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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 ...

Boston Conservatory

General Counsel

Boston, MA

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 ...

SagePaths

Entertainment Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$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 ...

ONErpm

Sr A&R (Miami Office)

Miami, FL · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

With a full understanding of ONErpm's business model, the hire will convey ONErpm unique value proposition to local artists, artists managers and music attorneys. Responsibilities * Drive new ...

ONErpm

Sr A&R (Miami Office)

Miami, FL

$95K - $110K/yr

With a full understanding of ONErpm's business model, the hire will convey ONErpm unique value proposition to local artists, artists managers and music attorneys. Responsibilities * Drive new ...

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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 3, 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 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 to make $500,000 as a lawyer?

A music lawyer can earn $500,000 by building a strong client base, specializing in high-value entertainment deals, and gaining experience in contract negotiations and intellectual property rights. Success often depends on reputation, networking, and working with prominent clients or artists. High earnings typically require years of experience and a track record of securing lucrative agreements.

What kind of lawyers work in the music industry?

Music lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in entertainment law, handling issues such as copyright, licensing, contracts, and intellectual property for artists, record labels, and music companies. They often have expertise in contract negotiation, licensing agreements, and copyright law, and may work closely with artists, managers, and industry executives.

Who is Taylor Swift's music lawyer?

Taylor Swift's music lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in entertainment and music law, handling contracts, rights, and licensing issues for artists. Specific details about her current legal representation are not publicly disclosed. Music lawyers often work with record labels, publishers, and artists to protect their intellectual property and ensure legal compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Music Lawyer, and why are they important?

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 music lawyers?

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 are some 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.

Do music lawyers make money?

Music lawyers typically earn a salary or hourly fee that varies based on experience, location, and the complexity of cases. Successful attorneys in this field can make a competitive income, especially those working with high-profile clients or in entertainment hubs. Income may also depend on their reputation, negotiation skills, and the volume of cases handled.
More about Music Lawyer jobs
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? The top searched job categories for Music Lawyer jobs are:
Music Lawyer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Music Lawyer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 4% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 64% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,626 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

VP, Music Acquisitions, Firebird Music Rights

Firebird Music

New York, NY • On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

About the Role
Firebird is seeking a VP, Music Rights Acquisitions to lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of music catalog and rights acquisitions for Firebird Music Rights. This position is a senior, deal-focused role sitting at the intersection of music, finance, and strategy; responsible for leading transactions from origination through close with excellence and efficiency.
Reporting to the President of Firebird Music Rights, this individual will build a world-class catalog acquisition operation, leading the evaluation, structuring, negotiation, and execution of music rights investments across recorded music, publishing, neighboring rights, and other music-related IP assets. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of music rights, strong transaction experience, and a genuine passion for the music industry.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead end-to-end acquisition processes for music-related IP assets, from identification and initial valuation through due diligence, deal structuring, and close
  • Represent Firebird in the marketplace as a trusted and creative capital partner to rightsholders and their advisors
  • Develop investment theses and return frameworks for prospective acquisitions along with establishing systems and workflow processes across the full music rights acquisition process
  • Lead investment underwriting including building and maintaining financial models to assess catalog value and returns
  • Collaborate with our Label Services and Data + Insights teams to analyze and execute active management initiatives
  • Prepare investment memos and materials that clearly communicate deal rationale, risk, and upside; and present materials to senior management (Investment Committee, Board)
  • Partner with Business Affairs and external legal teams to structure and negotiate deal terms
  • Support post-acquisition integration, working with Finance, Royalties, and Label Services to ensure assets are effectively onboarded and performing to thesis
  • Conduct market research on catalog sales activity, buyer behavior, and trends to inform Firebird's acquisition strategy and pricing thesis
  • Stay current on music industry trends including regulatory changes, emerging rights categories, streaming economics, and M&A activity across the music rights landscape

Qualifications
  • 8-10 years of experience in music rights valuation and catalog acquisitions, with a demonstrated track record of leading the underwriting, negotiation, and execution of music rights transactions
  • Deep understanding of music publishing and recorded music economics: royalty structures, revenue streams, licensing, and catalog valuation methodologies
  • Expert financial modeling skills: DCF, multiples-based valuation, scenario analysis, and sensitivity modeling
  • Ability to interpret and translate complex contract terms into clear financial and strategic insights
  • Strong network across the music industry: rightsholders, attorneys, managers, and deal intermediaries
  • Exceptional communication skills; able to present complex analysis clearly
  • Proficiency in Excel for modeling; familiarity with rights management or catalog management tools

About Firebird
Firebird is a next generation music company providing career and brand guidance to over 1,000 artists worldwide to help them develop and grow broader global audiences and build longer lasting, higher impact, more profitable careers. Redefining the intersection of music, technology and finance, Firebird has rich expertise across the spectrum of artist management and intellectual property creation, from traditional endeavors like touring and recording, to cutting edge marketing and consumer product development, to emerging digital platforms from gaming to AI. Firebird's roster of partners includes some of the most important companies across the various aspects of the music landscape today including Red Light Management, Mick Management, Transgressive, Defected, Ntertain, Tape Room, Easier Said and many more.
Join us!
We're a team of ~40 music industry veterans, data nerds, operators, and builders who really love music. We put artists first because when they win, we all win. That simple principle guides everything we do.
We have teams in New York, Los Angeles, and London supporting artists around the world. We're at that exciting growth stage where what you build and who you help break will shape the next era of this company and the industry.
How We Take Care of the Flock
  • Ownership: Equity participation for everyone
  • Health & Wealth: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plus 401(k) with company match
  • Performance Rewards: Annual bonuses tied to results
  • Flexibility: Flexible PTO and hybrid in-office schedules for those in NYC
  • Access: Live shows, festivals, and the music community you're helping create
  • Growth: Learn from people who've built careers at majors, independents, and startups

Who We Hire
We hire based on talent, passion, and potential. We don't discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

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