton John and Mariah Carey over the years, as well as sports stars such as LeBron James. Other clients include nonmusic companies like AMC Networks and DraftKings \u2014 with the firm recently scoring a big win for the latter in a trade secret and noncompete lawsuit. Snyder also handles legal issues for OpenAI and other technology companies.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cI am proud to serve on the board of directors of the David Lynch Foundation, which promotes Transcendental Meditation, particularly in at-risk communities,\u201d Snyder says. \u201cHaving practiced TM for many years, I have seen firsthand its benefits in reducing stress, improving focus and fostering mental resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDavid C. Eisman
<\/strong>Partner\/head of media and entertainment group, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tLast year, Eisman guided the $775\u00a0million sale of client Downtown Music Group to Virgin Music Group, the label and artists services division of Universal Music Group. The deal \u2014 expected to close in mid-2025 \u2014 will bring Downtown-owned CD\u00a0Baby, FUGA and Songtrust to Virgin. Eisman also worked with Drake\u2019s OVO Sound on the sale of a majority stake in the label\u2019s catalog and artist roster to Sony Music\u2019s Santa Anna Label Group in connection with a new partnership between the two labels. (The deal was followed by the chart-topping Billboard\u00a0200 debut in February of PartyNextDoor and Drake\u2019s $ome $exy $ongs 4\u00a0U<\/em> through OVO Sound, Republic and Santa Anna.) Other Eisman clients include Dreamville Records, gamma., S10 Management, LitMUS Music, Shady Records and Ntertain.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cEnsuring artists, including emerging and independent talent, are fairly compensated across all platforms and media types.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tDavid\u00a0C. Eisman of Skadden Arps Slate Meagher\u00a0& Flom worked with Drake\u2019s OVO Sound on the sale of a majority stake in the label\u2019s catalog and artist roster to Sony Music\u2019s Santa Anna Label Group in connection with a new partnership between the two companies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCole Burston\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tTim Epstein
<\/strong>Partner, Duggan Bertsch<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAs a top attorney in the independent festival space, Epstein stayed busy helping his clients navigate a tumultuous season. He advised La\u00a0Familia Presents founders Chris Den Uijl and Aaron Ampudia as they formed Collectiv Presents alongside Hulaween founder Michael Berg to buy back the Florida festival from Etix\u2019s Travis Janovich. Duggan Bertsch is also pursuing monies owed by secondary-ticketing platform Lyte, which shut down without warning in September. \u201cI tried to right the ship and find a solution for the industry,\u201d Epstein says of the situation that left many concert promoters unpaid for hundreds of thousands of dollars\u2019 worth of tickets sold on the platform, \u201cbut no one wanted to bite because it was too toxic and worthless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cFood and beverage sales are also down because Generation\u00a0Z consumes less alcohol than millennials or older generations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdam J. Farag
<\/strong>Founder\/owner, AJ Farag Law<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tFarag\u2019s law firm is the choice team for high-profile clients including Doja Cat, Coco\u00a0& Breezy, Blaq Tuxedo and Songfinch. He says he develops trust with those he works with because he appreciates the pressure of being an artist. \u201cIn this demanding landscape, prioritizing both mental and physical well-being is more important than ever,\u201d he says. \u201cA balanced approach \u2014 through healthy eating, regular exercise, therapy and mindful habits \u2014 can help artists navigate these pressures without unnecessary strain. By taking care of themselves, they can sustain their creativity and career longevity while maintaining their well-being.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cIf there\u2019s an aspect of your artistry where you need support or lack resources, AI can help fill in the gaps \u2014 whether it\u2019s generating chord progressions for a melody or refining production elements,\u201d Farag says. \u201cHowever, be mindful of how AI-generated content impacts originality and ownership. The key is to use AI to enhance your creativity, not replace it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMatt Finkelstein
<\/strong>Partner\/music practice leader, ArentFox Schiff<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tFinkelstein, with his former law partner Ross Charap (now at the firm Barton), won a victory for clients Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and all songwriters and their heirs who exercise termination rights under U.S. copyright law. They successfully argued for the Copyright Office to revoke a rule of the Mechanical Licensing Collective that resulted in terminated publishers continuing to receive MLC royalties after their rights had been discontinued. Additionally, Finkelstein represented BMG in its acquisition of Paul Simon\u2019s royalty income from Simon\u00a0& Garfunkel recordings, as well as his neighboring rights income, representing a substantial stake in Simon\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cAI is here to stay. Decide whether you want to lead or follow the lead of others in its use. We encourage our clients, whether music companies, recording artists or songwriters, to learn how AI technologies can be harnessed for good and their potential pitfalls and risks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tSidney Fohrman
<\/strong>Partner of entertainment and media\/chair of the music industry practice, Paul Hastings<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tFohrman\u2019s major transactions last year included work as outside music counsel to Create Music Group on more than 10 acquisitions, including deadmau5\u2019s recording and publishing catalogs and label, and advising on CMG\u2019s $165\u00a0million investment from Flexpoint Ford at a $1\u00a0billion valuation. Fohrman also represented BMG, HYBE America, ByteDance\/TikTok and Primary Wave; for the lattermost, he worked on transactions such as acquisition and joint-venture partnership agreements with the Village People, including name, image and likeness rights. \u201cThe multifaceted deal will bring the Village People into the 21st\u00a0century,\u201d Fohrman says, \u201cand to new audiences throughout the world in a variety of bold and innovative ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cInnovating economic models so that revenue sharing becomes more equitable. The status quo could result in the world missing out on the next Rihanna, Prince or U2. Heck, we may be now and don\u2019t even know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJohn Frankenheimer
<\/strong>Chair of music industry\/chairman emeritus
<\/em>Derek Crownover
<\/strong>Vice chair of music industry\/co-office administrative partner of Nashville
<\/em>Debbie White
<\/strong>Vice chair of music industry
<\/em>Tiffany Dunn
<\/strong>Co-office administrative partner of Nashville
<\/em>Kenneth Kraus
Monika Tashman<\/strong>
Partners, Loeb & Loeb<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tLoeb\u00a0& Loeb has guided numerous collaboration, venture, endorsement and sponsorship agreements with public and private companies for its clients, which include Big Loud Records, Warner Music Group, the Academy of Country Music, Sony Music Publishing, American Idol<\/em>, Blondie, Luke Combs, Christina Aguilera, Diana Ross and Morgan Wallen. \u201cWe continue to represent both active buyers and sellers concerning a wide range of music [intellectual property] across all platforms and genres \u2014 approximately $700\u00a0million in the past year alone,\u201d Frankenheimer says, noting the firm is also helping develop projects for its clients that range from film and TV to sports and books.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cBe very careful in every agreement that you enter into regarding the rights you are conveying and how they are monetized to ensure that you fully comprehend what is and is not permissible,\u201d Frankenheimer says. \u201cAI is evolving at unprecedented speed, and there will be continuing tension between those that grant rights and those that obtain them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tKenneth D. Freundlich
<\/strong>Founding principal, Freundlich Law<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tFreundlich Law secured a temporary restraining order against Breakbeat Media for comedian Funny Marco that prevented the podcast network from issuing false takedown notices. The firm\u2019s strategic defense of Bad Bunny in the dembow litigation effectively bifurcated the issue of \u201coriginality and protectability\u201d to streamline legal processes and cut costs, according to Freundlich; he also represented Walter Afanasieff, a writer and producer of Mariah Carey\u2019s \u201cAll I Want for Christmas Is You,\u201d in a copyright infringement case. \u201cWe moved for summary judgment and sanctions against the plaintiff and their firm,\u201d Freundlich says, \u201cand the decision is currently pending.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cHarmony Project. This is an L.A.-based charity that puts instruments into the hands of underprivileged youth and provides lessons and groups to play in and venues for live concerts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJeffrey B. Gandel
<\/strong>Founder, The Law Office of Jeffrey B. Gandel<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWith clients including Timbaland and DJs such as ACRAZE, REZZ and GORDO, among other songwriters, producers and musicians, Gandel describes the music industry as \u201cfun.\u201d In August, Timbaland\u2019s independent label, Mosley Music, teamed with Universal Music Group Nashville, and in October, the iconic producer announced a partnership with AI music creation tool Suno. \u201cIn this day and age as everyone is talking about AI,\u201d Gandel says, \u201cthe most important thing is for each of my clients to understand what it is and how it interacts with their work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cThe Crohn\u2019s and Colitis Foundation. Both of my children were diagnosed with Crohn\u2019s disease. My son passed away from complications from that disease about six years ago. I am raising money to help find a cure so that no one has to go through that loss, and what my other kid goes through, to keep the disease in check.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tLast August, Timbaland\u2019s independent label, Mosley Music, teamed with Universal Music Group Nashville, and in October, the producer announced a partnership with AI music creation tool Suno. Timbaland is represented by attorney Jeff Gandel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAaron J. Thornton\/WireImage<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tEric German
Christine Lepera
Bradley Mullins
David Steinberg<\/strong>
Partners, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tMitchell Silberberg & Knupp represents Dua Lipa, Drake, Daryl Hall, Post Malone, Kobalt and others, boasting one of the industry\u2019s top litigation teams for artists, songwriters and music companies facing copyright lawsuits. Case in point: In 2023, it won the dismissal of a high-profile infringement case against Lipa over her smash hit \u201cLevitating\u201d and, in 2024, it helped Universal Music Group beat a copyright lawsuit over the song \u201cGlow\u201d by Drake and Ye. Kobalt Music Publishing also retained the firm for representation in a copyright infringement case involving Eminem\u2019s publisher, Eight Mile Style, and Spotify in connection with ongoing litigation and appeals.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cIn connection with advocacy efforts for creators,\u201d the most pressing issues with this new administration, Lepera says, are the ones \u201cregarding secondary ticketing\/concert pricing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDamien Granderson
<\/strong>Partner
<\/em>Guy Blake
<\/strong>Managing partner
<\/em>Lynn Gonzalez
Elizabeth Moody
Colin Morrissey<\/strong>
Partners, Granderson Des Rochers<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tGranderson Des Rochers made significant strides with its impressive roster of clients, which includes A$AP Rocky, J.\u00a0Balvin, Ne-Yo, Wizkid, Snoh Aalegra and Queen Naija. The firm secured Coachella 2024 performance agreements for Balvin and Sid Sriram and played a vital role in constructing RAYE\u2019s performance agreements for the 2025 Grammy and Academy Awards. It was also instrumental in A$AP Rocky\u2019s partnerships with Ray-Ban \u2014 where he became the eyewear company\u2019s first creative director \u2014 and Puma Formula, and facilitated the deal between Antonio \u201cL.A.\u201d Reid and Usher\u2019s Mega label and Larry Jackson\u2019s gamma.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cAlways be aware of where your music is,\u201d Granderson says, \u201cand be apprised of unauthorized uses of your songs, voice and likeness, including in training materials.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMatthew Greenberg
<\/strong>Managing partner
<\/em>Stephanie Chopurian-Valencia
<\/strong>Partner, Greenberg Chopurian-Valencia & Associates<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tGreenberg and Chopurian-Valencia\u2019s client list is a who\u2019s who of Latin music that includes Farruko, Arcangel, Gerardo Ortiz and Prince Royce, as well as labels Big Ligas and Emporio Records. In the past year, the firm negotiated catalog sales for artists and songwriters exceeding $40\u00a0million, including securing the worldwide recording and publishing rights for the father of late Venezuelan rapper Canserbero; negotiating joint venture and publishing administration agreements for Ovy on the Drums, Yandel and Sech; and developing motion picture and streaming series for several music-related properties. The practice also negotiated sponsorship or endorsement deals for its artist clients with consumer brands including Heineken and Stella Rosa.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cAlert your label or distributor whenever you find unauthorized AI and press them to resolve,\u201d Greenberg says.<\/p>\n

\n\tEric Greenspan
Aaron Rosenberg
