Top Music Law Firms NYC | Expert Legal Support for Musicians

So, You're Looking for a Music Lawyer in NYC?

Look, the music biz is a jungle. Contracts, copyrights, royalties…it’s a minefield. Especially in NYC. Artist, producer, label head–you need a music lawyer. Not just any lawyer, one who gets it. Here’s the thing: this list is your starting point for finding the right music law firm in NYC. We’ll cut through the BS (legalese, we'll get to that later) and help you figure out what matters. Finding your firm. Because, let’s be real, most contracts are basically designed to screw you. (Just kidding…mostly.) We’ll cover firms like mine, Cordero Law, alongside others making waves in NYC: Pryor Cashman, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, Lazarus Legal, Carroll, Guido & Groffman, Rothenberg, Mohr & Binder, and Ritholz Levy Fields. This isn't an exhaustive list, okay? But it's a solid start.

1. Cordero Law

Navigating the NYC music scene? You're gonna need a lawyer, and frankly, most of them are…well, let’s just say they fit the stereotype. Stuffy, jargon-heavy, and more interested in billable hours than building your brand. That's not us. Cordero Law is different. We get it. We're building something new here, something that actually works for artists in the 21st century. A real partnership. We’re talking business law, entertainment law, intellectual property… the whole nine yards. We help you with everything from setting up your LLC (that's a limited liability company, by the way, crucial for protecting yourself) to negotiating those tricky record deals to making sure no one rips off your beats. We actually want you to understand what’s going on.

We use tech to make things smoother. Think streamlined communication, quick responses – no more waiting weeks for a simple email reply. Seriously, it's 2024, who still does that? We do free strategy sessions too. I mean, how else are you supposed to know if we’re the right fit? It’s about building trust, right? (And let’s be honest, the legal field could use a little more of that.)

Learn more about Cordero Law

Why Cordero Law is a Game Changer (for real)

Look, the music industry is a jungle. A shark tank. Pick your predatory metaphor. You need someone in your corner who understands the game. We're not just lawyers, we’re advisors, strategists… I guess you could say "partners in crime." (Don’t quote me on that one.) We get what it's like to hustle, to grind, to pour your soul into your art. And we want to help you protect it.

What We Do (aka, The Nitty Gritty)

• Business Formation: LLCs, S-Corps… it can get confusing. We'll make it simple.
• Contract Negotiation: Record deals, management agreements, publishing… don't sign anything without us looking at it. Seriously.
• Intellectual Property Protection: Copyright, trademarks… your music is your lifeblood. We make sure it stays yours.
• Litigation: Okay, hopefully it doesn’t come to this. But if it does, we're ready to fight for you.

The Good, the Bad, and the… Boutique-y

Pros:

1. We're not your grandpa's law firm. We embrace technology, ditch the jargon, and actually listen to our clients.
2. Hyper-focused on the creative industries. We live and breathe this stuff.
3. Personalized service. We're not a factory churning out legal documents; we're building relationships.

Cons:

1. We're a boutique firm. Meaning, we're not a giant, faceless corporation. (Is that really a con though?) For some massive corporate legal battles, we might not be the right fit. Look, I’m just being honest.
2. Pricing. Okay, we should probably put this on the website. But honestly, it depends on the project. Just book a free consultation, it’s easier that way.

The Client-Empowerment Thing (It's Kind of Our Jam)

So, this "client-centered" approach… it’s not just a buzzword. We actually mean it. I, personally, I hate that feeling of being lost and confused in legal-speak. I make sure my clients never feel that way. I explain everything clearly, in plain English. Because knowledge is power, right? It's your career, your art. You should be in control.

Setting Up (aka, Getting Started)

1. Visit our website. (Pretty obvious, but still.)
2. Book a free strategy session. Seriously, what do you have to lose?
3. Tell us your story. What are your goals? What are your fears? We’re here to listen.

