Ryan Schmidt

Originally hailing from New Hampshire, Georgia transplant Ryan Schmidt is an Partner at Bowen Schmidt. A lawyer passionate about protecting the rights of creatives and business owners, Ryan’s entertainment law practice focuses on music law, online influencers, and contract disputes.

Ryan, who toured extensively as a singer/songwriter prior to law school has been featured on the NBC’s “The Voice” and Apple iTunes’ “New Music Page” and was named “Critics’ Choice” at the Starbucks Music Makers Competition. As a professional musician, he experienced firsthand the cutthroat nature of the business and the restrictive contracts creatives are too often asked to sign. Answering the call to be a fighter for his fellow artists, content creators, and influencers, Ryan knew he needed to pursue a career in law. And so, Ryan attended Belmont University College of Law in Nashville, where he graduated at the top of his class, summa cum laude, after serving as Executive Officer for both Belmont’s Law Review and Federalist Society.

Before moving to Savannah, Ryan clerked for a Nashville-based law firm representing clients in the music industry, fine arts, and digital media. Since joining Bowen Schmidt in 2018, he has represented countless clients in various business and entertainment matters.

For Ryan, being an advocate for entertainment professionals is not only his duty but also his privilege. As a lawyer, he stands in between what is and what should be. Each day is another opportunity to narrow that gap.

Belmont University College of Law

Honors: Summa Cum Laude

Partner

Bowen Schmidt

2023 - Current

Attorney

The Bowen Law Group

2018 - 2023

Legal Summit, Savannah, GA

September 16, 2019

Chapter 13 Creditor's Rights for Consumer Bankruptcy

State Bar of Georgia  # 114091

Member

Current

Georgia

State Bar of Georgia

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted

Business Law

Business Contracts, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes

Entertainment & Sports Law

• Entertainment Law
• Music Law

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?

November 2, 2020

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 ?

November 2, 2020

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.