Francois Mobasser
Jeffrey Light
Audrey Benoualid
Josh Karp
Craig Marshall
Tamara Milagros-Butler
Robert Minzner<\/strong>
Partners, Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger\u00a0& Light<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe firm\u2019s clients include both major artists \u2014 Ariana Grande, Big Sean, Common, Dead\u00a0& Company, Erykah Badu, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend, Khruangbin, Meghan Trainor, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tate McRae, Deftones and Troye Sivan \u2014 and leading executives such as Aaron Bay-Schuck, Ben Adelson, Katie Welle, Tunji Balogun, Tyler Arnold and Wendy Goldstein. \u201cOver the past year, our firm has had the privilege of guiding several landmark moments,\u201d Rosenberg says, \u201cbut two stand out: Ariana Grande\u2019s seamless transition from global pop icon with Eternal Sunshine<\/em> to her Oscar-nominated turn in Wicked<\/em> and Dead\u00a0& Company\u2019s historic residency at Sphere in Las Vegas. These deals showcase the intricate and evolving nature of artistry and the legal and strategic paths that make them possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cPay equity for songwriters,\u201d Rosenberg says. \u201cAll popular music begins and ends with the song, and we have not been taking care of creators in the way that we should. That needs to change.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tGary R. Greenstein
<\/strong>Member, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tIn 2024, Greenstein, who helms technology transactions at his firm in Washington, D.C., represented Marriott International after Sony Music Entertainment sued the hotel company for copyright infringement. SME alleged that Marriott and its influencer partners misused over 900 Sony songs from artists including Beyonc\u00e9, Harry Styles and Michael Jackson in advertising on social media platforms. In October, the music company dropped the case, and both entities ended the litigation with prejudice so it could not be refiled. Major music companies are an ongoing concern for Greenstein, who says, \u201cThe concentration of power among a handful of major licensors is limiting innovation and requiring enormous table stakes to enter the marketplace.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cHuman Rights Campaign as a defender of the rights of the transgender community. I am a parent to two transgender 21-year-olds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAllen Grubman
<\/strong>Founding partner
<\/em>Lawrence Shire
<\/strong>Head of motion picture, TV, theater, publishing, new media and sports
<\/em>Kenny Meiselas
<\/strong>Named partner\/head of the music department
<\/em>Eric Sacks
<\/strong>Named partner\/head of the corporate department, Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe high-powered firm led by Rock\u00a0& Roll Hall of Fame founder and inductee Grubman spent the last year and a half working on deals for music\u2019s biggest stars, including the upcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere<\/em> starring Jeremy Allen White and Lady Gaga\u2019s new album, MAYHEM<\/em>. The firm also represented Usher for his 2024 Super Bowl halftime show performance and endorsement deals with Ralph Lauren, BMW and Uber Eats, as well as The Weeknd for his latest album, the Billboard\u00a0200 No.\u00a01 Hurry Up Tomorrow<\/em>, and upcoming film of the same name. Plus, Sacks\u2019 department handles acquisitions by Live Nation, Sony Music, HYBE America and iHeartMedia, in addition to representing Atlantic CEO Elliot Grainge in transactions related to his 10K Projects\u2019 venture with Warner Music Group.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cTo develop the next generation of superstar artists and executives,\u201d Meiselas says.<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tThe firm of Grubman Shire Meiselas\u00a0& Sacks handled the legal work behind Lady Gaga\u2019s new album, MAYHEM<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJohn Shearer\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tJordan Gutglass
Evan Krauss
Daniel Shulman
Owen Sloane<\/strong>
Partners, Eisner<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tEisner represented Jon Batiste in the deal for the Grammy- and Academy Award-winning artist\u2019s first Jon Batiste Jazz Club, a 278-seat venue that opened in January at luxury resort Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas. Gutglass cites that deal, which allowed Eisner to \u201cleverage several practice areas,\u201d as a recent highlight for the firm. Eisner\u2019s clients also include PartyNextDoor, the Aaliyah estate, Leon Thomas, KATSEYE, Sofi Tukker, Boi-1da, Hype Williams, Matchbox Twenty and Ceremony of Roses.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cMusic\u2019s Promise encourages and empowers artists, music companies and executives to use their influence to support causes that are important to them,\u201d Gutglass says. \u201cFounded during the pandemic in 2020, Music\u2019s Promise recognized the unique position that the music industry had to create exciting ways to give back to its communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tPierre Hachar
<\/strong>Founder\/managing partner
<\/em>Cody Pellicer
<\/strong>General partner, The Hachar Law Group<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cWe successfully structured and closed a worldwide licensing agreement with Island Records and a publishing administration deal with Sony Publishing for Gigi Perez following the meteoric success of her hit \u2018Sailor Song,\u2019 which reached No.\u00a01 in the U.K. and charted globally,\u201d Hachar says of his firm\u2019s recent successes. The law group also represented Car\u00edn Le\u00f3n in his landmark global partnership with Virgin Music Group and Island Records, which bolstered the musician internationally, and works with Carlos Rivera, Justin Quiles, Alejandra Guzm\u00e1n, Chayanne, the Celia Cruz estate and HYBE Latin America, among others.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cBuilding careers rather than songs,\u201d Hachar says. \u201cWith so much emphasis on virality, the industry is too focused on finding the hit rather than building the artist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJoe Halbardier
<\/strong>Owner, Halbardier<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tIn 2024, Halbardier closed deals worth over $150\u00a0million for its clients, who range from T-Pain to Surfaces and \u00adGrupo Frontera, according to the firm. \u201cHighlights include advising T-Pain on the sale of a portion of his assets to HarbourView Equity Partners and Forrest Frank\u2019s breakout year as a solo artist,\u201d Halbardier says. While his clients continue to succeed, he points to ticket pricing as an ongoing \u201cfrustration\u201d for artists, their fans and the promoters. \u201cArtists want sellouts, fans want reasonable and transparent pricing and the promoters want to maximize their profits,\u201d Halbardier says. \u201cIf ticket sales have softened but promoters\u2019 profits have reached new levels, something isn\u2019t right.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cWe obviously have to protect our clients\u2019 creative works and copyrights, which so far the industry is doing a decent job of. The last thing we want is a flood of machine-made music flooding the market, so having strong guardrails in place is of utmost importance.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDavid L. Hecht
<\/strong>Managing partner, Hecht Partners<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tHecht was lead counsel for choreographer Kyle Hanagami in a landmark copyright infringement case against Epic Games. A federal appeals court issued a first-of-its-kind ruling on copyright protections for dance routines in favor of the celebrity choreographer who has worked with BTS, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber and Britney Spears. The firm won \u201can appeal in the Ninth Circuit that redefined the limits of protection for choreography in the era of \u2018short form\u2019 media and resulted in new law being established in the field,\u201d Hecht says. Hanagami ended the case in 2024 after reaching an out-of-court agreement with Epic Games.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe lack of diversity and inclusion in some parts of the industry, particularly in positions of power and decision-making. Women, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals still face significant barriers to equality in terms of recognition, opportunities and treatment within the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJonas Herbsman
<\/strong>Managing partner
<\/em>Dorothy Weber
Michael Frisch<\/strong>
Partners, Herbsman Hafer Weber & Frisch<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tHerbsman and partners \u2014 who represent clients including the Blue Note jazz clubs, Lenny Kravitz, Patti LaBelle, Judy Collins, Alice Coltrane, Foreigner, Art Garfunkel, Yoko Ono and the estates of John Lennon and Roberta Flack \u2014 worked \u201cextensively\u201d on the critically acclaimed 50th-anniversary box set of Lennon\u2019s 1973 album, Mind Games<\/em>, which arrived last July and, earlier this year, won the Grammy for best boxed or special limited-edition packaging. Frisch negotiated the music rights from labels for all of Garland Jeffreys\u2019 music for the documentary Garland Jeffreys: The King of In Between<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cI support Why Hunger, a charity \u00adfounded by the late [musician] Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayres,\u201d Herbsman says. \u201cI believe in their mission to end hunger by providing long-term solutions and helping communities address the root causes of hunger at a grassroots level.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tMichael Frisch of Herbsman Hafer Weber\u00a0& Frisch negotiated the music rights from labels for all of Garland Jeffreys\u2019 music for the award-winning documentary Garland Jeffreys: The King of In Between<\/em>, which portrays the underrecognized artist whom Bruce Springsteen called \u201cone of the American greats.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGie Knaeps\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tKen Hertz
<\/strong>Founding partner
<\/em>Jamie Young
Ed Bugge<\/strong>
Partners, Hertz Lichtenstein Young & Polk<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tHertz Lichtenstein Young & Polk\u2019s roster ranges from Apple Music, C\u00e9line Dion and Gwen Stefani to Herbie Hancock, H.E.R. and Stevie Nicks. While the firm declines to disclose specific deals, Hertz and Young explain that they are maintaining a close eye on the various unresolved copyright issues related to the exponential acceleration of AI platforms, for they believe the technology is here to stay and should be embraced with caution. \u201cThe U.K.\u2019s model to make licenses for data mining more available is the likely trend,\u201d Young says. \u201cBut, on the flip side, the rise of AI should create greater value in live experiences and support continued growth in the concert touring business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity we support:<\/strong> \u201cIn addition to directly supporting first responders and those affected by the wildfires, we strongly support the ACLU,\u201d Young says. \u201cThe work of the ACLU in the defense of constitutional rights has never been more important than today. Unfortunately, the Constitution\u2019s amendments cannot defend themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tLarry Iser
<\/strong>Managing partner
<\/em>Jon Steinsapir
<\/strong>Partner, Kinsella Holley Iser Kump Steinsapir<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe longtime attorneys for Michael Jackson\u2019s estate scored a California appellate court victory in August after what Iser calls a \u201ccontentious dispute\u201d with the late King of Pop\u2019s mother, Katherine Jackson. She had argued that the sale of half of Jackson\u2019s $1.2\u00a0billion catalog to Sony contradicted his will, which established a trust naming her and his children beneficiaries. The court determined that the will gave the executors \u201cbroad power of sale\u201d and that they did not violate the contract when they struck the deal with Sony to purchase half of the catalog for more than $600\u00a0million. The firm also represents Jackson Browne, Sofi Tukker, Del Records, Signature Tracks, the Ron Miller Songbook<\/em>, Roland, Spectrasonics and Third Side Music, among others.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cAlgorithms,\u201d Iser says.<\/p>\n

\n\tErin M. Jacobson
<\/strong>Founder\/owner, Erin M. Jacobson<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAs founder and owner of her own boutique music law firm, Jacobson says she handles legal matters for a slate of artists that include \u201cOscar-, Emmy-, Golden Globe- and \u00adGrammy-winning songwriters\u201d and \u201csongwriters and\/or artists of many Billboard<\/em> No.\u00a01 and top\u00a010 hits,\u201d as well as \u201cevergreen catalogs, iconic TV theme songs, celebrated holiday classics, a variety of 1950s and 1960s artists and other eminent songwriters.\u201d Recently, she has worked on complicated copyright termination projects for hit songs and a variety of sophisticated legacy and estate catalog issues. Though she does not disclose client names, she has negotiated \u201cfor large, multimillion-dollar catalog acquisitions, including acquisitions of writer\u2019s shares.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cUnfortunately, the overall issue of fair payment for creators persists.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDouglas L. Johnson
<\/strong>Managing partner
<\/em>Neville L. Johnson
<\/strong>Senior partner, Johnson & Johnson<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tJohnson\u00a0& Johnson recently settled a class action against Comedy Central for $11\u00a0million on behalf of artists who had been shortchanged millions of their SiriusXM royalties, according to the firm. It\u2019s also serving as lead counsel in a lawsuit filed by client Kobalt Music Publishing and other music companies against 14 NBA teams, alleging the basketball teams used songs by Migos, Britney Spears, Cardi\u00a0B, Jay-Z, Outkast, Justin Bieber, Meek Mill, Wiz Khalifa, Lizzo, DJ Khaled, John Legend and others in social media clips without permission, with 14 separate actions filed in federal court in New York.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity we support:<\/strong> \u201cWorld Vision because they support kids who live in poverty,\u201d Douglas says, \u201cand 87% of every dollar donated goes directly to the children or families in need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRusty Jones