Random Thought…

Okay, completely random tangent, but… why are legal documents so long? We try to keep things concise, but sometimes it feels like fighting the tide. Anyway…

Cordero Law is here to change the game. One artist, one entrepreneur, one innovator at a time. We’re building a community. Join us. Let's make some magic happen. (And, you know, stay legally compliant while we’re at it).

2. Pryor Cashman LLP

Okay, so you're looking for music law firms in NYC. Pryor Cashman is definitely a name you’ll hear. They're a big deal, a full-service firm, but they’ve carved out a serious niche in music law. They're headquartered right here in the city, which, let's be honest, is where you want to be for music law. They handle the whole gamut – contracts, copyright, acquisitions, litigation – the works. They’re known for representing some seriously big names – like, iconic songwriters, platinum artists, major labels… you get the picture. This isn’t some fly-by-night operation.

Look, the legal world can be… opaque. (I mean, really opaque. We try to make things clear for our clients at Cordero Law, but some firms seem to thrive on making things complicated. It's like they think complexity equals competence.) Anyway, Pryor Cashman, to their credit, is pretty upfront about what they do. They’ve got a deep bench of entertainment lawyers with serious music industry experience. Which is essential. You wouldn’t go to a podiatrist for brain surgery, would you?

Why They’re on This List (and Why They Might Not Be for You)

Here’s the thing about Pryor Cashman. They’re great for established artists, big labels, those kinds of clients. They’ve got the muscle to handle complex litigation, massive deals, international licensing… it’s impressive. But… and this is a big but… they’re not cheap. Like, at all. So, if you’re an independent artist, a rapper just starting out, a producer building your brand, they might be overkill. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t buy a Ferrari to learn how to drive, right? (Okay, maybe you would. But it's not the smartest move.) So, yeah, they deserve a spot on the list for their sheer power and influence in the music industry, but they might not be the best fit for everyone. We often work with clients who need more personalized attention than a large firm like Pryor Cashman can offer.

What They Do (The Short Version)

• Contracts: Negotiating recording contracts, publishing deals, licensing agreements. (And let me tell you, these things can be dense. We're talking legal jargon overload. Ever heard of "recoupable expenses"? Yeah, that's fun.)
• Copyright: Protecting your intellectual property. Because in the digital age, that’s more crucial than ever.
• Litigation: Suing people. Or, you know, defending you when someone sues you. (Which, unfortunately, happens more often than you'd think in this industry.)
• Acquisitions: Buying and selling music catalogs. This is some high-stakes stuff.

Pros and Cons (The Real Talk)

• Pros: Big names, big results. Deep expertise in both traditional and digital music. Seriously, they’ve seen it all.
• Cons: Big fees. Potentially less personal attention for smaller clients. You’re not going to be calling the named partner on their cell phone at 2 AM. (Unless you are a platinum-selling artist. Then, maybe.)

Should You Go With Pryor Cashman?

If you're a major player in the music industry and money isn't an issue, then absolutely consider Pryor Cashman. They're powerhouses. But if you’re just starting out, or you're on a tighter budget, there are other music law firms in NYC that might be a better fit. (Like, maybe, us? Just sayin’.) Check out their website: https://www.pryorcashman.com/practices/music-law But seriously, do your research. The right legal representation can make or break your career. No pressure.

3. Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Okay, look, so Manatt. Manatt, Manatt. They're a big deal. Like, really a big deal in the music law world, especially here in NYC. They’re known for this whole integrated approach – legal and business consulting, which is honestly pretty slick for navigating the current music scene. Think of it like… I don’t know… like having a lawyer and a manager rolled into one giant, expensive legal powerhouse. (Which, let's be honest, is exactly what they are.)

What they do (in a nutshell):

• Music biz contracts: Talent agreements, licensing deals (sync, mechanical, you name it), publishing – the whole nine yards. They’re pretty much fluent in contract legalese. (Which is its own special kind of pain, let me tell you.)
• Digital music mastery: This is where their Manatt Digital arm comes in. Navigating the digital landscape is crucial these days, and these guys are all over it. NFTs, streaming royalties, metaverse concerts – they’re on top of all the newfangled stuff.
• Big-name clients: Major labels, established artists, publishers…basically, the heavy hitters.

