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Alright, Let's Talk Music Law in NYC

So, you're making music in NYC? Awesome. Seriously. But navigating the legal side of things here? It's a beast. This list will help you find a music lawyer in NYC who gets you. You'll discover six firms that can handle everything from record deals (which, by the way, are way more complex than they seem) to copyright issues 鈥� the stuff that keeps your music yours. Look, I get the struggle. Finding the right lawyer is tough. I'm a lawyer myself, and honestly, sometimes even I don't get lawyer-speak. But here's the thing: protecting your work is crucial, especially in this city. Let's make it happen.

1. Cordero Law

Navigating the NYC music scene? You're gonna need a lawyer. Actually, scratch that 鈥� you might need a lawyer. Lots of artists try to go it alone, but trust me, it鈥檚 rarely a good idea. Look, I'm a lawyer myself, at Cordero Law, and I鈥檝e seen firsthand how much a good attorney can do for a musician. Whether you're a rapper, producer, singer, or manager… legal help is key. Actually, not just any legal help 鈥� you need the right kind of legal help.

Cordero Law is a boutique firm right here in the heart of NYC. We鈥檙e all about redefining the legal experience. We're talking a real partnership, not just a stuffy, transactional attorney-client thing. (I hate that, by the way. The whole impersonal, cold vibe that so many firms give off.) We work with our clients, especially musicians, not for them. Big difference.

We specialize in the stuff music professionals need: business law, entertainment law, intellectual property (that鈥檚 your copyrights, trademarks, the bread and butter). Anyway, we use tech to keep things streamlined. Quick communication, personalized advice鈥攏o waiting around for weeks to hear back from some overbooked paralegal.

Learn more about Cordero Law

Why Cordero Law for Music Lawyers in NYC?

Okay, so, full disclosure: most lawyers aren't exactly known for being approachable. I find that really frustrating. Here at Cordero, we鈥檙e trying to change that. Transparency, trust, responsive communication 鈥� we鈥檙e building actual relationships. It's kind of like… building a band, actually. Everyone has their role, but you're collaborating towards a shared goal. (Except here the shared goal isn鈥檛 a hit single, it鈥檚 protecting your creative work and your business.)

What We Do (the Short Version)

• Contracts (recording, publishing, management 鈥� the whole shebang)
• Copyright and trademark registration (seriously, don鈥檛 skip this)
• Negotiations (we're good at this, really good)
• Dispute resolution (because sometimes things get鈥� complicated)

Diving Deep on IP (Because It鈥檚 Kinda My Thing)

Intellectual property is crucial for musicians. Let me repeat that: crucial. Your music, your lyrics, your image鈥攊t's all valuable. We help you protect it. Copyright registration, trademarking your artist name or logo 鈥� these are the things that keep your creations yours. Think of it like a legal moat around your castle of creativity. (Okay, maybe that鈥檚 a little dramatic, but you get the point.) We deal with everything from copyright infringement takedowns (those pesky YouTube pirates) to complex licensing agreements.

The Good, the Bad, and the鈥� Boutique

Pros: We鈥檙e innovative, client-focused, and tech-savvy. Plus, we offer a free strategy session. No obligation, just a chance to talk and see if we鈥檙e a good fit.

Cons: We鈥檙e a boutique firm. So, we're not gonna be able to handle those massive corporate mega-mergers. (Honestly, we prefer it that way. Keeps things interesting.) Also, pricing isn't on our website. Just ask 鈥� it's not a secret.

Getting Started

Shoot us an email. Call us. Send a carrier pigeon. (Okay, maybe not the last one). We'll set up that free strategy session and go from there. It鈥檚 really that simple.

Final Thoughts鈥� Kinda

This industry can be tough, man. It鈥檚 competitive, it鈥檚 fast-paced, and the legal side can be a minefield. You don't have to navigate it alone. We鈥檙e here to help. Seriously.

2. Rothstein IP – Entertainment Law: Your Music, Their Headaches

Okay, so Rothstein IP. These guys are a boutique firm, right here in NYC. Boutique, boutique, boutique鈥�what does that even mean anymore? Basically, they're smaller, specializing in entertainment law, which, for you, means music. Josh Rothstein runs the show and, from what I鈥檝e heard, they do good work with artists, labels 鈥� the whole music biz shebang. They handle the nitty-gritty like contracts, IP protection, and royalty disputes, that kind of stuff.

Look, I'll be honest, the legal world is filled with dinosaurs. Firms stuck in the past, billing you by the minute for every. single. email. Rothstein IP, at least from the outside looking in, seems to get it. They understand the new music business, the streaming era, and how things work for artists today. (And if they don't, you should tell them I said so. Just kidding… mostly.)

