The Hollywood Reporter’s Top Music Lawyers 2026 list highlights 55 influential attorneys behind major music deals, superstar careers and billion-dollar investments.
The music industry runs on more than hit songs and sold-out concerts. Behind stars like Rihanna, Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny, powerful entertainment lawyers help shape major business decisions.
On October 8, The Hollywood Reporter unveiled its Top Music Lawyers 2026 feature. The list recognizes 55 legal professionals who influence the global music business.
Today, these lawyers do much more than negotiate contracts. They also manage major acquisitions, protect artist rights and guide business expansions. Moreover, they tackle new challenges involving artificial intelligence.
Music Lawyers Take on Bigger Roles
Music lawyers now handle far more than traditional recording agreements. Their work includes streaming rights, publishing deals, technology licensing and international contracts.
In addition, many attorneys help artists build businesses outside music. These ventures include restaurants, consumer brands and major investments.
As a result, legal advisers have become important partners in shaping long-term careers.
Sony Music Publishing’s Billion-Dollar Deal
One major transaction highlights the influence of music lawyers. Sony Music Publishing acquired Recognition Music Group in a multibillion-dollar deal.
The transaction involved a catalog containing more than 45,000 songs.
John Frankenheimer, chair of Loeb & Loeb’s music industry group, led Sony’s legal team. Meanwhile, Kirkland & Ellis attorneys represented the seller.
The deal shows how valuable music rights have become. It also highlights the importance of experienced lawyers in major acquisitions.
Loeb & Loeb Earns Recognition
Three Loeb & Loeb partners earned places on the 2026 list. They are John Frankenheimer, Derek Crownover and Kenneth Kraus.
Frankenheimer handles major music transactions. In addition, he represents Diana Ross in touring arrangements across Europe and North America.
Meanwhile, Crownover advises Dolly Parton on business and charitable projects.
Kraus also works with major artists. He advises Morgan Wallen on his Tennessee Kitchen hospitality venture. Furthermore, he helped Carrie Underwood with her American Idol judging agreement.
Together, their work shows how entertainment law reaches beyond music production.
Kirkland & Ellis Handles Major Acquisitions
Kirkland & Ellis also gained recognition for four partners.
The honored lawyers include Shellie Freedman, Kelly Mellecker, Keri Schick Norton and Seth Traxler.
Their work involved Virgin Music Group’s acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings. They also advised on the Recognition Music Group transaction.
As music companies continue expanding, these lawyers help manage complex business deals.
Moreover, their expertise supports mergers, acquisitions and long-term investments.
Greenberg Traurig Focuses on Music and Technology
Four Greenberg Traurig shareholders also appeared on the list.
Charles J. Biederman handles recording agreements, catalog sales and entertainment partnerships.
Meanwhile, Jess Rosen brings more than 30 years of entertainment law experience. He also has a background as a professional musician.
Bobby Rosenbloum specializes in digital music and technology licensing.
Similarly, Charmaine D. Smith focuses on intellectual property and emerging artificial intelligence issues.
Together, these attorneys represent the growing connection between music, technology and legal protection.
AI Creates New Challenges for Music Lawyers
Artificial intelligence is changing how music gets created and distributed.
Today, AI tools can generate vocals, melodies and recordings. However, this technology raises serious questions about copyright and artist consent.
For example, unauthorized AI-generated voices could affect an artist’s identity and commercial rights.
As a result, lawyers must develop stronger licensing agreements and protection strategies.
Furthermore, AI-related disputes could influence how musicians earn money in the future.
Frank Sinatra’s Catalog Attracts Investment
Gibson Dunn partner Sarah Graham also received recognition.
Her work included a major investment involving Frank Sinatra’s music catalog.
In addition, she represented the Defiant Ones, a venture founded by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Jimmy Iovine.
The business also launched Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop.
These projects show how established artists can create new income opportunities. However, such ventures require careful legal planning.
Therefore, attorneys help protect trademarks, ownership rights and business interests.
Why Music Catalogs Are So Valuable
Music catalogs have become major investment assets.
When investors purchase song rights, they can earn revenue from streaming, licensing and public performances.
However, every catalog has a different financial value.
Ownership agreements, royalty income and licensing restrictions all influence a transaction.
Consequently, experienced lawyers help buyers and sellers understand the risks.
They also negotiate terms that protect long-term financial interests.
Artist Branding Expands Beyond Music
Many musicians now build businesses outside recording studios.
For example, Morgan Wallen has expanded into hospitality. Meanwhile, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg have entered the consumer beverage market.
These ventures create new opportunities for artists.
However, they also introduce legal responsibilities involving trademarks, investments and partnerships.
Therefore, music lawyers help structure agreements and protect artist brands.
Global Tours Require Legal Planning
Streaming remains important, but live performances continue to drive the music business.
Major tours involve promoters, venues, sponsors and production companies.
In addition, international concerts require agreements across different countries.
Lawyers help manage payment terms, insurance, cancellations and other contractual responsibilities.
Frankenheimer’s work with Diana Ross highlights this responsibility.
As a result, legal planning plays an important role in successful global tours.
What the Top Music Lawyers 2026 List Reveals
Several important trends emerge from this year’s recognition.
First, music catalog acquisitions continue to attract major investment.
Second, artists are expanding into hospitality, consumer products and other businesses.
Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is creating new legal challenges.
Furthermore, digital licensing and copyright protection are becoming increasingly important.
These changes explain why entertainment attorneys now influence major industry decisions.
The Future of Entertainment Law
The music business continues to evolve.
Streaming platforms, global investments and emerging technologies are creating new opportunities.
However, these developments also introduce legal risks.
As a result, artists and music companies need experienced advisers who understand both business and technology.
The Top Music Lawyers 2026 list highlights professionals working at the center of these changes.
The Hollywood Reporter’s Top Music Lawyers 2026 feature recognizes 55 influential attorneys helping shape the global entertainment industry.
From billion-dollar acquisitions to artist branding and AI-related challenges, their work reaches far beyond traditional contracts.
While musicians dominate the spotlight, these legal professionals help protect their careers and business interests.
Stay tuned for more entertainment news, music industry updates and exclusive insights into the people shaping the future of music.
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
Where to Watch / Shop
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Awesome TV earns from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Watch on Amazon