<\/strong>Attorney, Law Office of Russell\u00a0A. Jones\u00a0Jr. and Associates<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tJones represents an array of artists including Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Tim McGraw and the estate of Country Music Hall of Famer Toby Keith, who died in 2024 from stomach cancer. Over the past year, Jones worked on the legal aspects involved in bringing the NBC TV special Toby Keith: American Icon<\/em> to music fans. The two-hour program, which aired in August and featured artists such as Jelly Roll, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson and Darius Rucker paying tribute to Keith, drew 4.7\u00a0million viewers, according to Nielsen. When it comes to AI, Jones advises: \u201cWatch out. It\u2019s too early to see where this is going.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cConsolidation. Labels, publishing. It\u2019s big guys gobbling up big guys right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tThe Nashville firm of Russell\u00a0A. Jones\u00a0Jr. and Associates represents the estate of Toby Keith and worked on the legal aspects involved in bringing the NBC TV special Toby Keith: American Icon<\/em> to music fans.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTim Mosenfelder\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tJoshua A. Kamen
<\/strong>Founder\/owner, The Law Offices of Joshua A. Kamen<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tKamen negotiated Teddy Swims\u2019 lucrative publishing administration deal with Warner Chappell Music following the success of his breakout hit, \u201cLose Control,\u201d which ruled the Hot\u00a0100 and was named the top Hot\u00a0100 song and top radio song at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards. Kamen even played the role of A&R executive when liaising between Teddy Swims and Giveon for their song, \u201cAre You Even Real.\u201d In addition to that pair of artists, Kamen represents talent including 6LACK, JT, Yung Miami, OZ and Cubeatz.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cToo many clearances, not enough lawyers. It feels like nearly every song these days has at least six writers and producers. And more often than not, these collaborators weren\u2019t in the room creating the song together and may not even know each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJason Karlov
<\/strong>Partner\/entertainment, media and sports practice group chair
<\/em>Brian Schall
Amanda Taber<\/strong>
Partners, Barnes & Thornburg<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tBarnes\u00a0& Thornburg represents clientele including Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, T\u00a0Bone Burnett, the NFL and the Grateful Dead\u2019s publishing company, Ice Nine. The firm also handled legal matters for the upcoming Bob Marley exhibit, \u201cHope Road,\u201d that is slated to open later this year at Las Vegas\u2019 Mandalay Bay and will offer fans an immersive experience celebrating the reggae legend\u2019s life and music.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cTake a wait-and-see approach if you can afford to do so, but if you can\u2019t wait, then strike while things are hot for the shortest term possible, the most money and preserve your future rights including post-term reversion rights,\u201d Karlov says. \u201cHow AI plays out will continue to evolve like many technologies we have seen historically in the music business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tPriyanka Khimani
<\/strong>Founder\/managing partner, Khimani & Associates<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tBased in Mumbai, India, Khimani advises companies such as Reservoir, Snap, Songtrader and GoldState Music, and artists including Academy Award-winning composer A.R.\u00a0Rahman; Canada\u2019s AP Dhillon, the first rapper of Indian origin signed to Republic Records; and Indian singer-songwriter Jasleen Royal, who opened for Coldplay in India. Among her recent achievements: \u201cWe advised and represented 13 leading independent artists and singer-songwriters in India, including Anuv Jain, on a strategic, first-of-its-kind partnership with Universal Music India.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cWe need an overhaul of the publishing and collection society ecosystem. [Performing rights organizations] were set up much before a thriving, fast-paced digital streaming era existed. Territorywise, negotiations or piecemeal clearance of rights ends up being needlessly time-consuming and expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tHoward King
Peter Paterno
Laurie Soriano
Joseph Carlone
Leslie Frank
Marjorie Garcia
Scott McDowell
Michael Rexford
Jacqueline Sabec<\/strong>
Partners, King Holmes Paterno & Soriano<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tClient Tyler, The Creator had a busy 2024. The artist\u2019s eighth album, Chromakopia<\/em>, ruled the Billboard\u00a0200 for three weeks, marking his third No.\u00a01 on the chart. Beyond his recorded-music success, King notes the firm \u201cnegotiated and papered all transactions\u201d for Tyler, including merchandise and video-game deals, his Golf Le\u00a0Fleur fashion line, 2025 world tour and festival Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, which celebrated its 10th edition in 2024. The company also represents Dr.\u00a0Dre, Metallica, Nicole Scherzinger, Twenty One Pilots, Van Morrison, Alanis Morissette, Sia, Frank Ocean, Ms.\u00a0Lauryn Hill, Carole King, blink-182 and the estate of Tupac Shakur.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity we support:<\/strong> \u201cMetallica\u2019s All Within My Hands Foundation,\u201d Paterno says, \u201cbecause Metallica is a very longtime and beloved client of ours and we fully believe in their foundation\u2019s laudable work in supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger and other critical civic issues.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRussell L. King
<\/strong>Director, King Law Firm<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tKing says that he provides \u201cthe tools that my non-U.S. clients need for live performances, from tax efficiency through prospective agreements with the IRS, help with visas and [navigating] sponsorship and endorsement deals.\u201d With a client list that includes Maluma, Juan Luis Guerra, Emilia, Quevedo, Melendi and Andr\u00e9s Cepeda, he has had no shortage of international travel to follow. Maluma\u2019s 2025 +Pretty\u00a0+Dirty tour dates span several continents, and Argentine artist Emilia has increased her time spent in the United States as part of her effort to globally expand.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThere has been a rise in lawsuits that allege that certain fundamental components and building blocks of music are in fact protected intellectual property. This has a stifling effect on creativity and needlessly bogs down musicians in energy-sapping litigation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tChristiane Kinney
<\/strong>President, Kinney Law<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAs an attorney specializing in copyright and intellectual property law, Kinney has spent the last year and a half ensuring \u201cour clients retain control over their works, as well as their name, image, unique vocal features and likeness, building in strong contractual protections against the use of AI and fighting back against deepfakes and other technological abuses.\u201d Although Kinney declines to reveal her firm\u2019s client list, she says that handling \u201cmusic catalog sales, termination of transfer rights and negotiating deals and partnerships with companies and brands who have a forward-thinking mindset that values artists\u201d are among her recent achievements.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cI co-founded a nonprofit organization called Hearts Giving Hope Foundation in 2002, which is dedicated to improving the lives of abused and underprivileged children by providing them with positive outlets of self-expression and growth through music and visual arts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMark Krais
Simon Goodbody<\/strong>
Partners, Bray & Krais<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tKrais and Goodbody, who represent such iconic British acts as The Rolling Stones and Elton John along with younger ones like Skepta, Ed Sheeran and Mumford\u00a0& Sons, have been involved in one of the live sector\u2019s biggest recent stories: the Oasis reunion tour, which is set to play more than 40 dates across four continents when it begins later this year. The two lawyers negotiated the necessary paperwork and agreements for the band\u2019s notoriously at-odds Gallagher brothers, paving the way for their first shows together since 2009.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cGet involved,\u201d Goodbody says. \u201cThe voices of artists and creators are crucial for the debate as we try and navigate what we want the future of AI \u2014 and music \u2014 to look like and what limits we should place on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDina LaPolt
<\/strong>Founder
<\/em>Lindsay Arrington
Dominic Chaklos
Mariah Comer<\/strong>
Partners, LaPolt Law<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tLaPolt expanded her reach this year with the launch of LaPolt Media, a company focused on content production, but the powerhouse attorney says that her firm remains her \u201cfirst passion and first priority.\u201d Though LaPolt Law declines to cite specific cases for confidentiality reasons, its clients include Cardi\u00a0B, 21\u00a0Savage, deadmau5, Steven Tyler, Mary\u00a0J. Blige and Tinashe. \u201cOur firm continues to be at the forefront of major industry negotiations, policy advocacy and high-profile legal matters that shape the future of music and artists\u2019 rights,\u201d LaPolt says.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe further consolidation of the music business and the political massacre\u201d of diversity, equity and inclusion, LaPolt says. \u201cAs companies scale back or eliminate [DEI] initiatives, we\u2019re seeing a disproportionate impact on women and people of color \u2014 many of whom are the first to be laid off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tShay M. Lawson
<\/strong>Managing attorney, Law Firm of Lawson McKinley<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tLawson McKinley remains a choice firm among R&B and hip-hop artists, representing clients ranging from Offset and Xscape to producers Henny Tha Bizness (Kendrick Lamar, Jeezy, Chris Brown) and Groove (Mustard, Smino, Anwar Carrots). The team oversaw the legal aspects of Xscape\u2019s co-headlining Queens of R&B Tour with SWV, which featured special guests MYA, 702 and Total. Despite the tour\u2019s success, Lawson points to \u201cthe harm to consumers and artists from ticketing bots and inflated secondary-market prices\u201d as a major issue facing the music industry.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cAI has as many opportunities as it does challenges. Go take advantage of the exciting opportunities. Let the lawyers handle the challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tBill Leibowitz
<\/strong>Founder\/partner, William R. Leibowitz Law Group<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe Leibowitz Law Group assisted in the transactions that resulted in the publicly held Hipgnosis Songs Fund going private. \u201cSince I had represented the public Hipgnosis company in the negotiation and drafting of almost all of its intellectual property acquisition agreements, I had intimate knowledge of the agreements and the background and dynamics of their negotiation,\u201d Leibowitz says. Blackstone completed its $1.6\u00a0billion acquisition of Hipgnosis in July. The firm\u2019s other notable clients include rock bands INXS, Iron Maiden and Of Mice\u00a0& Men, as well as Global Merchandising Services.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cFor recording artists, it will be achieving success \u2014 either by virtue of victories in the federal courts or by amendment of current copyright statutes \u2014 that will establish their right to terminate a record company\u2019s ownership of U.S. rights in the artists\u2019 master recordings pursuant to Section 203 of the U.S. Copyright Act.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tKent Marcus
<\/strong>Owner\/partner, Marcus & Colvin<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tMarcus represents Lainey Wilson, whose recent accolades include the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards for entertainer of the year and female artist of the year, the 2024 Country Music Association Award for female vocalist of the year and the 2024 Grammy for best country album. His client roster also boasts Kings of Leon and Charley Crockett, while his partner, Jeff Colvin, represents 2024 best new artist Grammy nominees Noah Kahan and The War and Treaty. Colvin played \u201can integral part of renegotiating Kahan\u2019s recording agreement with Republic Records,\u201d says Marcus, who also counseled Kings of Leon when the band transitioned to Capitol Records and Crockett as he signed his first major-label deal with Island Records.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity we support:<\/strong> \u201cThe Busyhead Project, a mental health initiative founded by Noah Kahan, and the Out of the Woods Foundation, founded by Jeff Colvin and his wife to fund the recovery and rehabilitation of children who have sustained brain and spinal cord injuries.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDoug Mark
<\/strong>Founding partner
<\/em>David Ferreria
Leon Morabia
Harry Roberts
Jared Tankel<\/strong>
Partners, Mark Music & Media Law<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tMark Music\u00a0& Media Law has recently helped several clients leverage music stardom into lucrative opportunities outside of the industry. Morabia cites three examples of the firm\u2019s negotiating prowess: a deal with Pepsi for rapper Ice Spice to appear in the brand\u2019s 2024 Super Bowl commercial; a contract with Harper Collins for Benny Blanco\u2019s cookbook, which entered The New York Times<\/em>\u2019 bestsellers list; and the agreements for the production and theatrical release of Laufey\u2019s A Night at the Symphony: Live at the Hollywood Bowl<\/em>. The firm also represents Amy Allen, Guns\u00a0N\u2019 Roses and The Chainsmokers, among others.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cGreat music has a unique, intangible quality that no algorithm can replicate,\u201d Morabia says, \u201cand that authenticity will always cut through the noise.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tMark Music\u00a0& Media Law negotiated a deal with Pepsi for rapper Ice Spice to appear in the brand\u2019s latest Super Bowl commercial.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTheo Wargo\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tBenjamin Marks