What They Actually Do

• Contracts, Contracts, Contracts: This is the bread and butter of music law. Think recording contracts, publishing deals, licensing agreements 鈥� everything that legally binds you to…well, anything. Rothstein IP drafts 鈥榚m, negotiates 鈥榚m, and makes sure you don鈥檛 sign your life away.
• Copyright Stuff: Registering your music, enforcing your rights, and making sure no one rips you off. (Which, sadly, happens way too often.) This is the foundation of your career. Protecting your intellectual property isn鈥檛 just a good idea, it鈥檚 the idea.
• Royalties 鈥� Getting Paid: They help you collect the money you鈥檙e owed (from streaming, performances, licensing, etc.). And, more importantly, they鈥檒l help you sort out the inevitable disputes when someone doesn't pay you. (Believe me, it happens. I've seen it.)
• Digital Distribution and Streaming: This is where it gets interesting. Navigating the wild west of Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and all that is a legal minefield. These guys can guide you.

The Good, the Bad, and the鈥� Boutique-y

• Pros: Personalized attention (no getting lost in the shuffle at some massive corporate firm), transparent fees (apparently they do flat-fee options – that鈥檚 huge), strong NYC music scene connections (which, let鈥檚 face it, matters).
• Cons: Smaller team, potentially limited availability (because they're in demand 鈥� which could be a good sign鈥�or a major headache), and, I'm guessing, higher rates than your average general practice lawyer. (But, remember, you get what you pay for. You鈥檙e not going to take your Ferrari to Jiffy Lube, are you?)

Should You Hit Them Up?

Maybe. It depends. Are they the perfect firm for everyone? Nah. But if you're an emerging artist, a rapper, producer, singer, manager 鈥� anyone seriously trying to make it in the music biz 鈥� they're worth checking out. Honestly, the music industry's legal landscape is like…navigating a blackout in Times Square during rush hour. You need a guide.

(Side note: That analogy got away from me. But you get the picture, right? It's a mess.)

Anyway, their website is . Tell 鈥榚m I sent ya. (Just kidding鈥� unless you want to. They don't know me.)

One Last Thing (Seriously)

One thing I really appreciate 鈥� they cater to emerging artists. So many firms only focus on the big fish. Finding someone who's genuinely interested in helping artists starting out is like finding a parking spot in SoHo on a Saturday 鈥� basically a miracle.

(Okay, now I'm done. Promise.)

3. Savur Law – Music & Entertainment

Alright, so you're looking for a music lawyer in NYC. You're probably drowning in advice. Everyone's got an opinion. Your producer's cousin's roommate knows a guy… Look, it's a jungle out there. You need someone who gets it. Savur Law, headed up by Moish Savur, is definitely a name worth checking out. They focus on entertainment law, specifically music鈥攚hich, let鈥檚 be real, is way more complicated than most people think.

Savur Law works with everyone from up-and-coming artists to established producers, songwriters, and even music businesses. They handle the whole gamut, which is key. Recording deals? Yep. Publishing? Got it. Even the nitty-gritty stuff like band agreements (because believe me, those can get messy) and catalog sales.

Why they鈥檙e on this list? Honestly? Their reputation. They're known for fighting for their artists (which, sadly, isn鈥檛 a given in this business). They've got experience with both major labels and independent artists鈥攚hich gives them a broader perspective. They鈥檙e also pretty tech-savvy, which, in 2024, is kind of essential.

What They Do (The Real Deal)

• Contracts, Contracts, Contracts: This is the bread and butter. Think recording contracts, publishing deals, licensing agreements (for when your song ends up in a commercial, which is hopefully the goal). Savur鈥檚 got you.
• Band Stuff (Because Bands are Complicated): Partnership agreements? Dispute resolution? (Because let's face it, bands fight.) Savur Law can help.
• Selling Your Catalog (The Big Leagues): If you鈥檝e built up a valuable catalog of music, selling it can be life-changing. But valuations and negotiations are tricky. Savur鈥檚 got expertise here.
• Independent Label Formation (For the Moguls): Want to start your own label? These guys can help you navigate the legal maze.

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly (Just Kidding鈥� Mostly)

• Pros: Strong rep for artist advocacy. Experience across the spectrum (major labels to indies). Flexible fees. And, get this, they sometimes even do contingency (meaning they get paid if you get paid). Pretty rare.
• Cons: Honestly? It can be tough to get them if you鈥檙e brand new. They might prioritize bigger clients. (Which, from a business perspective, kind of makes sense, right?) Also, their international reach isn鈥檛 huge compared to some mega-firms. But hey, nobody's perfect.

