(June 26, 2012, New York City) – Reed Smith LLP today announced the addition of Edward H. Shapiro as a partner in the firm’s New York office, joining Reed Smith’s growing Music Industry Practice.

Mr. Shapiro joins Reed Smith from the New York office of Grubman Indursky Shire & Meiselas, PC, one of America’s top boutique entertainment law firms. He is a transactional lawyer, specializing in the music industry.

“Reed Smith lawyers have worked across the table from Ed for many years on numerous music transactions and have had a front row view of his skill and dedication in representing his clients,” said Jordan Siev, the Managing Partner of Reed Smith’s New York office. “He represents many top individual performers and musical groups, and has become one of the leading attorneys in the hot electronic dance music (EDM) area. We are thrilled to add Ed to our growing Music Industry Practice, which is now co-located in Century City and New York, with meaningful capabilities in London as well.”

A 1991 graduate of Brooklyn Law School, Mr. Shapiro was an executive with two record companies, the general counsel of an electronic media company, founder of another electronic media company, and associated with a Los Angeles-based entertainment law firm, prior to joining Grubman in 2006.

"The music industry is an international business and my clients perform in venues around the globe. Reed Smith's expansive geographic platform and extensive and varied practice areas will allow me to deliver a full spectrum of legal services to my clients in major markets around the world," said Mr. Shapiro. "Additionally, I look forward to providing top notch service to Reed Smith’s existing client base, and adding music industry capabilities to Reed Smith’s vibrant New York office. I look forward to growing my practice and securing other top talent and emerging musical stars as new clients.”

Reed Smith Century City-based Music Industry Partner Steve Sessa said, “I am thrilled to have Ed join our New York office. Expanding our New York capabilities is the next important step in our growth plan. He's a dynamic addition and I'm excited to collaborate with him.”

Paul Jaskot, Practice Group Leader of the firm’s Corporate & Securities Group, added “Reed Smith's Century City office is home to a number of top music industry attorneys, led by Steve Sessa. We are delighted to be able to add a top New York name to our growing roster, and wholeheartedly welcome Ed to the team.”

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with nearly 1,700 lawyers in 23 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, technology and media, shipping, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.

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