Ryan Schmidt
Music Lawyer Ryan Schmidt, Esq. | Record Deals | Catalog Sales | Music Rights
With over 20 years in the music industry, artist turned music lawyer Ryan Schmidt, Esq. knows this business like the back of his hand.
As an entertainment attorney who specializes in music law, including record deals, catalog sales, publishing agreements, and artist advocacy, Ryan blends firsthand industry experience with elite legal training to protect creatives at every stage of their careers.
In his music career, Ryan has been featured on NBC’s The Voice and earned honors like “Critics’ Choice” at the Starbucks Music Makers Competition. His firsthand experience with restrictive contracts and industry red tape inspired him to become the kind of lawyer he wished he'd had.
A summa cum laude graduate of Nashville's Belmont University College of Law, Ryan graduated top of his class and served as an Executive Officer of the Belmont Law Review. Before launching his Georgia-based solo practice, he trained under a leading Nashville entertainment law firm representing major artists and rights holders in music, visual arts, and digital media. He later joined boutique Savannah firm The Bowen Law Group and went on to become a named partner at Bowen Schmidt Entertainment Attorneys. In 2024, Ryan left the firm to launch his own national music law practice, which is quickly becoming a go-to legal destination for artists, songwriters, producers, and music tech companies across the country. Today, he represents clients from all major creative hubs like Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Atlanta, Miami, and beyond.
Whether helping artists sign their first contract or fighting for better terms on their next big deal, Ryan’s mission remains the same: to help creatives protect their art and build sustainable careers on their terms.
- Belmont University College of Law
- Honors: Summa Cum Laude
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- Founder; Partner
- Law Office of Ryan Schmidt, Esq.
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- Ryan Schmidt, Esq. is a music lawyer and entertainment attorney who helps artists, songwriters, producers, and music startups nationwide negotiate label and publishing deals, close high-value catalog sales, draft and review contracts, and protect their music rights. Press & Media Highlights: Ryan is a nationally recognized expert on music law, copyright, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the creative industries. He is frequently featured by major media outlets and industry conferences for his insights into protecting artist rights and navigating modern deal structures.
- Partner
- Bowen Schmidt Entertainment Attorneys
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- Attorney
- The Bowen Law Group
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- “Pioneers or Stuck in Legacy? The Future of CMOs”, Music Biz 2025, Atlanta
- Is this the death of traditional Collective Management Organisations? CMOs play a crucial role in the fair distribution of royalties and the protection of intellectual property, serving as a backbone to the creative economy. The CMO’s of the future hinge on the ability to drive innovation, integrate new technological solutions and yet preserve trust among members, while expanding their role from financial intermediaries to strategic partners for music creators and their careers.
- State Bar of Georgia # 114091
- Member
- Current
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- Georgia
- State Bar of Georgia
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- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Entertainment & Sports Law
- Entertainment Law
- Music Law
- English
- Q. My landlord emailed me my lease on 10/15/20 but there is not dates on the lease. it states it’s a 12 month lease. valid?
- A: Generally speaking, if both parties signed it and there is other evidence available of when it was signed and returned (emails, metadata, etc.) it is likely valid for 12 months from the date of signing. Alternatively, if there is a date block on the signature line, that date may be used. Lease and contract issues however are very fact-specific and it is recommended that you have this lease reviewed by a licensed attorney.
- Q. I write and produce songs. One of the songs contains dialogue from a movie, but I speak. Is that a copyright violation ?
- A: Generally speaking, any time copyrighted material is incorporated into a new work you will need permission from the original author. This may be obtained by getting a license to create a derivative work. Copyright issues are complex and each matter is different. It is recommended that you consult a lawyer to help with your specific situation.
- Website
- Music Lawyer Entertainment Attorney Ryan Schmidt, Esq. Official Website
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