<\/strong>Partner\/head of intellectual property and media practice
<\/em>Todd Larson
<\/strong>Partner, intellectual property and media practice, Weil Gotshal & Manges<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tLined up against SoundExchange and the major labels, Weil Gotshal\u00a0& Manges represents SiriusXM and Pandora in the Copyright Royalty Board\u2019s Web\u00a0VI proceeding, which will set statutory noninteractive streaming rates for the next five years with hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties at stake. Larson and Marks also work with Meta, Spotify, TuneCore, the North American Concert Promoters Association and more as clients. Larson adds that \u201chow to promote competitive markets and competitive-market outcomes for licensing music rights from record companies, music publishers and their respective collecting societies\u201d is a major issue facing the industry, the result \u201cof which is stifling growth and innovation throughout the music ecosystem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cUnfortunately, it\u2019s still wait and see,\u201d Larson says, \u201cbut as courts start deciding the fair-use questions at the root of the many pending cases, the legal picture will clear up significantly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tGavin Maude
<\/strong>Partner\/head of music
<\/em>Chris Gossage
Simon Jordan
Ryan Vince<\/strong>
Partners, Russells<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tRussells represents leading companies including Universal Music Group, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music and Primary Wave; top artists such as The Weeknd, Roger Waters and Lana Del Rey; and four of the five 2025 BRIT Awards best new artist nominees. In the past year, the firm\u2019s business included advising Coldplay on its Music of the Spheres<\/em> tour, which set a record in January for the largest stadium shows of the 21st century with two concerts in India. It also worked with Sony Music Publishing on the acquisition of Tame Impala\u2019s catalog.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cUnpredictable financial markets, inflation rates and a significant increase in red tape in crossing borders in mainland Europe have led to persistent increases in the costs of global touring,\u201d Jordan says. \u201cCoupled with the fact that fans are saving their money to go to fewer but [more expensive] events, it is harder and harder for artists to tour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tEd McPherson
<\/strong>Partner, McPherson<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWith more than 40 years of experience, McPherson has built a notable client list that includes Kelly Clarkson, Travis Scott, Linkin Park, Justin Timberlake, Tool and Bret Michaels. Most recently, McPherson has worked to protect his clients from their own managers. \u201cWe continue to be vigilant about protecting artists\u2019 rights against managers that blatantly violate the Talent Agencies Act, seeking commissions for entire tours that they unlawfully procure or seeking commissions in perpetuity,\u201d he says. The managers keep filing de\u00a0novos, a challenge of an arbitration award or a previous court\u2019s decision, after the artist prevails at the California Labor Commission, \u201conly to get the same result in [the state] Superior Court.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tCharities I support:<\/strong> \u201cPlanned Parenthood, because they do good, essential work for people that really need them. Wounded Warriors, because they do good, essential work for people that really need them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tLouis \u201cSkip\u201d Miller
Sasha Frid<\/strong>
Partners, Miller Barondess<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tMiller Barondess represents M\u00f6tley Cr\u00fce, Logic, Azealia Banks, Gavin Rossdale and Big Time Rush, and Frid cites recent court victories including securing a confidential settlement for business manager Thomas St.\u00a0John against Ye for breach of a business management agreement. The firm also won a federal jury defense verdict while representing William \u201cSmokey\u201d Robinson, whose former manager had sued the Motown legend for breach of contract and alleged commissions due from the artist\u2019s concerts and tours. Also in the win column: another verdict in favor of music technology firm Virtual Sonics against former investors seeking millions of dollars.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cMarketing, promotion and artist development,\u201d Frid says. \u201cGetting your label and manager to put you on the right track.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMike Milom
David Crow<\/strong>
Members, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe company represents an array of clients such as Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Scotty McCreery, Carly Pearce, Emmylou Harris, Alabama, Lindsay Ell, Ricky Skaggs and Keith Urban. Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan still represents both buyers and sellers in catalog sales, as well as in new artist signings and joint ventures, in addition to sponsorship and endorsement activities as the firm\u2019s clients team with various brands. With labels \u201cno longer performing many of the traditional artist-development activities as they have in the past,\u201d Milom says the responsibility has fallen to publishers and managers. \u201cThis, in turn,\u201d he adds, \u201chas impacted deal structures, and newer deals often won\u2019t support labels sticking with a new artist for multiple releases.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cRecalibrating,\u201d Milom says.<\/p>\n

\n\tCarron Joan Mitchell
Farrah Usmani<\/strong>
Partners, Nixon Peabody<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tMitchell and Usmani had their hands full in 2024. Mitchell handled all legal matters for breakout R&B star Brent Faiyaz, including the launch of his creative agency, ISO Supremacy, and Vince Staples relied on him for business such as the release of his final album with Def Jam, Dark Times<\/em>, and his Netflix series, The Vince Staples Show<\/em>, which was picked up for a second season. Usmani addresses all business affairs for Russian group Pussy Riot in North America and attended to legal needs for Rainbow Kitten Surprise, including the renegotiation of the band\u2019s publishing partnership with Kobalt Music.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cGirls Write Nashville is a 501(c)(3) that provides after-school music education to kids in the Nashville metro area,\u201d Usmani says. \u201cI support them because they empower young songwriters to find their voice, build confidence and express themselves through music in a supportive community.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tAttorney Carron Joan Mitchell has handled legal matters for Brent Faiyaz, including the launch of his creative agency, ISO Supremacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlena Zakirova\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tZia Modabber
<\/strong>Managing partner of the California offices\/chair of entertainment and media litigation, Katten<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tModabber\u2019s clients include Live Nation, the Michael Jackson estate, Andr\u00e9 3000, Stevie Wonder and Trent Reznor, whom Modabber represents \u201cacross all of his projects,\u201d including Nine Inch Nails and its 2025 tour and Reznor\u2019s acclaimed and award-winning film and TV score work. In January, Reznor and Atticus Ross won their third Golden Globe for best original score for the film Challengers<\/em>, while Nine Inch Nails is scoring the upcoming Disney film TRON: Ares<\/em>. \u201cOur work also includes [Reznor\u2019s] nascent production company, With Teeth,\u201d Modabber adds.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cKnow your rights when it comes to right of publicity and name\/image\/likeness. There are new laws in California, Tennessee and elsewhere regarding right of publicity, unauthorized digital replicas and deepfakes and AI.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJeffrey Movit
<\/strong>Partner\/head of litigation, ChaudhryLaw<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tIn January, Movit\u2019s clients Artist Partner Group, Artist Publishing Group and Release Global launched a copyright infringement action against Create Music Group and its affiliates, accusing the company of uploading and monetizing songs without holding the proper ownership rights. Additionally, the suit alleges that CMG has interfered with artists\u2019 established contracts. \u201cOur complaint demonstrates that APG will aggressively protect its contracts and copyrights,\u201d Movit said in a statement at the time. (CMG has disputed the claims.) Other clients include Ronald Isley, Dr.\u00a0Luke, Polo\u00a0G, Ultra International Music Publishing and Playboi Carti, whose album MUSIC<\/em> earned 30 simultaneous entries on the Hot\u00a0100 and debuted atop the Billboard\u00a0200 in March.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cKeep up with the latest developments because the landscape is constantly shifting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAndrew Myers
<\/strong>Principal\/CEO
<\/em>Peter Button
Berkeley Edwards
Alastair Kenwood
Nicky Stein
Victoria Wood<\/strong>
Principals, Clintons<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAs Charli\u00a0xcx romped through 2024 \u2014 earning six Hot\u00a0100 hits from her brat album and remix sequel brat and it\u2019s completely different but also still brat that featured collaborations with Robyn, Lorde, Kesha and Sweat tourmate Troye Sivan, among others \u2014 Clintons was \u201cintricately involved in the negotiation and structuring of all of the global branding and sponsorship deals\u201d that accompanied the album, according to Edwards. Charli is just one of the firm\u2019s high-flying clients, who also include Chappell Roan, The Who, The Cure, The Jam\u2019s Paul Weller, Radiohead, The 1975, Daft Punk, Fred again.., Lewis Capaldi, Stereophonics and Barry Can\u2019t Swim.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity we support:<\/strong> \u201cAs a firm, we support different charities each year,\u201d Edwards says. \u201cI personally am a trustee for the National Foundation of Youth Music, which supports music education in disadvantaged communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAliya Nelson
<\/strong>Partner
<\/em>Sandra Brown
Alan Clarke
Jerry Juste<\/strong>
Of counsel, Greenspoon Marder<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tIn negotiations handled by Clarke, Greenspoon Marder represented boutique music rights investment company MusicBird in its latest portfolio expansion that covered mixing and neighboring rights. The acquisition marked MusicBird\u2019s sixth investment since 2021, expanding its portfolio to more than 1,500 songs across 70 different artists with a catalog that boasts album sales of over 50\u00a0million units globally, according to the firm, including collaborations with acts such as Jason Derulo, OneRepublic and One Direction. Greenspoon Marder also represents Durand Bernarr\u2019s DSing Records, Akon and Jermaine Dupri, among others.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cFair compensation for artists in the streaming era,\u201d Clarke says. \u201cTo address this challenge, it would require an industrywide collaboration to create a more equitable revenue model to ensure artists are being fairly compensated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMatt Oppenheim
<\/strong>Co-founding partner\/managing partner
<\/em>Scott Zebrak
<\/strong>Co-founding partner
<\/em>Jeff Gould
Alexander Kaplan<\/strong>
Partners, Oppenheim + Zebrak<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tTwo years after music publishers including Universal Music Group, Concord Music Group and ABKCO (all Oppenheim\u00a0+ Zebrak clients) filed a complaint against Anthropic over the unlawful use of lyrics to train its AI models, a judge approved an agreement in January saying Anthropic must maintain existing guardrails to train future AI models and music publishers may intervene when they suspect copyright infringement. But in March, the court declined the publishers\u2019 request for an injunction that would have immediately blocked Anthropic from using copyrighted lyrics to train said models, saying the music companies could not show that they faced the kind of \u201cirreparable harm\u201d necessary to win such a drastic remedy.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cAfter years of efforts to build a sustainable and profitable streaming business,\u201d Oppenheim says, \u201cwe are now seeing numerous efforts to improperly divert streaming payments from the legitimate music industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tEd Pagano
<\/strong>Partner
<\/em>Casey Higgins
<\/strong>Senior counsel, Akin Gump<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAs the top lawyers for the National Independent Venue Association and the Fix the Tix Coalition, Higgins and Pagano have been working on both state and federal legislation to repair the ticket-buying experience for fans and combat scalpers. Last year, Fix the Tix worked closely with a bipartisan coalition of members of both chambers of Congress, along with artists like Chappell Roan, to introduce the Fans First Act. They argue that FFA is a stronger version of the TICKET Act, which Higgins and Pagano also led negotiations for and became the first ticketing-reform legislation to pass either chamber of Congress when the House of Representatives voted in favor of it in May 2024.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cVenues and artists continue to face a complex set of challenges causing economic strain that threatens the independent music ecosystem,\u201d Higgins says. \u201cIf venues can\u2019t afford to operate and artists can\u2019t afford to tour, what are the alternatives?\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tLulu M. Pantin