Why they’re on this list:

Frankly, they’re influential. They've got clout. Their reach extends throughout the whole industry, which, whether you like it or not, can open doors. (And sometimes, who you know matters as much as what you know, sadly.) They’re known for being at the forefront of the digital music space – which is increasingly where everything is headed, so that's big. I mean, come on, they have offices in both NYC and LA. That says something, right?

The Good, the Bad, and the Pricey:

• Pros: Let's face it, Manatt has resources. Connections. Deep pockets. This can be a huge advantage in certain situations – say, a complex international licensing deal or a high-stakes dispute. Plus, that whole integrated legal/business thing can be pretty powerful, especially for larger players.
• Cons: Okay, here's the rub. They're expensive. Premium pricing, like, top-shelf stuff. Not exactly indie-artist friendly. (Although, hey, dream big, right?) Also, because they’re so big, they might have conflicts of interest with existing clients. Like, if they’re already representing a major label, they probably can't represent a startup trying to disrupt that same label's business model. It's just how the game works.

For whom? (Basically):

• Established Artists: If you’re already pulling in serious revenue, Manatt could be a good fit. They have the resources to handle complex deals and the connections to amplify your reach.
• Labels & Publishers: They've got a long history of working with the big players in the traditional music industry.
• Music Tech Companies: This is where their digital expertise really shines. If you’re developing groundbreaking music tech, they can help you navigate the legal and business landscape.

The Verdict (kinda):

Manatt is a powerhouse, no doubt. But they’re not for everyone. (Almost rhymes, doesn’t it?) If you’re just starting out, you’re probably better off looking for a smaller, more boutique firm. But if you’ve “made it” (whatever that means), Manatt could be a valuable asset. (But, again, bring your wallet.)

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP – Music

(Quick aside – isn’t it weird how lawyer websites all look the same? Like some kind of corporate law firm template. Maybe we should disrupt that industry next…)

4. Lazarus Legal: The Boutique Option

Okay, so you're looking for music law firms in NYC. You've probably come across the giants, the big names, the ones with the fancy Midtown addresses. But, but, but…what if I told you smaller can sometimes be better? Especially in the music biz. That's where Lazarus Legal comes in. These guys are a boutique firm, specializing exclusively in music and entertainment law. Exclusively. That means they live and breathe this stuff.

Look, the legal field can be…stuffy. Pretentious. It's true! Lazarus Legal ditches the pretense and offers personalized service. You're not just a case number. You're an artist, a songwriter, a producer trying to make it in the chaotic, wonderful world of music. (And let's be honest, it is chaotic. Anyone who tells you different is selling something.) They get that.

What They Do (and Do Well)

• Contracts, contracts, contracts: Recording agreements? Publishing deals? Catalog sales (which, by the way, are a whole different animal)? They handle it all. They excel at it. And this is key—they explain it to you in a way that actually makes sense. No legalese, just straight talk.
• Royalties and Rights: This stuff can be a headache. Seriously, a migraine-inducing nightmare. Lazarus helps navigate the complexities of music licensing, copyright protection, and those inevitable royalty disputes that pop up. (Seriously, they’re like whack-a-mole.)
• Building a Foundation: They’re big on long-term relationships. I mean, really big. They're thinking about your career trajectory, not just the immediate deal. This is huge, especially for emerging artists. We get it; Cordero Law is built on the same principle. It's about building trust.

The Good, the Bad, and the…Boutique

• Pros: Personalized attention? You got it. Flexible fees? Definitely. (We’re talking WAY more flexible than those mega-firms.) Deep industry connections? Absolutely. Accessible to both established and up-and-coming artists? Yep.
• Cons: Look, they're a smaller team. That means fewer resources than a huge corporate firm. Complex, multi-jurisdictional litigation might be a stretch, though frankly, that's rare for most music law issues. Also, they’re not as famous as some of the old-school firms. Is that actually a con though? Sometimes, flying under the radar is a good thing.