How This Actually Helps You

Think of it this way: your music is your business. Savur Law helps you protect that business. They're like the bodyguards for your beats. (Okay, maybe that analogy鈥檚 a bit much.) But seriously, a good lawyer can make or break your career. This isn't a DIY thing. You need a pro.

Website:

(Quick side note: the legal industry is obsessed with formalities. Like, ridiculously obsessed. But sometimes, that's what makes it work. It鈥檚 weird.)

Okay, Moving On鈥� (Almost Done)

Savur Law is a solid option, especially if you're in that sweet spot of "not brand new but not yet Beyonc茅." They bridge the gap between big-firm resources and boutique-firm attention. Whether you're negotiating a major label deal or just trying to figure out your band agreement, they bring a level of expertise that鈥檚 valuable. (Though, honestly, even I get confused by some of the finer points of copyright law sometimes. It's dense.)

(One last thing鈥攁nd I know I鈥檓 rambling鈥攂ut don鈥檛 underestimate the importance of a good lawyer. Seriously. It鈥檚 like鈥� I don鈥檛 even have a good analogy. Just trust me on this one.)

4. Eisner LLP – Music Law Practice (The Big Guns)

Look, when you鈥檙e talking music lawyers in NYC, Eisner LLP is a name that always comes up. Always. They鈥檙e a full-service firm, right? Which means they handle everything鈥攆rom your grandma's will to, well, your record deal. But their music law practice? That鈥檚 where they really shine. They rep some seriously big names鈥攁rtists, songwriters, producers, even the music companies themselves. Major labels, the whole nine yards.

So, why are they on this list? Easy. They bring the heavy artillery. They've got this deep bench of experienced attorneys, former in-house counsel at major labels… (which, by the way, means they鈥檝e been on the other side of the negotiating table鈥攙aluable intel, let me tell you). They鈥檝e got the connections, the resources鈥� the whole shebang.

Think of it like this: Eisner is the aircraft carrier of music law. Big, powerful, and definitely not something you want to mess with.

What They Actually Do

These guys handle the complex stuff. The things you hope you鈥檒l have to deal with someday, because it means you've made it. We鈥檙e talking complex rights negotiations, acquisitions (buying up catalogs, publishing rights, etc.), music financing, investment structures鈥� NFT鈥檚, Web3, metaverse鈥� all that new-fangled stuff. And of course, they handle litigation. Copyright infringement, contract disputes鈥攖he unfortunate reality of the music biz. Cross-border licensing, international rights management鈥� yeah, they do that too. (I鈥檓 starting to feel exhausted just listing all this.)

Pros and Cons (Because Nothing鈥檚 Perfect, Right?)

Okay, here鈥檚 the deal. Eisner is top-tier. But that comes with a price tag. Literally. They鈥檙e expensive. Like, really expensive. Probably more than an emerging artist can realistically afford. Think substantial retainers, hourly billing鈥� you get the picture.

Pros:

1. Seriously experienced lawyers (like, really experienced).
2. Connections that open doors. (Think industry heavy hitters).
3. They can handle anything legal. (Not just music stuff.)
4. Litigation powerhouse. (Nobody wants to go to court with these guys).

Cons:

1. Cost. (Did I mention they鈥檙e expensive?)
2. Not the best fit for artists just starting out. (Unless you鈥檝e got some serious family money).
3. Can feel a bit corporate. (Less hand-holding, more 鈥渉ere鈥檚 the contract, sign it鈥� kinda vibe).

Should You Hire Them?

Look, honestly? Probably not鈥� yet. If you鈥檙e an independent artist grinding it out, building your fanbase, Eisner is probably overkill. You need someone more鈥� agile. Someone who understands the struggles of a young artist. (Someone like鈥� well, you know.) But if you鈥檙e a bigger fish? A label, an established artist, a major producer鈥� then Eisner is definitely worth considering. They have the firepower to handle the big leagues. (And let's be real, they probably only want to play in the big leagues.)

Here鈥檚 the thing about the legal industry 鈥� it can be a bit of a black box. Jargon-heavy, confusing, and honestly, sometimes intentionally so. (Don't get me started.) "Retainers," for instance, are upfront payments that essentially reserve a lawyer鈥檚 time. It's like putting a deposit down, but for legal services. Anyway鈥�

Eisner LLP Entertainment, Media & Sports

(Side note: I'm simplifying some stuff here, obviously. Legal situations are nuanced, so this isn鈥檛 legal advice, blah blah blah. You know the drill.)