<\/strong>Partner, Loop Legal<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe firm\u2019s clients include artists Thundercat and Flying Lotus, producer Trackside, artist-songwriter Georgia Ku and multi-instrumentalist\/singer Pedro Martins, as well as athletes, music festivals, art galleries and executives. \u201cWe treat catalogs as family heirlooms,\u201d Pantin says. \u201cEach heirloom receives white-glove service, with a strategy uniquely tailored to the family\u2019s goals. It is reminiscent of my first job in music working on the Jim Morrison, Rick James, Janis Joplin and Tupac Shakur estates, where I learned art\u2019s impact and value can be perpetual. Work like this furthers our mission to make music a sustainable asset.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cSexual misconduct and exploitation. #MeToo did not improve the music community. Violent offenders continue to be nominated for \u2014 and win \u2014 Grammy Awards. I am alarmed by how many victims I\u2019ve encountered while working on routine entertainment transactions.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDon Passman
Ethan Schiffres<\/strong>
Partners<\/em>
Gene Salomon
<\/strong>Managing partner, Gang Tyre Ramer Brown & Passman<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tLast fall, client Taylor Swift wrapped her 149-date, two-year The Eras Tour, reportedly earning more than $2\u00a0billion \u2014 and fellow client P!nk concluded her 18-month Summer Carnival tour, which, with nearly $700\u00a0million grossed, became the second-highest-grossing tour in history among women, behind only Swift\u2019s multibillion-dollar juggernaut. The Beverly Hills firm also oversaw Randy Newman\u2019s October sale of his share of his recorded-music and publishing rights to Litmus Music. \u201cRandy\u2019s a national treasure,\u201d Salomon says. That deal followed client Neil Finn of Crowded House and Split Enz selling his publishing catalog to Primary Wave in April 2024.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cExciting,\u201d Salomon says. \u201cThere\u2019s so much opportunity right now. The business has found its footing after a number of years of difficult times.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tGang Tyre Ramer Brown & Passman oversaw Randy Newman\u2019s sale in October of his share of his recorded-music and publishing rights to Litmus Music.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTim Mosenfelder\/WireImage<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tRoger L. Patton
<\/strong>Founder\/principal, Law Offices of Roger L. Patton<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tPatton \u2014 whose clients include Africa Creative Agency, Grammy-winning South African star Tyla and producers RoccStar (Chris Brown), Bankroll Got It (Megan Thee Stallion, Latto) and Nick Lee (Ariana Grande, Lil Nas\u00a0X) \u2014 says he \u201crecently structured a label distribution deal\u201d for Africa Creative Agency\u2019s new record label, Exodus Records. \u201cThe mission of Exodus Records is to dispel the notion that Afrobeats is the only genre of music from Africa,\u201d Patton says. \u201cThey are dedicated to introducing the world to myriad African musical genres including African hip-hop, R&B, neo-soul, kwaito<\/em>, Afro house, amapiano<\/em>, Afro-fusion and more.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe devaluation of music by the streaming platforms \u2014 paying minuscule fractions of pennies for streams. While streaming has revolutionized access to music, it has drastically reduced the economic value of recorded music, making it nearly impossible for new artists to sustain themselves without big-brand deals or touring.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMichael Perlstein
Robert Lieberman<\/strong>
Partners, Fischbach Perlstein Lieberman & Almond<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tOver the past year, Fischbach Perlstein Lieberman\u00a0& Almond oversaw the sale of music catalogs to BMG and peermusic and the acquisition of catalogs for GoDigital and parent company Cinq Recordings; those deals totaled over $100\u00a0million. And although client Bob Dylan joined TikTok this year \u2014 debuting with a single post in January that urged potential followers to \u201cexplore the world of Bob Dylan, now on TikTok\u201d \u2014 Lieberman says that social media stats have become too prominent in the modern industry. \u201cWithout social media numbers, it is impossible for talented new recording artists to get noticed,\u201d he says. \u201cTalent is talent, which may not be reflected in their social media numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice for AI now:<\/strong> \u201cDo not grant your name and likeness rights in connection with artificial intelligence creation of your songs or recordings,\u201d Lieberman says.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdrian Perry
<\/strong>Partner\/co-chair of entertainment and media industry group\/co-chair of music industry group
<\/em>Neema Sahni
<\/strong>Partner\/co-chair of entertainment and media industry group\/co-chair of music industry group\/co-chair of commercial litigation practice
<\/em>Jonathan Sperling
<\/strong>Partner\/chair of music industry group
<\/em>Phillip Hill
<\/strong>Special counsel, Covington & Burling<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe firm represents industry leaders like Sony Music Entertainment and BMI and represented Vice President Kamala Harris in music-related matters during her presidential bid, including the licensing of Beyonc\u00e9\u2019s anthemic \u201cFreedom\u201d for the candidate\u2019s campaign launch announcement. The firm also represents companies on the vanguard of AI, like Jen Music AI and Image-Line Software. \u201cAI isn\u2019t going anywhere, and like other technological advances, the industry should seek to harness it,\u201d Perry says. \u201cStaying on the sidelines will not ease anyone\u2019s fears or allow the industry to take advantage of the benefits of these innovations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity we support:<\/strong> \u201cWe represent the Rock and Soul Forever Foundation, a charity founded by \u2018Little Steven\u2019 Van Zandt of The E\u00a0Street Band,\u201d Perry says. \u201cIt seeks to integrate music and music history into school curricula to make learning more accessible and relevant, which is something we really enjoy supporting as pro bono counsel.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tCovington & Burling represents the Rock and Soul Forever Foundation, a charity founded by \u201cLittle Steven\u201d Van Zandt of The E\u00a0Street Band that includes TeachRock.org, a curriculum that uses music to help students from kindergarten through 12th grade in all academic disciplines.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTaylor Hill\/WireImage<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tDaniel Petrocelli
<\/strong>Trial practice chair\/firm vice chair
<\/em>David Marroso
<\/strong>General litigation practice chair
<\/em>Leah Godesky
<\/strong>Partner
<\/em>Terrence Dugan
<\/strong>Of counsel, O\u2019Melveny & Myers<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tO\u2019Melveny\u00a0& Myers represents the performing rights company Global Music Rights, \u201cthe innovative startup that advocates for composers such as Bruno Mars, Don Henley, Lizzo, Bad Bunny, Nicki Minaj, Bruce Springsteen, Gwen Stefani and Harry Styles,\u201d Petrocelli says. In January 2024, GMR filed a copyright lawsuit against Vermont Broadcast Associates, a Vermont-based group of seven radio stations, for allegedly playing 66 songs in the GMR catalog since 2017 without a license, amounting to 1,600 violations of copyright law. In April, GMR and VBA reached an agreement that includes a long-term GMR license, as well as settlement of past alleged infringements.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cProtection of artists and their rights is and will always be the most paramount issue in the music industry,\u201d Petrocelli says. \u201cWithout the blood, sweat and tears and creative brilliance of artists, there would be no music.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tTabetha D. Plummer
<\/strong>Founder\/CEO, Plummer Law Group; co-founder\/partner, Plummer Carlyle Williams<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tPlummer cites the \u201cpowerful and strategic merger\u201d of her Plummer Law Group with Carlyle Legal and Group\u00a01 Law as a recent professional milestone \u201ccombining decades of expertise in sports, entertainment, intellectual property and corporate law.\u201d Clients include Grammy winner and Super Bowl LIX performer Ledisi, Emmy-winning music director Adam Blackstone and former NFL star\/Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders. \u201cThis groundbreaking partnership creates a full-service legal powerhouse designed to offer a broader, more dynamic platform, deliver innovative strategies and provide next-level client service,\u201d Plummer says.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe introduction of new technology resulting in a drastic decline in sales and revenue distribution for music creators \u2014 artists, producers and songwriters, [as well as] job layoffs throughout a once thriving and very lucrative industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMichael Poster
<\/strong>Partner\/music acquisitions and financing chair, Michelman & Robinson<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe firm\u2019s client GoldState Music acquired portfolios of music publishing and recorded-music royalty income streams from music asset investment firms CatchPoint Rights and AMR Songs. Both deals employed a structure adapted from private equity exit transactions, \u201cwhich is rarely used in the music industry,\u201d Poster says. \u201cThis required a knowledge of music rights, corporate structure and the methods used in other industries to sell these types of portfolios of rights in an efficient manner.\u201d The CatchPoint portfolio includes stakes in Ye\u2019s \u201cFlashing Lights\u201d (featuring Dwele) and Sheryl Crow\u2019s \u201cIf It Makes You Happy.\u201d Meanwhile, the AMR catalog includes John Sebastian\u2019s writer\u2019s share of the Lovin\u2019 Spoonful tracks \u201cSummer in the City,\u201d \u201cDaydream\u201d and \u201cDo You Believe in Magic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tCharities I support:<\/strong> \u201cCity Harvest, The Trevor Project, the Environmental Defense Fund, Doctors Without Borders and my alma mater, the University of Massachusetts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tEdwin J. Prado
<\/strong>Founder, Prado Law Offices<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tPrado\u2019s client roster includes Puerto Rican stars Don Omar, MC Ceja, Darell, Anuel\u00a0AA and Bryant Myers, whom he has represented in various capacities. Most recently, he negotiated deals with Kobalt for producer HYDRO (Bad Bunny, Eladio Carri\u00f3n), songwriter-\u00adproducer Angel Sandoval (Peso Pluma, Grupo Firme) and producer-composer BASSY (Eladio Carri\u00f3n). Two high-profile criminal cases have been on his docket in the last year: He successfully defended Puerto Rican rapper CDobleta, helping him obtain the dismissal of weapon charges, and is representing the artist in a federal capital murder case. Prado also represented record executive-producer Raphy Pina, who was released from prison last year, in his criminal case for gun possession and his appellate process.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cTransformative. This term encapsulates the dynamic and evolving nature of the music industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tGregor Pryor
<\/strong>Managing partner, Europe and Middle East
<\/em>Steve Sessa
<\/strong>Partner\/co-chair of the entertainment and media industry group
<\/em>Josh Love
Eric Marder
Ed Shapiro<\/strong>
Partners, Reed Smith<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tReed Smith counts among its A-list clients Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Bon Jovi, The Smashing Pumpkins, Korn, Kesha, Lil Uzi\u00a0Vert, John Summit, Kaskade, Fatboy Slim, Concord, Sony, Lyric, Kobalt, Hipgnosis, Litmus, Iconic, Seeker, Roc Nation, Amazon Music, SoundCloud, YouTube, Firebird and BandLab. \u201cGiven the breadth and scope of our practice,\u201d Sessa says, \u201cthe biggest legal issue involving our firm is maintaining a neutral position to advise clients on all sides of the AI debate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cBe cautious when using AI tools in your creative process,\u201d Sessa says. \u201cAI-generated content is likely to be considered copyright-free and in the public domain, which can make works that incorporate it unprotectable. While the legal framework is still developing, the current reality presents significant risks for artists and rights holders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tWilliam T. \u201cBill\u201d Ramsey
Mariam Stockton<\/strong>
Partners, Neal & Harwell<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tRamsey and Stockton work with some of country music\u2019s biggest names, including Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift and Tanya Tucker. One of their biggest recent victories came in January 2024, when charges of assault and resisting arrest against client Chris Young after an alleged altercation at a bar were dismissed. \u201cWe were pleased that the baseless charges against our client were dismissed, reaffirming that our client should never have been arrested in the first place,\u201d Ramsey says. The firm also aided in the negotiation of recording contracts for two country acts and took action against stalkers of high-profile artists.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cI am concerned that the use of AI will \u2018homogenize\u2019 music,\u201d Ramsey says. \u201cI feel that my clients should focus on being innovative and explore new creative opportunities. The best defense is to focus on the human and empathetic side of music.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRollin Ransom
Matthew Thompson<\/strong>
