“We are thrilled to welcome Michael to our team. Michael is one of my mentors and the leading copyright authority in the music business. He has led the purchase and sale of some of the most iconic music catalogs of all time, long before copyrights became recognized as an asset class in the music business. As the leading expert in statutory terminations and other copyright issues, he will be a huge asset to our clients,” said Stephen Sessa, co-chair of the Entertainment & Media Industry Group. “Michael has over forty years of experience representing leading artists, songwriters, publishers, producers, and their estates. His addition is part of our effort to strategically expand our music and copyright capabilities for clients. His arrival follows that of Nneka Witter, who joined the firm’s New York and Atlanta office from Interscope Records in June.”
Perlstein’s practice is focused on the representation of buyers and sellers of musical composition and master recording catalogs, as well as analysis of copyright termination rights and other complex copyright issues related to musical and other works. He provides advice on general corporate matters, copyright compliance, and market trends.
“Michael’s addition to our team is an important part of our overall growth strategy,” said Century City Office Managing Partner Ashok W. Mukhey. “In addition to his entertainment practice, Michael’s vast experience in the music industry, and in particular, with transactions involving music catalogs will be an asset to our clients globally.”
Perlstein’s experience was named among Billboard’s Top Music Attorneys 2021–2024 for negotiating record-setting catalog sales and general transactional practice.
“Reed Smith’s Entertainment & Media team is internationally recognized for its excellence. Having collaborated with Steve Sessa for many years, joining Reed Smith now feels like the natural progression of my practice,” said Perlstein. “Reed Smith is uniquely positioned in the music business in that it has the number one M&A and tax practice that is music focused, a market leading artist/creative practice, and the leading digital lawyers at a global law firm. No other firm has that global music footprint which allows them to offer the full-service advice in an ever-changing music ecosystem. I’m looking forward to expanding my practice by tapping into their knowledge and deep bench strength.”
Perlstein holds a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley and a B.A. from the University of Michigan. He is admitted to the bar in California and New York. He is a former president of the Los Angeles Copyright Society. In addition, Perlstein served as an associate adjunct professor at Southwestern University School of Law, where he taught the course in music publishing.