5. Levin Law Group – Music & Entertainment Practice

Okay, so you're looking for music lawyers in NYC. Good choice. New York is the place to be for music, period. Period. But navigating the legal side of things? That can be a minefield. That's where a firm like Levin Law Group comes in. They鈥檙e led by Michael Levin, and they've carved out a solid niche in the NYC music scene. Representing everyone from rappers and producers to indie labels and, get this, classical musicians.

One thing I really appreciate about their approach is they seem to understand the hustle. They get that artists need practical, business-minded advice, not just legalese. (Let's be honest, most legal documents are written to be intentionally confusing, right? Like, what鈥檚 the point?) They focus on protecting your creative work and your wallet鈥攚hich, let's be real, are often connected in weird and wonderful ways. From basic legal advice when you're just starting out to negotiating complex deals when your career blows up 鈥� they claim to scale with you.

What They Do (and Do Well)

• Contract Negotiation: This is huge. Artist contracts, label deals, you name it. Getting this right from the jump can save you serious headaches (and cash) down the road. Think of it like…building a house. A solid foundation is everything. Without it? The whole thing crumbles. Okay, maybe that's dramatic, but you get the idea.
• Publishing and Rights Management: This is where it gets tricky. Publishing rights, mechanical licenses…ugh. (Even I get a headache sometimes thinking about this stuff.) Levin Law Group handles this stuff so you can focus on the music.
• Live Performances & Touring: Booking agreements, rider negotiations…the whole nine yards. These guys can handle it.
• Sample Clearance & Copyright: This is one area where experience really matters. Sampling without proper clearance? That can lead to lawsuits faster than you can drop a beat. (Seriously, I鈥檝e seen it happen.) Levin Law Group knows the ins and outs of copyright law, so they鈥檙e a good bet if you're sampling.
• Business Formation & Compliance: Setting up an LLC? Registering your music? This stuff is important, even if it isn鈥檛 glamorous. (And trust me, it's definitely not glamorous). Levin Law Group can guide you through the process.

The Good, the Bad, and the…Smaller

Pros: They鈥檙e known for being accessible and responsive (which, surprisingly, is not a given with lawyers). They seem to genuinely want to educate their clients, not just bill them. (Although I鈥檓 sure they like billing too鈥�who doesn鈥檛?) And, importantly for up-and-coming artists, they offer affordable options.

Cons: Look, they aren't a massive international firm. So if you're a global superstar (congrats, by the way), they might not be the right fit. They鈥檙e a smaller team, so there鈥檚 potentially less bandwidth. They also might not have the same name recognition as some of the bigger players in the game. (But frankly, who cares about name recognition if they get the job done, right?)

Why Levin Law Group Made the List

They're specifically focused on music. In NYC. And they seem to "get" independent artists and the challenges they face. They offer practical solutions and they're affordable, which is a winning combination. Also, their website is if you want to check them out.

Final Thoughts (Kind Of)

Choosing a music lawyer is a big decision. You need someone who understands your vision and can protect your interests. Levin Law Group is definitely worth considering, especially if you鈥檙e a newer artist navigating the complicated world of music law in NYC. They are not the only option, obviously…but they鈥檙e a solid one. Okay, gotta run 鈥� client meeting. (Wish me luck!).

6. Pryor Cashman LLP – Music Group

Okay, so you're looking for music lawyers in NYC. You've probably heard of Pryor Cashman. Everyone has. They鈥檙e like the Yankees of music law 鈥� a big name, tons of resources, and a history of winning. These guys represent some of the biggest names in music. Superstar artists. Major labels. Huge publishing companies. They've seen it all, done it all. From traditional contract negotiations to navigating the wild west of digital rights management, they cover the whole spectrum.

Now, look, full disclosure 鈥� they鈥檙e not for everyone. And that鈥檚 okay. In fact, sometimes I even recommend against hiring the biggest firms. (It鈥檚 true! Sometimes the leaner, meaner, boutique firm is the way to go. More on that another time鈥�) Pryor Cashman is focused on a specific type of client. Established. Big players. Legacy artists with catalogs worth millions. Think catalog management, people. That's serious business. They handle complex mergers and acquisitions within the music industry 鈥� not something your average up-and-coming rapper usually needs.

So, Why Are They On This List?

Good question. Because sometimes, you do need that big hitter. Sometimes you need a firm with serious international clout. Sometimes you鈥檙e dealing with a high-stakes litigation situation, and you want the best of the best in your corner. That's Pryor Cashman. Their reputation precedes them. Their attorneys are practically legal rockstars themselves. (Okay, maybe that鈥檚 cheesy, but you get the picture). They publish articles, speak at conferences, they practically write the law. They definitely shape it.