Co-leaders of entertainment, sports and media group, Sidley Austin<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSidley Austin represented a sponsor consortium comprising global asset manager DWS Group and investor and manager of niche media music rights Cutting Edge Group in the creation of a joint venture with Warner Bros. Discovery. The transaction is \u201cone of the largest and highest-\u00advalued music rights deals ever executed, covering almost a century\u2019s worth of music copyrights,\u201d Thompson says, adding that the firm advised on all aspects of the transaction, including asset acquisition\/contribution regarding the partnership. The joint venture involves over 400,000 iconic film\/TV songs from such entities as DC\u00a0Comics movies and the Harry Potter<\/em> and Lord of the Rings<\/em> franchises.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cMonetization of music assets on subscription platforms at fair and equitable rates for all parties involved,\u201d Thompson says, \u201cincluding artists, labels, consumers and platforms themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tBerkeley Reinhold
<\/strong>Owner, Reinhold Global<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tReinhold\u2019s range of expertise is as varied as her clientele, with her Reinhold Global firm representing major names in touring, entertainment and sports including Wrexham, Magnus Media, Tuff Gong Worldwide, Marc Anthony, Ziggy Marley and Thievery Corporation. Client Live Nation had another record year in 2024 with $23.2\u00a0\u00adbillion in revenue, while festival client Lollapalooza broke its attendance record for the largest day crowd ever in the event\u2019s 30-plus-year history with Chappell Roan\u2019s performance. Over the past year, Reinhold and her firm have been combating the exploitation of name, image and likeness rights for college athletes in the age of AI and holograms.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cClimate change. This brings about not only unpredictable weather patterns but also poor air quality, disrupted utilities and the spread of infectious diseases, all of which have a substantial impact on the concert business.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdam Ritholz
<\/strong>Founder\/managing partner
<\/em>Jeff Levy
Chip Petree<\/strong>
Partners, Ritholz Levy Fields<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tRitholz Levy Fields manages a diverse portfolio of clients, including Grammy Award winners Chris Stapleton and Maxwell and video-game publishers Rockstar and 2K. Last year, the firm notched several key wins, representing Cyndi Lauper, in a transaction with Swedish entertainment company Pophouse covering her music assets and the creation of a joint venture for the exploitation of her music and name, image and likeness, and Concord Music Group, as the indie music giant acquired parts of Daddy Yankee\u2019s music publishing and recorded-music catalog. The latter deal encompasses certain rights to the reggaet\u00f3n superstar\u2019s songs including \u201cCon Coma\u201d and his rights as an artist on \u201cDespacito.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cFor our artist clients, put it out of your mind,\u201d Ritholz says. \u201cWrite, perform and record the music that comes through you. AI is irrelevant to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tRitholz Levy Fields represented Cyndi Lauper in a deal with Swedish entertainment company Pophouse, which included her music assets and the creation of a joint venture for the exploitation of her music and name, image and likeness.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRiver Callaway for Variety<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tCarlos Rodr\u00edguez-Feliz
<\/strong>Managing partner, RodFel Law<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tRodFel Law \u201cwas involved in the negotiation for Young Miko\u2019s U.S. tour with Live Nation [and] her Coachella performance, among others,\u201d says Rodr\u00edguez-Feliz, whose current clients also include RaiNao, ROA and Villano Antillano. Following Young Miko\u2019s Coachella debut, the Puerto Rican star launched her 2024 XOXO Tour throughout the United States. \u201cWe played 40 minutes\u201d when touring in 2023, Young Miko told Billboard<\/em> for her September cover story. \u201cNow I\u2019m onstage for two hours. Our crew was like 10 people; now it\u2019s more than 50 of us. Everything has multiplied.\u201d Her album att.<\/em>, released last year, reached No.\u00a09 on Top Latin Albums.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cIt is a very useful tool to incorporate if used properly. Always be mindful and respectful of other creators\u2019 rights when using AI.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tBobby Rosenbloum
<\/strong>Chairman of global entertainment and media practice
<\/em>Jonathan Koby
<\/strong>Shareholder of global entertainment and media practice
<\/em>Jeff Biederman
Steve Plinio
Charmaine Smith
<\/strong>Shareholders of entertainment and media practice
<\/em>Paul Schindler
<\/strong>Senior chair of New York entertainment and media practice
<\/em>Jess Rosen
<\/strong>Co-chairman of Atlanta entertainment and media practice
<\/em>Jay Cooper
<\/strong>Shareholder\/founder of Los Angeles entertainment, Greenberg Traurig<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tIn October, the Recording Academy announced that beginning in 2027, after 50-plus years on CBS, the Grammys ceremony will call ABC and fellow Walt Disney\u00a0Co. properties Disney+ and Hulu home \u2014 a historic agreement Greenberg Traurig helped facilitate. \u201cWe led the negotiations on behalf of the Recording Academy for its unprecedented 10-year global television and media rights deal with Disney and ABC Television,\u201d says Rosenbloum, whose firm represents Katy Perry, George Strait and the Miles Davis estate, among others. \u201cThis landmark agreement is one of the largest non-sports television deals of all time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe increasing fragmentation of rights, particularly when considering the rise of international music platforms, makes it increasingly difficult for new offerings to launch,\u201d Rosenbloum says. \u201cThis, in turn, serves as an inhibiting factor to growth and expansion of the market, limiting revenue opportunities for music creators.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tOswaldo Rossi
<\/strong>Founder\/managing partner
<\/em>John Baldivia
Pamela Klein
Gary Fine<\/strong>
Partners, Rossi Baldivia Klein Fine & Spector<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe attorneys of Rossi Baldivia Klein Fine\u00a0& Spector recently managed Karol\u00a0G\u2019s high-stakes deals, including a lucrative merchandise arrangement with Bravado and a collaboration with Coke Studio that resulted in billboards in Japan featuring the Colombian star. The firm secured an extension of the publishing administration agreement for Peso Pluma and George Prajin\u2019s Double\u00a0P Records with Downtown Music Publishing that includes work from Peso, as well as Tito Double\u00a0P, Jasiel Nu\u0144ez and Estevan Plazola, and it also worked on Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean\u2019s 2024 Reflexa<\/em> tour that ran through the United States and Mexico. Additional clients include artists such as Rauw Alejandro and executives such as Rimas Records founder Noah Assad and Rancho Humilde founder Jimmy Humilde.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cCon Cora,\u201d Baldivia says, \u201cKarol\u00a0G\u2019s foundation for empowering women.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tPaul Rothenberg
Jeremy Mohr
Josh Binder<\/strong>
Founding partners, Rothenberg Mohr & Binder<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThe firm played a pivotal role in orchestrating SZA\u2019s appearance during Kendrick Lamar\u2019s Super Bowl LIX halftime show that drew a record-breaking 133.5\u00a0million viewers, according to Apple Music and the NFL. It also worked with Doechii to secure her February performance at the Grammys, where she became only the third woman in history to win best rap album for her breakout mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cI\u2019m conflicted, as I believe songwriting and recording are sacred human art forms and the intellectual property rights of creators must be protected at all costs. But I\u2019ve seen what happens when our business ignores or attempts to completely kill new technologies, and it\u2019s not pretty,\u201d Mohr says. \u201cThis genie is not going back in the bottle. My advice is [to] embrace and find ways to use technology \u2014 in legal and ethical ways \u2014 to help creators but not to shortcut or replace them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tTodd Rubenstein
<\/strong>Founding partner, Todd Rubenstein Law<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAmong Rubenstein\u2019s latest achievements are negotiating publishing and catalog deals for Grammy songwriter of the year Theron Thomas and negotiating a new-model label distribution and funding deal for client Skillet after closing a catalog deal with Primary Wave covering the band\u2019s first five albums of masters and songs. He advised and negotiated on behalf of Poems \u2014 the new publishing company of hit producers The Monsters\u00a0& Strangerz and long-term partners Mega House \u2014 in connection with funding and administration agreements with Kobalt, as well as a co-funding deal with Position Music for songwriter Jack LaFrantz (Benson Boone\u2019s \u201cBeautiful Things\u201d). He also handled deals for viral sensation \u201cMan in Finance\u201d creator Megan Boni.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cGig economy. Yes, that\u2019s two words, but one phrase.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tAttorney Todd Rubenstein negotiated publishing and catalog deals for Grammy-winning songwriter of the year Theron Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJason Armond\/Los Angeles Times\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tDaniel Schacht
<\/strong>Partner, Donahue Fitzgerald<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSchacht represents a diverse group of heavy-hitting artists in multiple genres. Ranging from Carlos Santana to Missy Elliott, as well as the estate of Malik Taylor, who was professionally known as A\u00a0Tribe Called Quest\u2019s Phife Dawg. Schacht specializes in several areas including advising artists and creators on how to best control their name, image and likeness rights. Recently, he won a jury verdict in favor of Wixen Music U.K. in litigation with Transparence Entertainment Group. The case focused on a trade secret matter involving neighboring rights. The firm also did legal work for albums including Carlos Santana\u2019s Sentient<\/em> and mxmtoon\u2019s liminal spaces<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cWe like to support the local Oakland [Calif.] community and its businesses. Like many communities, Oakland is brimming with creativity and talent and is still rebuilding after the pandemic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tBrianna Schwartz
Alexis Schreiber<\/strong>
Founding partners, Schwartz & Schreiber<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSchwartz\u00a0& Schreiber aided music festivals including Vibra Urbana and Deep House Bible in navigating the legal landscape of launching and managing live events. \u201cWe\u2019re passionate about the live-performance space because it offers a unique opportunity to see our work come to life in an impactful and dynamic way,\u201d Schreiber says. Additionally, the firm served as general counsel for its extensive roster of clients \u2014 such as Rolling Loud co-founder Matt Zingler, Secuoya Studios, RIVA Studios and Pitbull and his businesses \u2014 through mergers and acquisitions, from entity formation to corporate structuring to negotiating agreements.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe need for alternative revenue streams for artists,\u201d Schreiber says. \u201cIn today\u2019s industry, the combination of low streaming payouts and an oversaturated market makes it challenging for artists to earn a sustainable income. Consequently, many artists rely on touring, merchandise sales and endorsement opportunities for income; however, these avenues often demand substantial upfront investment and are not always feasible for emerging talent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJohn E. Seay
<\/strong>Owner, The Seay Firm<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWith a background in the industry as a musician and tour manager, Seay leads legal battles for artists such as Faye Webster, Rylo Rodriguez, the estate of Ol\u2019 Dirty Bastard, Priscilla Block, Model\/Actriz, Baby Kia, Nino Paid and Homixide Gang and producers like Roark Bailey, Bandplay and Truebeatzz. The firm has closed millions of dollars\u2019 worth of recording and publishing deals for artist and producer clients in the past year alone, according to Seay.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cFluid. Labels and artists keep finding new ways to do deals and make money, and it\u2019s our job as lawyers to continue to make sure that the \u2018asks\u2019 from labels align with the actual risks they\u2019re taking in the deals they\u2019re offering.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMichael Selverne
<\/strong>Managing partner, Selverne Bradford<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWhile Selverne declines to provide client names or notable deals he and his firm worked on in 2024, it has been reported that his clients include Spin Doctors, Cheap Trick, Alibaba Music and Round Hill Music Group. Moreover, Selverne has been known to represent songwriters, artists, producers and companies in shopping their music assets. For example, in 2023, he provided legal representation for Round Hill when it was buying music assets as well as handling the sale of its publicly traded royalty fund to Concord for about $470\u00a0million.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cBloating and overcrowding. While most people are creative and artistic, that does not make them artists. The uploading of 200,000-plus recordings per day is overwhelming to consumers and can obscure and hide truly brilliant work in a sea of mediocrity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tRobert Sherman
