Aus Law Firm Makes Billboard Top Global Music Lawyers List

Billboard has published its annual list of the top-ranked lawyers and law firms in the global music industry – and for the first time ever, an Australian practice has made the cut.

The honour was bestowed to the Melbourne-based firm Media Arts Lawyers, with particular nods given to founding partner David Vodicka, and partners Rob Glass, Julian Hewitt, Stephen King and Marcus Walkom.

The company represents some of the biggest bands and artists to cut their teeth Down Under – including the likes of Tame Impala, Ruel, Tones And I, Dom Dolla and Kylie Minogue – as well as entertainment monoliths like Future Classic, Select Music and Untitled Group. Kylie is especially notable, too, as she was recently honoured with Billboard’s 2024 Women In Music Icon Award.

The team was spotlit by Billboard for their work in locking down some $50 million USD ($77 million AUD) in mergers and acquisitions over the past 18 months. Included among them was the landmark deal that saw BMG acquire the recorded music rights for Jet’s iconic Get Born and Shine On albums.

Speaking to Billboard, Vodicka vouched for Media Arts Lawyers’ role in the industry, noting that “an artist’s team must identify their specific goals, and needs to ensure the resources on offer from prospective suitors will support and strengthen the artist’s trajectory in both the short term and long term” – a mission that calls for needs great lawyers at all steps along the way.

Per the company’s own website, the team at Media Arts Lawyers work to deliver “practical and commercial legal advice to clients throughout the entertainment, media, and creative industries”.

The company says of its position: “Our combined experience means that we have the skill, deep networks, lateral thinking, and foresight to achieve the best commercial outcomes for our clients. We don’t just do the paperwork, we think creatively to develop strategic solutions and structure intelligent deals.”