Why They're on This List (Because They Earn It)

Simple. Lazarus Legal offers the kind of specialized, personalized representation that's hard to find in the cutthroat NYC music scene. They’re not trying to be everything to everyone. They focus on music, they know music, and they get musicians. (We empathize. Dealing with lawyers can be…difficult. I'm a lawyer, and I think dealing with lawyers can be difficult. Seriously.) Check them out: https://www.lazaruslegal.com/

Other Stuff (That Might Be Important)

Okay, quick thought: Think of Lazarus Legal as your music industry Sherpa. They guide you through the treacherous mountain passes of legal contracts, protecting you from the yetis of royalty disputes. (Okay, maybe that analogy got away from me. But you get the point, right?)

They cater to everyone, from rappers to singers, producers to managers. And, yeah, they handle the boring but crucial stuff like copyright registration and music publishing administration. You know, the stuff nobody wants to deal with, but everybody needs to deal with. Think of it as preventative law.

Last Thing (I Promise)

I almost forgot – Oren Warshavsky and Gandhar Savur, the founders, are pretty much the real deal. They actually care about the music. (Crazy, right?) That makes a difference, believe me.

5. Carroll, Guido & Groffman, LLP

Okay, so, Carroll, Guido & Groffman. Carroll, Guido & Groffman. These guys are… well, they're the boutique entertainment law firm in NYC. Premier league. If you're a musician in the city, you know this name. Founded back in '98, they’ve built a reputation, a serious reputation, for handling some of the biggest names in music. Think Jay-Z. Lizzo. Bruno Mars. The Strokes. And tons—seriously, tons—of other heavy hitters.

Now, look, I have to be straight with you. Getting in the door with CG&G? It's not a walk in the park. They're selective. Super selective. (Which, let’s be honest, kind of makes sense when you're dealing with that caliber of clientele.) They’re not going to be the best fit for every artist. Especially if you're just starting out, grinding it out in the clubs, still figuring out your sound. You probably won't be on their radar. Not yet, anyway.

But…if you do manage to land them? Let's just say you’re in good hands.

What they do (that other firms don’t)

These guys specialize in the business of music. Recording agreements. Publishing deals. Licensing. Even catalog sales, which are becoming a huge deal these days. (Seriously, if you own your masters, catalog sales can be a game changer. Like, generational wealth type stuff.) They're particularly strong in the digital space. Streaming, NFTs, metaverse concerts…all that new-fangled stuff. They understand it. They live and breathe it.

And here’s the thing. They’re a boutique firm. Which, in lawyer-speak, means they’re smaller and more specialized than those massive corporate behemoths. But—and this is crucial—they operate with the same level of expertise and clout. You’re not getting some junior associate fresh out of law school handling your contracts. You're dealing directly with the partners. The big guns. The people who literally wrote the book on music law. Okay, maybe not literally… but you get the idea.

The Good, the Bad, and the…Exclusive

Pros:

1. Direct partner involvement. Like I said, you're not dealing with some newbie lawyer. You're getting the A-team.
2. Connections. They know everyone. Labels, publishers, managers, agents… you name it.
3. Track record. Their client list speaks for itself. They've closed some of the biggest deals in the industry.
4. Boutique power. They have the agility and personal attention of a small firm, but the resources and reach of a much larger one.

Cons:

1. Exclusivity. They’re picky. (Some might even say too picky. But, hey, that's their prerogative, right?)
2. Price tag. Quality comes at a cost. Expect to pay top dollar for their services.
3. Not for everyone. Emerging artists might find them… inaccessible. (Unless you’ve got a really good demo and a really convincing manager.)

The Nitty Gritty (Because Details Matter)

Frankly, I'm a little envious of their client roster. I mean, who wouldn't want to work with those artists? Anyway, their website (https://www.carrollguido.com/) is surprisingly straightforward. (Sometimes these big firms have websites that look like they were designed in the 90s. Not these guys.) It lays out their practice areas, their philosophy, and…well, not much else. Which is kind of the point. They don’t need to brag. Their reputation precedes them.