<\/strong>Partner\/co-chair of entertainment finance practice, DLA Piper<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSherman\u2019s client list at DLA Piper includes Concord, HarbourView Equity Partners, Duetti, Multimedia Music, Catch Point Royalties Holdings, Mom\u00a0+\u00a0Pop Music, Bella Figura Music, beatBread and City National Bank. In 2024, he represented Concord in one of the larger asset-backed securities deals of the year. Concord raised $850\u00a0million in October from an existing asset-backed security that ballooned to $5.1\u00a0billion after the acquisition of Round Hill Music Group and Mojo Music. The security is backed by the royalties of publishing, recorded music and related assets by such acts as Carrie Underwood, Genesis, Phil Collins, R.E.M. and Creed. (Numerous other companies have raised capital through such securities, which allow an issuer to borrow money against the revenue created by music assets used as collateral in the transaction.)<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cTread carefully while looking out for opportunities to grow the music ecosystem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJodie Shihadeh
<\/strong>Founder, Shihadeh Law<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tYears of hard work paid off for Shihadeh and her team in 2024, as they reached catalog agreements for publishing and producer royalty assets that amassed over $17.5\u00a0million for their clients. \u201cWe focused heavily on structuring their businesses\u201d in previous years, Shihadeh says, \u201cwith the long-term focus of a sale in the future.\u201d The firm\u2019s roster is heavily centered on dance artists, producers and songwriters, including J.\u00a0White Did It, El\u00a0Guincho, \u00adMatoma and KREAM, as well as companies run by clients like Steve Aoki\u2019s Dim Mak Records and Billy Corgan\u2019s National Wrestling Alliance. Shihadeh also joined the advisory board for File Eaters, a nongenerative AI program that automates file exportation and delivery, serving both creatives and businesses.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe mass consolidation of the major-\u00adlabel system and the impact it has had and will have on developing career artists in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tShard\u00e9 Simpson
Ciara Reed<\/strong>
Co-founders, Simpson & Reed<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSimpson\u00a0& Reed represents a diverse roster of clients including Meek Mill, Natalie Nunn, Hotboii, The Breed and Empress\u00a0Of. In the past year-and-a-half, the firm\u2019s co-founders closed major deals for their clients for Grammy-winning projects, Super Bowl commercial placements and blockbuster films. \u201cWe\u2019ve worked with artists, producers and executives to launch new ventures, expand existing businesses and negotiate deals that will have a lasting impact,\u201d Simpson says. \u201cAnd we\u2019re still inking agreements that are set to shape the future of the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cEver-evolving,\u201d Simpson says. \u201cIt\u2019s always changed, but the way music is \u00addistributed now is a whole different game. Streaming, social media and new platforms are giving artists more control, but they\u2019re also forcing everyone to rethink how they make money and reach fans. You have to stay sharp to keep up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tSimran A. Singh
<\/strong>Managing partner
<\/em>Michael Trauben
Christopher Navarro<\/strong>
Partners, Singh Singh & Trauben<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSingh and partners represented Mexican pop group RBD in federal court litigation and California Labor Commission actions against the band\u2019s former \u00admanager, Guillermo Rosas. \u201cThis case was pivotal in ensuring artist rights and financial transparency in the Latin music industry while navigating the complexities of global music contracts,\u201d Singh says. (In October, RBD said it reached a confidential settlement with Rosas.) The firm, which represents other megastars like Daddy Yankee, Grupo Firme and Missy Elliott, also aided Ozuna in the sale of his publishing catalog to Kobalt\/KMR Holdings, which Singh called \u201cone of the most significant publishing transactions for a Latin artist,\u201d and also negotiated the Puerto Rican star\u2019s new deal with Sony Music Latin.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cTransformative,\u201d Singh says. \u201cFrom streaming shifts to AI disruption, the industry is in a constant state of reinvention, presenting both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for artists, labels and executives willing to adapt.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tLauren Spahn
<\/strong>Shareholder, Buchalter<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tBuchalter represents clients including Ian Munsick, Paramore and Jelly Roll, and Spahn represented Jelly Roll in negotiations to open his Goodnight Nashville bar as well as handling his brand and intellectual property portfolio, both nationally and internationally. The firm also negotiated the re-signing of Kelsea Ballerini to Black River Entertainment\u2019s roster. <\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cI initially viewed AI as a disruptive force in the music industry, but as its impact has become clearer, I now see its potential benefits. A great example is Randy Travis, who lost his ability to sing after a stroke in 2013. Last year, AI technology [allowed] fans to hear him sing again \u2014 an incredible moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\tLauren Spahn of Buchalter represented Jelly Roll in negotiations to open his Goodnight Nashville bar and handled his brand and intellectual property portfolio, both nationally and internationally.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRick Kern\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tStanton \u201cLarry\u201d Stein
<\/strong>Managing partner
<\/em>Irene Y. Lee
Ashley R. Yeargan<\/strong>
Partners, Russ August & Kabat<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tIn April 2024, Russ August\u00a0& Kabat achieved a significant legal victory by overturning a $2.5\u00a0million jury verdict against Drake (a success that was \u201cunbeknownst to him and his team,\u201d Stein says). The firm also played a key role in the dismissal through summary judgments of over 1,000 lawsuits against Drake in connection with the 2021 Astroworld Festival tragedy. The company has been instrumental in protecting, enforcing and managing the intellectual property of Mariah Carey, Mary\u00a0J. Blige, Cardi\u00a0B and others, successfully defended Black Label Media in a copyright case involving music used in a Whitney Houston biopic and obtained a judgment in favor of Tyga in a legal action seeking to recover over $3\u00a0million in damages.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cArtists still deal with paparazzi who capture images of the artists, obtain copyright registrations on the images and demand six-figure damages from the artists for posting such images featuring themselves,\u201d Stein says.<\/p>\n

\n\tRachel Stilwell
<\/strong>Founder, Stilwell Law<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tOne of the company\u2019s biggest cases in the past year involved clients musicFIRST Coalition and Future of Music Coalition. \u201cI secured a win before the [Federal Communications Commission] when the agency declined to allow local radio monopolies,\u201d Stilwell says. \u201cSubsequently, a group of broadcasters sued the FCC in an attempt to reverse that decision. That lawsuit is now in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, where I co-authored an amicus brief on behalf of musicFIRST and FMC.\u201d The firm\u2019s other clients include LeAnn Rimes, Noel Schajris, Take\u00a06 and songwriter Darrell Brown. Regarding the challenges created by the rise of AI, Stilwell says, \u201cWe should all be advocating for the passage of the NO FAKES Act.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cHopeful. The Grammy category this year for best new artist was filled with unspeakably great talent.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMichael Sukin
<\/strong>Partner, Sukin Colton Law Association<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tKnown for its expertise in music publishing, recording, catalog purchases and company sales, Sukin Colton is a leader in entertainment law. This past year, Sukin led the way on numerous film, TV, recording and publishing projects for the firm\u2019s list of clients, which includes the estates of George Gershwin and Aretha Franklin; the latter waived all usage fees for the late soul singer\u2019s song \u201cThink\u201d for Vice President Kamala Harris\u2019 2024 presidential campaign. The firm also represents St.\u00a0Nicholas Music, which is home to the catalog of Christmas classics by the late Johnny Marks.<\/p>\n

\n\tRon Sweeney
<\/strong>Founder, Ron Sweeney and Company<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSweeney became the attorney and confidant of Clarence Avant, the late \u201cgodfather of Black music,\u201d at age 25 and ran Avant\u2019s Tabu Records for a while. Through the years, his clients have included a who\u2019s who of R&B and hip-hop: James Brown, Jimmy Jam\u00a0& Terry Lewis, Swizz Beatz, Lil Wayne and Young Money Records, Easy-E and Ruthless Records, Irv Gotti and Murder\u00a0Inc., Public Enemy, DMX, Ja Rule, Morris Day, The Time, Klymaxx and Kool\u00a0& The Gang. A former president of Epic Urban, Sweeney signed Ghostface Killah, Cameron, Ginuwine, Charlie Baltimore and others, with oversight for Babyface, Luther Vandross and Michael Jackson. He has been an advocate for greater Black executive representation in the music industry and for contracts that let artists build equity and long-term wealth. Most recently, he created his own company for investments in entertainment assets.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cMonetizing AI.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAndy Tavel
Elliot A. Resnik<\/strong>
Partners\/co-chairs of entertainment group
<\/em>William Hochberg
Rami S. Yanni
<\/strong>Partners, Los Angeles, Raines Feldman Littrell<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cWe again did fantastic work in the catalog space, including on behalf of the legendary Itzhak Perlman for his partnership with Primary Wave,\u201d Tavel says of a late-2024 royalty deal between the violinist and the publisher. Killer Mike, another of the firm\u2019s clients, enjoyed sold-out domestic and international tours, as well as involvement in \u201ca global campaign\u201d for Call of Duty: Black Ops\u00a06<\/em>. In addition to representing the National Independent Venue Association as it \u201ccontinues to fight a good fight,\u201d the firm represented All Things Go Festival, which \u201csold out tens of thousands of tickets in two cities for its first-ever simultaneous festival production at Forest Hills Stadium and Merriweather Post Pavilion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cExciting \u2014 again!\u201d Tavel says. \u201cThe caliber of the talent in the best new artist category at the Grammys was outstanding. We\u2019re in an era where a whole new generation of stars are at the forefront with many more great talents behind them.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Players,<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>

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\t\t\t\t\tRaines Feldman Littrell negotiated the partnership between acclaimed violinist Itzhak Perlman and Primary Wave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNoam Galai\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tSeth Traxler
<\/strong>Partner, Kirkland & Ellis<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tIn a transaction that closed in July, Kirkland\u00a0& Ellis advised longtime client Blackstone on its $1.6\u00a0billion acquisition of Hipgnosis Songs Fund, ending the history of the 6-year-old, London-listed investment trust as a publicly traded company. \u201cThis intricate deal, led by partners in our London office, navigated a competitive auction process under the oversight of the U.K.\u2019s Panel on Takeovers and Mergers,\u201d Traxler says. Meanwhile, the firm\u2019s U.S. music team helped evaluate rights to approximately 45,000 tracks, including hits like Journey\u2019s \u201cDon\u2019t Stop Believin\u2019,\u201d Lady Gaga\u2019s \u201cBad Romance\u201d and 50\u00a0Cent\u2019s \u201cIn Da Club.\u201d The examination of those rights, Traxler says, \u201cexemplifies Kirkland\u2019s multidisciplinary strength and our tight integration of corporate, regulatory and music industry expertise to help our clients drive transformative deals worldwide.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cAscending.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tBrittney Trigg
<\/strong>Founding partner, BTriggLaw<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tBTriggLaw \u201crecently negotiated Lexa [Gates]\u2019 deal with Kith for its spring 2025 campaign, which also included the song \u2018New York to the World\u2019 with Jadakiss and Fabolous,\u201d Trigg says. On the music side, the firm \u201cnegotiated and closed numerous seven- to eight-figure agreements for its clients,\u201d she adds. That list includes DeeBaby\u2019s distribution deal with Create Music Group, PapiYerr\u2019s publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing and Rico Brooks\u2019 deal with Kobalt Music. The firm has also represented 808-Ray, who won a Grammy for Killer Mike\u2019s album Michael<\/em>; Nickie Jon Pab\u00f3n, who co-produced Jack Harlow\u2019s Hot\u00a0100 No.\u00a01 \u201cLovin on Me\u201d; and Marshak, who landed a Grammy nomination for Peso Pluma\u2019s \u00c9XODO<\/em> album.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cThe oversaturation of music has caused a general devaluation of the music.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDavid Vodicka
<\/strong>Founding partner
<\/em>Rob Glass
Julian Hewitt
Stephen King
Marcus Walkom<\/strong>
Partners, Media Arts Lawyers<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAustralia\u2019s Media Arts Lawyers enjoyed another robust year facilitating deals with a long list of the country\u2019s top acts and brightest newcomers. Among them, a record contract and publishing catalog sale with Tame Impala, as well as recording deals for Spacey Jane, Amyl and the Sniffers, Luude, Ruel and rising stars Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers. The firm also advised Jet on the sale of master catalog recordings to BMG that included hits \u201cAre You Gonna Be My Girl\u201d and \u201cCold Hard Bitch\u201d; R\u00fcf\u00fcs Du Sol on the band\u2019s recent Exhale World Tour; and Dom Dolla on his recent trek that played New York\u2019s Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cSupportAct,\u201d Vodicka says. It\u2019s the \u201cAustralian music industry\u2019s charity, delivering crisis relief services to musicians, managers, crew and music workers across all genres.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tJames L. Walker Jr.
