Erin M. Jacobson, Esq., A.P.C. is a boutique music law firm handling music transactional matters on behalf of its clients, with an emphasis on music publishing and licensing, copyright terminations, and catalogue acquisitions.

Clients include Grammy and Emmy Award winners, esteemed legacy artists and catalogues, heirs and estates, and independent artists and companies, including independent music publishing companies, music libraries, and record labels.

Founded by Erin M. Jacobson, Esq. in 2010, the firm is known for fiercely protecting and providing innovative solutions and expert advice to music creators and rights’ owners through expert deal negotiation, intellectual property management, and advice for long term success. In addition, the firm is one of the leading firms on copyright terminations and recapturing rights for songwriters and their heirs.


OUR ATTORNEYS

Erin M. Jacobson, Esq.

MANAGING ATTORNEY, OWNER, AND FOUNDER

Erin Jacobson Music Attorney Los Angeles Music Industry Lawyer EntertainmentErin M. Jacobson is an internationally-recognized attorney, experienced deal negotiator, and a seasoned advisor of intellectual property rights who protects musicians, songwriters, music publishers, and a wide variety of other music professionals.

Ms. Jacobson’s clients include Grammy and Emmy Award winners, legacy artists and catalogues, heirs and estates, and independent artists and companies.  Ms. Jacobson regularly handles all types of agreements within the music industry, with an emphasis on music publishing and licensing, and catalogue acquisitions. In addition, she is one of the leading attorneys on copyright recapture and termination issues.

Ms. Jacobson also places special emphasis on her work with legacy clients and their catalogues, as her knowledge of both classic music and current industry practices places her in a unique position to protect and revitalize older catalogues.

Ms. Jacobson has been named multiple times as one of the “Top Music Lawyers” by Billboard, as well as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and one of the Top Women Attorneys in Southern California. In addition, Ms. Jacobson is a frequent author and speaker, and has been featured in publications including Billboard and Forbes, and on networks such as ABC and the BBC

She has previously held positions at BUG Music and other music publishing companies, as well as several boutique music law firms where she handled many music transactional matters. Before pursuing law, she worked in the publicity department of Capitol Records, as Director of Promotions for AO Recordings, and with Rick Dees on The Weekly Top 40 Countdown.

Ms. Jacobson is the author of the book, Don’t Get Screwed! How to Protect Yourself as an Independent Musician.  She also founded and owns Indie Artist Resource, the independent musician’s resource for legal and business protection. Indie Artist Resource offers templates for agreements most needed by independent musicians, as well as a variety of educational materials to empower independent musicians to make informed decisions about their careers.

Her favorite part of being an attorney is working with and counseling her talented clients. When not working, she enjoys live music, old films, painting, and designing jewelry.

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of California
  • California State Superior Courts
  • United States District Court, Central District of California

Honors and Awards

  • Top Music Lawyers List, Billboard, 2020-Present
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2018, 2019
  • Top Women Attorneys in Southern California, SuperLawyers, 2018, 2019

Education

  • Southwestern Law School
    • Juris Doctor, 2009
    • Course emphasis in music, copyright, and entertainment law
    • Affiliations and Activities:
      • Student Liaison – ABA Forum Committee on Entertainment and Sports Industries Law
      • President – Entertainment and Sports Law Society
      • Student Liaison – Beverly Hills Bar Association
      • Contributing Writer – The Commentator
      • Member – Intellectual Property Law Society
  • University of Southern California
    • B.A. in Psychology, Minor in Music Industry, 2005
    • Honors:
      • cum laude
      • Dean’s List
    • Affiliations and Activities:
      • Disc Jockey – KSCR (with station’s highest-rated weekly radio show)
      • Contributing Writer – Bandwidth
      • Member – Audio Engineering Society

 


Jacob A. Friedman, Esq.

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Jacob A. Friedman, Esq. is an Associate Attorney with Erin M. Jacobson, Esq., A.P.C.  He previously held the position of Administrative Assistant with the firm.

Jacob’s expertise focuses on all types of music industry agreements, with an emphasis on music publishing, licensing, terminations, and recording contracts.  

Jacob has always had a passion for music.  He grew up playing piano and guitar with his friends and listening to his dad’s Kinks and Tom Petty records.  He majored in music industry at USC and worked at various music companies, including Live Nation and Breakpoint Booking. 

Jacob attended law school at Temple University Beasley School of Law, and later, Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law, where his coursework focused on music law, copyright, and other intellectual property. During law school, Jacob worked as a research assistant, focusing on music publishing, recording contracts, and race issues in music.  Jacob also worked at various law firms in the Philadelphia area and volunteered at the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.

Jacob’s favorite part of being an attorney is helping the firm’s talented and creative clients. When not working, Jacob is listening to records with his dog, Winona, or discovering new music at a live show.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • State Bar of California
  • California State Superior Courts

EDUCATION

  • Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
    • Course emphasis in music and copyright law
  • Temple University Beasley School of Law
    • Juris Doctor, 2023
    • Course emphasis in intellectual property
    • Affiliations:  Treasurer and Academic Development Chair, Asian-Pacific American Law Student Association
  • University of Southern California
    • B.S. in Music Industry, 2020
    • Honors: Dean’s List