The announcement follows Billboard’s recent selection of seven Reed Smith lawyers for its 2026 Top Music Lawyers list, in a year in which the firm advised clients on nearly $20 billion in music transactions. These recognitions reflect the breadth and proficiency of Reed Smith’s music group.

“Reed Smith’s music group has built its reputation in a market where music rights, capital, distribution and technology converge,” said Sessa, co-chair of Reed Smith’s Entertainment and Media Industry Group. “Clients rely on us for industry judgment, practical structuring advice and a clear view of where the business is headed, from catalog strategy and recording agreements to live performance, brand partnerships and emerging technology. This recognition goes beyond me, Ed, Josh, Eric—it highlights the many colleagues across our practice who deliver every day.”

Collectively, this year’s honorees counsel a diverse clientele—including artists, songwriters, producers, industry executives, record labels, publishers, entertainment companies, investors, brands, and funds—on matters spanning the entire music industry. From talent representation and strategic transactions to catalog acquisitions, recording and publishing agreements, licensing, digital distribution, live entertainment, and intellectual property matters, their capabilities extend across the full range of legal challenges facing music clients. They bring proven experience in courtroom litigation, arbitration proceedings, and negotiated resolutions outside of court. 

This collaborative team exemplifies the cross-disciplinary strength of Reed Smith's music, entertainment and media practices, whose attorneys serve as trusted counselors and industry-recognized authorities to the world’s preeminent labels, investment funds, and artists—from multi-platinum Grammy Award winners to leading acquirers and rising catalog investors.

Recent matters include advising Concord on its definitive agreement to combine with BMG; representing Lyric Capital Group in its acquisition of master recordings and musical compositions by Abel Tesfaye, professionally known as The Weeknd; advising Lyric in the sale of Jason Aldean’s recorded catalog and additional rights to BMG; and negotiating NFL Super Bowl Halftime agreements, including this year’s Bad Bunny headliner agreement. 

The honor continues a strong run of Variety recognition for Reed Smith’s music lawyers. Sessa, Shapiro, Love, and Marder were named to the publication’s Dealmakers 2025 report, Sessa and Love were among its 2024 Dealmakers, and Love was recognized as a Hollywood New Leader in 2024.

Reed Smith’s music group has long counseled clients across the music business in the transactions and matters shaping its complex and innovative future.

View the full list at variety.com.