<\/strong>CEO, Walker & Associates<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tOn behalf of the estate of Isaac Hayes, Walker\u2019s firm sued the Trump presidential campaign last year for unauthorized use of the Sam\u00a0& Dave classic \u201cHold On, I\u2019m Comin\u2019,\u201d which Hayes and David Porter co-wrote. \u201cWe sought an injunction in federal court,\u201d Walker says, \u201cand the judge granted our client\u2019s request. Mr.\u00a0Trump can no longer use our client\u2019s music \u2014 and Hayes is the first artist or songwriter to [win] such a legal remedy.\u201d The firm\u2019s clients also include Front Row Productions, producer of the Broadway plays Hell\u2019s Kitchen<\/em> and MJ: The Musical<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201c[With] the use of music on the internet by streaming and digital platforms, there are billions of downloads and streaming of songs, and our clients are not seeing any of the real money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tPrevin Warren
<\/strong>Member attorney, Motley Rice<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWarren is known for actions against companies including SiriusXM and Google on behalf of the performing rights organization SESAC. \u201cMotley Rice is honored to represent SESAC in advancing its interests and mission to ensure fair compensation for music creators, including the interests of its affiliated publishers and songwriters,\u201d Warren says. Along with a two-week arbitration hearing that resulted in a meaningful increase in the license fees owed by commercial radio stations represented by the Radio Music License Committee, he adds: \u201cWe are proud to have helped SESAC reinforce the value of songwriters\u2019 creative output to the music industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cGiven the current landscape, I wouldn\u2019t hold out hope for meaningful regulation or legislation around AI until at least the midterms. If you believe your rights have been violated by AI or a large language model or other AI tech, consider hiring counsel who is experienced in repurposing common law.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAlex Weingarten
<\/strong>Partner\/chair
<\/em>Michael Gottlieb
Shane Nix<\/strong>
Partners, Willkie Farr & Gallagher<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWillkie Farr\u00a0& Gallagher made headlines in January when Gottlieb filed Drake\u2019s lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar\u2019s \u201cNot Like Us,\u201d a case that accused the music giant of defamation. Willkie\u2019s lawyers recently won a ruling in the case letting discovery move forward, allowing them to seek documents like Lamar\u2019s record deal. The firm, which counts Selena Gomez, Adam Cohen, Tempo Music Investments, Jamie Spears, Dennis DeYoung and Create Music Group as clients, also represented an undisclosed band in connection with a multimillion-dollar catalog sale.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity we support:<\/strong> \u201cWillkie recently partnered with [Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services] to help establish a new substance abuse disorder treatment center for children ages 12 to 17,\u201d Nix says. \u201cThe project is made possible through a donation from the recently launched Willkie Los Angeles Foundation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tDouglas H. Wigdor
<\/strong>Founding partner
<\/em>Meredith A. Firetog
Michael J. Willemin<\/strong>
Partners, Wigdor<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tWigdor represents survivors of sexual abuse and harassment in the entertainment field, including Casandra Ventura, Julia Ormond and several Jane Doe and private clients. The firm represented Ventura in a civil case against Sean Combs that was settled in a single day. \u201cThe civil lawsuit has enabled our firm to continue challenging powerful people within the music industry, as victims of similar instances of harassment and assault now feel more comfortable in speaking up about their experiences,\u201d Wigdor says. \u201cWe have been able to help them demand accountability and change, whereas they previously felt pressured into silence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cOur cases often pull from years of communication between our client and the defendant,\u201d Wigdor says. \u201cThere is a concern that defendants may use AI-generated texts or voice memos to concoct a false narrative that discredits the victim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAndrea Yankovsky
<\/strong>Founder, Yankovsky Law<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tYankovsky represents several high-profile clients, but she\u2019s most proud of her work with those making noise behind the scenes in the music industry, such as Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Iman Jordan and boutique indie label Impex Records. Yankovsky Law last year achieved success in multiple royalty recovery cases for artists and rights holders. While the music business is ever-evolving, Yankovsky is focused on returning the rights, power and money to the hands of the individuals who keep the industry running. \u201cMajor labels and publishers could disappear, and there would still be a thriving music business,\u201d she says. \u201cBut without the people who make [music], there would be none.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdvice about AI now:<\/strong> \u201cIn all areas of our practice, we advise clients to ask questions and not make assumptions about the law and how it applies to their circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tHelen Yu
<\/strong>Partner\/principal, Yu Leseberg<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tIn 2024, Yu handled the key legal agreements for singer\/songwriter\/multi-instrumentalist Ty Dolla $ign\u2019s Billboard\u00a0200 No.\u00a01 album Vultures<\/em> and its Hot\u00a0100 No.\u00a01 single \u201cCarnival,\u201d both made in partnership with Ye, while the latter features Rich the Kid and Playboi Carti. Yu and her firm handled the signing of the first artist to Ty\u2019s EZMNY Records, Leon Thomas, as well as the release of Thomas\u2019 critically acclaimed second album, MUTT<\/em>, and its Hot 100 top\u00a040 hit title track. Yu also negotiated the joint-venture label deal for client Polo Molina\u2019s Ligas Mayores Records, which landed at Sony Music Latin Entertainment after a bidding war. In August, she \u00adrepresented Canadian musicians Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman of The Guess Who in recovering the group\u2019s trademark to its band name after 40 years.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe music industry today in a word:<\/strong> \u201cFast-paced.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Players,<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>

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\t\t\t\t\tFor Ty Dolla $ign (left), Helen Yu of Yu Leseberg negotiated agreements for his No.\u00a01 album Vultures<\/em> and its No.\u00a01 single \u201cCarnival,\u201d both made in partnership with Ye.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tChristopher Polk for Billboard<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tDonald S. Zakarin
<\/strong>Partner\/co-chair of the litigation and music groups and media and entertainment litigation practice
<\/em>Ilene S. Farkas
<\/strong>Partner\/co-chair of the music group and copyright, media and entertainment litigation and music litigation practices
<\/em>James G. Sammataro
<\/strong>Partner\/co-chair of the music group and media and entertainment litigation practice
<\/em>Frank P. Scibilia
<\/strong>Partner\/co-chair of the music group and copyright, media and entertainment litigation, music litigation and music transactions practices
<\/em>Benjamin Semel
<\/strong>Partner\/co-chair of the music group and media and entertainment litigation practice
<\/em>Brad D. Rose
<\/strong>Partner\/chair of the intellectual property group, Pryor Cashman<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cAI is not a friend or foe \u2014 it\u2019s a frontier,\u201d Sammataro says. \u201c[You must] understand its possibilities but also take the steps to ensure your creative works and assets remain protected.\u201d Pryor Cashman lawyers know about protecting copyrights. Not only do they work for the National Music Publishers\u2019 Association, Mechanical Licensing Collective, RIAA and Nashville Songwriters\u2019 Association International defending the value of music, they also count stars like Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran and Daddy Yankee, as well as the top four music publishers, among their clients. The firm is representing over 100 defendants in the pending dembow litigation, a sprawling action initiated by reggae duo Steely\u00a0& Clevie that claims that more than 1,800 songs and recordings, including the hits \u201cDespacito,\u201d \u201cBailando\u201d and \u201cDame tu Cosita,\u201d infringe a drum pattern they say they exclusively own. \u201cThe lawsuit threatens not only the fundamental principles of copyright law,\u201d Sammataro says, \u201cbut the process of creating music.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAdam Zia
<\/strong>Founding partner
<\/em>Marc Geylman
Nate Kuo<\/strong>
Partners, The Zia Firm<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tAfter his breakthrough in January with \u201cTweaker,\u201d rapper LiAngelo Ball (known onstage as GELO) sparked a bidding war for his music licensing \u2014 and thanks to the work of The Zia Firm, he was able to negotiate a reportedly record-breaking deal with Def Jam worth up to $13\u00a0million, with $8\u00a0million guaranteed. That\u2019s just a taste of what the practice has accomplished in the last year, along with helping breakout star Tommy Richman sign his publishing administration agreement and representing stars like Cash Cobain, MGK and French Montana.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost pressing issue:<\/strong> \u201cArtists\u2019 and their teams\u2019 ability to properly register for, track and audit the various revenue streams,\u201d Zia says. \u201cWith the rapid timelines of releases, the artist has to keep up with a sizable amount of content and make sure everything being released is properly registered, monetized, collected \u2014 and collected accurately.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tLeslie Jose Zigel
Javier Feito<\/strong>
Partners, SMGQ Law<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tIn 2024, Zigel and Feito\u2019s client Carlos Vives was named the Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. The following year, their client Bobby Weir and the other members of the Grateful Dead were honored as the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year. Additionally, clients Marco Antonio Sol\u00eds and Los Bukis hosted the first Spanish-language residency at the Dolby Theatre at the MGM in Las Vegas. SMGQ Law also represented Rebel\u00a011 Studios in its sale to Rimas Entertainment and the series Chiquis Sin Filtro<\/em>, featuring artist Chiquis Rivera, which was the No.\u00a01 show on the VIX streaming platform, according to Feito.<\/p>\n

\n\tCharity I support:<\/strong> \u201cYoung Musicians Unite,\u201d Feito says. \u201cYMU serves over 9,000 students weekly, making it one of the largest nonprofit providers of free music education in the U.S. Their presence in schools doesn\u2019t just create musicians \u2014 it builds community, improves attendance and inspires excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tContributors:<\/strong> Trevor Anderson, Rania Aniftos, Nefertiti Austin, Lars Brandle, Dave Brooks, Anna Chan, Ed Christman, Leila Cobo, Janine Coveney, Hannah Dailey, Stephen Daw, Kyle Denis, Bill Donahue, Thom Duffy, Chris Eggertsen, Griselda Flores, Josh Glicksman, Paul Grein, Raquelle \u201cRocki\u201d Harris, Lyndsey Havens, Gil Kaufman, Steve Knopper, Carl Lamarre, Elias Leight, Jason Lipshutz, Joe Lynch, Heran Mamo, Elizabeth Dilts Marshall, Taylor Mims, Gail Mitchell, Melinda Newman, Jessica Nicholson, Glenn Peoples, Sigal Ratner-Arias, Isabela Raygoza, Kristin Robinson, Jessica Roiz, Dan Rys, Michael Saponara, Damien Scott, Crystal Shepeard, Andrew Unterberger, Christine Werthman<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tMethodology:<\/strong> <\/em>Billboard\u2019s Top Music Lawyers recognizes only outside counsel at law firms with the exception of in-house attorneys at market-leading companies in the sectors shown. Nominations for all of <\/em>Billboard\u2019s industry-sourced executive lists open no less than 150 days in advance of publication, and a submission link is sent by request before the nomination period. (Please email thom.duffy@billboard.com for inclusion on the email list for nomination links and for how to obtain an editorial calendar.) <\/em>Billboard\u2019s 2025 Top Music Lawyers were nominated by their firms and chosen by editors based on factors including the stature of their clients, as measured by year-end <\/em>Billboard charts; sales and streaming performance; market share; revenue or, where not available, <\/em>Billboard revenue estimates, which may be aided by company guidance; social media impressions; and radio audiences reached, using data available as of Feb.\u00a01. Career trajectory and momentum were also considered. Where required, U.S. record-label market share was consulted using Luminate\u2019s current market share for albums, plus track-equivalent and streaming-equivalent album consumption and <\/em>Billboard\u2019s quarterly top\u00a010 publisher rankings. Unless otherwise noted, Billboard Boxscore and Luminate are the sources for tour grosses and sales\/streaming data, respectively. Luminate is also the source for radio audience metrics. The source for radio metrics is monitored station airplay from Mediabase provided by Luminate.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\tLeading Law Schools Of The Top Music Lawyers<\/strong>\t<\/h2>\n

\n\tThe most frequently cited alma maters of the 2025 class of honorees.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Players,<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>

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\t\t\t\t\tThe McDonough building on campus of Georgetown Law School, in Washington, DC.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBill O\u2019Leary\/The Washington Post\/Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tBenjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University (New York)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 957<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tBrooklyn Law School (Brooklyn)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 1,198<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tColumbia Law School, Columbia University (New York)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 1,357<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tFordham University School of Law (New York)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 1,358<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tGeorgetown University Law Center (Washington, D.C.)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 2,053<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tHarvard Law School, Harvard University (Cambridge, Mass.)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 1,758<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tLoyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 1,015<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tNew York University School of Law (New York)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 1,413<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tSouthwestern Law School (Los Angeles)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 922<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tUniversity of California, Berkeley, School of Law (Berkeley, Calif.)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 1,022<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tUniversity of California, Los Angeles, School of Law (Los Angeles)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 1,006<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tUniversity of Miami School of Law (Miami)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 1,149<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tUniversity of Southern California Gould School of Law (Los Angeles)
<\/strong>Enrollment: 644<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tEnrollments source: U.S. News\u00a0& World Report. Schools are presented alphabetically and not ranked. An alums-count tie results in 13 schools listed this year.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n\tThis story appears in the April 19, 2025, issue of <\/em>Billboard.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

No legal story captivated the music industry more in the past year than the downfall of Sean \u201cDiddy\u201d Combs \u2014 the once all-powerful hip-hop mogul who now faces […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5403,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[5596,7,2893,593,180],"class_list":["post-5402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawyers","tag-billboard","tag-lawyers","tag-list","tag-music","tag-top"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5402","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5402"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5402\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5403"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usatrustedlawyers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}