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Music Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Berklee College of Music

General Counsel

Boston, MA · On-site

He began his career as an artist-side music attorney at Greenberg Traurig in New York, representing musicians and creative entrepreneurs in recording, publishing, licensing, and emerging digital ...

Jobtailor

VP, Music Acquisitions

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

Strong network across the music industry: rightsholders, attorneys, managers, and deal intermediaries. * Exceptional communication skills; able to present complex analysis clearly. * Proficiency in ...

Boston Conservatory

General Counsel

Boston, MA · On-site

He began his career as an artist-side music attorney at Greenberg Traurig in New York, representing musicians and creative entrepreneurs in recording, publishing, licensing, and emerging digital ...

Amazon

Corporate Counsel, Amazon Music

Seattle, WA

You will directly advise the Amazon Music businesses on a broad range of matters, focusing on regulatory guidance You will work as the lead lawyer on strategic projects, providing day-to-day advice ...

Amazon

Corporate Counsel, Amazon Music

Seattle, WA

You will directly advise the Amazon Music businesses on a broad range of matters, focusing on regulatory guidance You will work as the lead lawyer on strategic projects, providing day-to-day advice ...

SagePaths

Entertainment Attorney

Los Angeles, CA

$175K/yr

About the Role As a member of the Entertainment Law Practice Group, you will work closely with partners and senior attorneys representing clients across film, television, music, digital media, and ...

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Music Lawyer information

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$47K

$100.6K

$138K

How much do music lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for music lawyer in the United States is $100,626.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a music lawyer?

Music lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in the music industry, providing advice and representation to artists, songwriters, producers, record labels, and other stakeholders. They handle contracts, intellectual property rights, licensing, royalties, and disputes related to music. Music lawyers help protect their clients' interests, negotiate deals, and ensure that their rights are upheld in a complex and ever-changing industry.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a music lawyer?

To thrive as a Music Lawyer, you need a law degree with bar admission, in-depth knowledge of intellectual property and contract law, and experience in the entertainment industry. Familiarity with legal research databases, contract management systems, and music licensing platforms is typically required. Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills help set outstanding music lawyers apart. These skills ensure effective client representation, protection of rights, and successful navigation of the complex music business landscape.

What are common challenges music lawyers face when negotiating recording contracts?

Music lawyers often encounter challenges in negotiating recording contracts, such as ensuring fair royalty rates, securing creative control for artists, and clarifying complex rights and obligations around distribution and intellectual property. Balancing the interests of record labels with the long-term career goals of clients requires a deep understanding of both legal terms and industry trends. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential, as these agreements can significantly impact an artist's financial and creative future.

What is the difference between Music Lawyer vs Music Producer?

AspectMusic LawyerMusic Producer
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar license, specialized knowledge in entertainment lawMusic or audio engineering degree, experience in music production
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, entertainment companies, independent practiceRecording studios, production companies, artists' projects
Industry UsageLegal advisory, contract drafting, rights managementCreating music, overseeing recording sessions, sound design

While both Music Lawyers and Music Producers work within the music industry, their roles differ significantly. Music Lawyers focus on legal aspects such as contracts and rights, requiring legal credentials. Music Producers handle the creative and technical side of music creation, requiring expertise in music production. Understanding these differences helps artists and industry professionals choose the right support for their needs.

How do music lawyers get paid?

Music lawyers typically get paid through hourly rates, flat fees for specific services, or retainers for ongoing representation. Payment structures depend on the case complexity and client agreement, and lawyers often bill using legal billing software. Some may also work on a percentage basis for certain deals, such as licensing or royalties.
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What cities are hiring for Music Lawyer jobs?

Cities with the most Music Lawyer job openings:

What states have the most Music Lawyer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Music Lawyer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Music Lawyer jobs look for?

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Music Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Lawyer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Entertainment (Music) Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Los Angeles, CA

$260K - $390K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Direct Counsel is seeking an Entertainment (Music) Associate Attorney (Mid-to-Senior Level) to join a leading national firm in Century City.

Overview
Direct Counsel is recruiting an experienced entertainment/music associate attorney to join a high-performing music transactions team. This role offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated matters for a broad range of clients — including emerging and superstar-level artists, boutique and institutional music companies, investors, digital music platforms, and music-focused entrepreneurs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Draft and negotiate recording agreements, publishing and administration deals, management agreements, catalog acquisitions, joint ventures, sponsorship and endorsement deals, and digital licensing agreements.

  • Provide counsel on music-related M&A transactions, including diligence and preparation, review, and negotiation of acquisition, sale, and financing documentation.

  • Advise on issues involving copyright and emerging technologies, including AI.

Qualifications

  • JD from an accredited law school and active California bar membership.

  • 3-6 years of experience, ideally with M&A work at a large firm

  • Experience with music catalog sales and acquisitions strongly preferred.

  • Excellent judgment, strong written/oral communication skills, and the ability to integrate into a collaborative, high-performing team.

  • Ambition for long-term growth and partnership track.

Compensation
The anticipated compensation range for this role is $260,000 – $390,000, depending on experience and location.

Benefits
Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, 401(k), paid family leave, paid time off, flexible spending and health savings accounts, mental health support, transportation benefits, childcare support, and optional supplemental insurance programs.