What They're Good At (and Not So Good At)

• The Good: Exceptional Reputation. Deep experience with precedent-setting cases. Strong international capabilities. Access to a vast network of legal resources. Basically, they鈥檙e a powerhouse.
• The Not-So-Good: Yeah, about that powerhouse鈥�it comes at a price. We're talking top-tier billing rates. Significant retainers are almost always required. And let's be real, they probably won't give you the same individualized attention as a smaller firm. Think of it like this: they鈥檙e the five-star restaurant of music law. Amazing food, but you鈥檙e not going there for a casual weeknight dinner. You鈥檙e going for a special occasion.

Practical Stuff 鈥� The Nitty Gritty

Let鈥檚 get down to brass tacks. If you鈥檙e thinking about reaching out to Pryor Cashman, you need to be prepared. They're not going to take every case. You likely need to be an established artist, a successful company, or someone with a seriously complex legal issue (and deep pockets). Don鈥檛 expect a free consultation to chat about your SoundCloud demo. Be ready to discuss real business, real money, and real legal strategy.

Stuff They Do (A Quick, Kinda-Random Rundown)

1. High-profile litigation (the kind that makes headlines).
2. Negotiations with major labels and publishing companies. (Think multi-million dollar deals.)
3. Legacy artist catalog management and valuation (Because Bowie鈥檚 estate isn't going to manage itself.)
4. Music industry mergers and acquisitions (Like when one giant music company swallows another.)
5. Digital rights management and emerging technology issues (NFTs, Metaverse concerts 鈥撀燼ll that jazz).

Website:

Anyway, that's the scoop on Pryor Cashman. They鈥檙e a force to be reckoned with in the NYC music law scene. Just be sure you鈥檙e the right kind of client before you give them a call. Now, let鈥檚 move on to some other options鈥�or not鈥� maybe I鈥檒l talk about copyright for a bit鈥�It鈥檚 a fascinating area of law, really鈥� (especially when it intersects with technology鈥� which it increasingly does these days鈥�)

Top 6 NYC Music Lawyers Comparison

So, What Now?

Okay, look. We just threw a lot of info at you about these music lawyers in NYC. Rothstein IP, Savur Law, Eisner LLP, Levin Law Group, Pryor Cashman LLP… they鈥檙e all players in the game. Different vibes, different strengths. Some are huge firms (which can be good or bad, right?), some are boutiques. It's like鈥� genres of law firms. (I know, terrible analogy.) Here鈥檚 the thing: no one-size-fits-all here. Especially in music law.

The key takeaway? Finding the right music lawyer in this crazy NYC scene is鈥� essential. Seriously. It's the bedrock of your career. Think about it – your contracts, your copyrights, your royalties鈥� all that rides on this. I'm talking about your money. (Okay, maybe our money too, eventually鈥� kidding鈥� kind of.) Anyway, these tools we listed above? Think of them like鈥� filters. Use them to narrow down the field. Think about your specific needs. Are you an independent artist just starting out? Or are you running a label, managing a roster of talent? That鈥檚 going to heavily influence which tool will work for you. Don鈥檛 just go with the biggest name or whoever your friend used (unless they鈥檙e actually a good fit for you).

Here's a curveball: Sometimes the best 鈥渢ool鈥� isn鈥檛 a directory or a fancy platform, it's talking to people. Word of mouth is huge in this industry. Networking. Recommendations. Ask around. Seriously. You'd be surprised. Actually, you wouldn鈥檛 be surprised 鈥� it's the music industry. Who hasn't heard a horror story about a bad contract?

Music law can be a minefield. There's the obvious stuff 鈥� copyrights, trademarks, recording agreements 鈥� but also a ton of nuanced stuff. Like, what happens if your sample gets flagged on Spotify? Or your song blows up on TikTok and you didn鈥檛 clear the underlying composition? (It happens more than you think.) It鈥檚 not always fun, which is why you need someone on your side who gets it. Look, I'm going to be blunt 鈥� lawyers get a bad rap. We're seen as sharks, ambulance chasers, all that. And yeah, some of that is鈥�earned. But there are a lot of us who genuinely want to help artists.

Remember: You're building a career here. Protect it.

Need a music lawyer in NYC who gets the hustle? Cordero Law focuses on helping emerging artists and entrepreneurs navigate the legal side of the music industry. Check us out at Cordero Law. Let鈥檚 build something together.