So, bottom line? If you're a serious player in the music industry—or you're on the cusp of becoming one—Carroll, Guido & Groffman is worth a look. Just be prepared to… impress. Because they’re not just looking for clients. They're looking for stars.

6. Rothenberg, Mohr & Binder, LLP

Okay, so, Rothenberg, Mohr & Binder, LLP. RMB. These guys are a boutique music law firm in NYC. Boutique, boutique, boutique—that means they’re small, specialized, and, frankly, usually more expensive. But you get what you pay for, right? RMB focuses specifically on music and entertainment law, which is key in a city flooded with generalist firms. I mean, New York City, it's the epicenter of… well, pretty much everything, but music especially. They work with everyone from artists and songwriters to producers, indie labels, and even music executives. Full-service representation—meaning they handle everything.

Now, here’s the thing: finding a music law firm in NYC is like trying to find a decent slice of pizza – tons of options, but most are just…meh. RMB stands out. Why? Their partners – Jason Rothenberg, Kenneth Mohr, and Joshua Binder – have serious industry experience. They’ve worked with major labels, big entertainment companies…they know the game inside and out. (Which honestly, in this business, is about 90% of the battle. Maybe 95%.) This isn’t some fresh-out-of-law-school attorney trying to figure things out on your dime. They've been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt. And probably a platinum record or two.

What They Do (and Do Well)

Look, contracts. Everyone hates them, right? RMB excels at contract negotiation. Recording agreements, publishing deals, those pesky catalog sales everyone's talking about… they’ve seen it all. They’re also really on top of new media and streaming, which is…well, kind of important these days. Think about it: NFTs, metaverse concerts, micro-licensing… it’s a wild west out there. You need someone who gets it.

• Deals, Deals, Deals: From touring contracts to digital licensing, they handle the nitty-gritty so you can focus on the music. (Because, let’s be real, who wants to spend hours deciphering legalese?)
• Rights Acquisition: Buying or selling catalogs? These guys are your go-to. Complicated stuff, but essential if you’re serious about building a long-term career. (I mean, who doesn't want to own their masters?)
• Evolving Business Models: The music industry is constantly changing. RMB keeps up.

The Good, the Bad, and the…Boutique

• Pros: Seriously experienced partners. Personalized attention. (You’re not just a case number.) Strong reputation. Practical, business-minded approach. They get it.
• Cons: Smaller firm. Might be harder to get in. Less geographic reach (but honestly, does that even matter anymore?). Maybe not as much support staff as a mega-firm, but…who needs an army when you have a SWAT team?

Is RMB for You?

So, the million-dollar question (maybe literally). Should you hire them? If you’re a serious artist, songwriter, producer, or even a small label in NYC looking for top-tier representation, then yes, absolutely. These guys are the real deal. If you're on a shoestring budget… well, maybe not. But remember, sometimes you get what you pay for. Check them out: https://www.rmbllp.com/

(Okay, one more thing. The legal industry, it's…well, it’s not always the most forward-thinking. Lots of old-school attitudes. But RMB, they seem to get the new generation. The future of music. That’s why they’re on this list. End of story.)

7. Ritholz Levy Fields LLP

Okay, so you're looking for a music law firm in NYC. You’re probably drowning in options, right? Big firms, small firms, everyone claiming they're the best. It’s a jungle. Ritholz Levy Fields LLP… these guys are… different. They're a boutique firm, which, in lawyer-speak, just means smaller and more specialized. They really, really focus on the music industry. And that focus, that’s important. That's where they shine.

Look, I get it. Finding the right legal representation can make or break your career. I've seen it firsthand. Ritholz Levy Fields, they handle the stuff you’d expect – recording agreements, publishing deals, all that jazz. But they also get into the nitty-gritty, the stuff other firms might gloss over. Think catalog sales (buying and selling your music rights, major bucks right there), digital licensing (Spotify, Apple Music, all those platforms), touring, merch, and copyright. Seriously, copyright. It's a minefield, but these guys know the terrain.

