With over 20 years in the music industry, artist turned music lawyer Ryan Schmidt, Esq. knows this business like the back of his hand.

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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.

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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.

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.

Ryan Schmidt, Esq.

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Ryan Schmidt, Esq.

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