Why Ritholz Levy Deserves a Spot on This List (and in Your Contacts)

So, why are they on my list? The partners at Ritholz Levy? They've been there, done that. Big firms, entertainment companies… they've seen it all. And now, they bring that big-firm experience to a boutique setting. That means direct partner involvement. You're not talking to some junior associate; you're talking to the people who actually call the shots. (It’s kind of like having a personal trainer, but for your legal needs…I dunno, maybe that analogy’s a stretch). Anyway, they handle both traditional and digital music business. This matters. The music industry changes every day.

The Good, the Bad, and the… Boutique?

Pros: Experience. Partner involvement. Seriously, that’s huge. Also, the personalized service. Big firms? You’re a number. Here, you're a client, an artist. They actually care. I think. I mean, they seem to.

Cons: Smaller team. Fewer resources than a sprawling corporate giant, obviously. This might be a constraint during really hectic periods. Less international reach too. So, if you're planning a global takeover right now… they might not be the best fit. But hey, baby steps, right?

So, You're Thinking About Calling Them…

I don't have any pricing info. (Lawyers are weird about that stuff). Best to reach out directly. Their website is https://www.rlflawfirm.com/. Tell 'em Cordero Law sent you… or don’t. Doesn't matter to me. But seriously, if you’re looking for a music law firm in NYC, these guys are worth checking out. Especially if you're an artist, producer, songwriter, whatever – someone who’s really creating.

Stuff They Do (Because I Have to Be Thorough)

• Recording and Publishing Agreements (The bread and butter)
• Catalog Sales (Big money moves)
• Digital Music Licensing (The future is now)
• Touring Agreements (Get that money on the road)
• Merchandising (T-shirts, hats, the whole nine yards)
• Copyright Matters (Don't mess with this)
• Litigation (Sometimes you gotta fight)

Okay, gotta run. Client meeting. But yeah, check them out. Ritholz Levy Fields LLP. Solid choice for music law in NYC.

Top 7 NYC Music Law Firms Comparison

Alright, Let's Wrap This Up…

So, look, we just ran through a bunch of music law firms in NYC, right? Pryor Cashman, Manatt… (They're good, don't get me wrong.) Ritholz Levy Fields, Rothenberg… the list goes on. The thing is, finding the right firm – the one that vibes with your music, whether you're a rapper, producer, singer, songwriter, or running the whole damn show – that’s key. It’s not one-size-fits-all. It's definitely not one-size-fits all. And let me tell you, this industry… sometimes it feels like everyone’s speaking a different language. Ever heard of force majeure? (It’s basically a “get out of jail free card” in contracts… sometimes.) Anyway, finding the right lawyer is like, I don't know, building the perfect drum loop. Each piece – communication, expertise, understanding your specific needs (like, really understanding) – has to fit.

Here’s the thing: you need a lawyer who isn't just reciting legal jargon. You need someone who gets the struggle, the hustle, the creative process. Someone who’s been in the trenches (metaphorically, of course… unless they're a really dedicated musician-lawyer). Someone who understands the nuances of music law in NYC. (Because NYC is its own beast, let's be real.) Think about it: deals, copyrights, trademarks, royalties… it can get messy fast. You want someone to navigate that mess for you, so you can focus on what you do best: making music.

Look, I’m not saying you have to pick one of the firms listed. (Though, they're a good starting point.) What I am saying is this: Do your research. Ask the tough questions. (Seriously, don't be shy.) Because at the end of the day, this is your art. Your career. Your legacy. Protect it. Seriously. Contracts can feel like a minefield, especially in the music industry. (Believe me, I've seen it.) One wrong move, and… well, let's just say you want a good lawyer in your corner. Think of it as an investment, not an expense. An investment in your future. A future where your music is protected, respected, and thriving. Okay? Okay.

Need that legal muscle in your corner, especially here in the NYC music scene? Connect with us at Cordero Law. We're about helping artists, producers, and music businesses navigate the complexities of the industry – from contracts to copyrights. Check out Cordero Law to see how we can help amplify your music career, not the legal headaches.