Justin Sweeney, Esq
Brooklyn
Summary
Accomplished music attorney with 12+ years of experience specializing in entertainment law and intellectual property. Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating contracts, safeguarding artist rights, and providing guidance on copyright, licensing, and publishing issues. Skilled at representing a diverse range of clients, including emerging talents, established artists, record labels, and music publishers. Committed to passionately advocating for creatives in the ever-changing music industry.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate
Ron Sweeney & Company, LLC
02.2022 - Current
- Advise clients, including artists, songwriters, producers, and record labels, on legal matters related to music and entertainment law.
- Draft and negotiate complex agreements, including recording contracts, licensing deals, publishing agreements, and touring contracts.
- Provide counsel on copyright registration, intellectual property disputes, and infringement claims.
- Represent clients in dispute resolution processes within the entertainment industry.
- Collaborate with industry stakeholders to ensure compliance with local and international copyright laws.
General Counsel
Sweeney, Johnson and Sweeney, LLC
02.2013 - 02.2022
- General counsel for Young Money Entertainment (draft & negotiate recording, producer, publishing, touring, merchandising, and endorsement agreements).
- Publishing administration for Earl Simmons p/k/a "DMX"
- Advise clients, including artists, songwriters, producers, and record labels, on legal matters related to music and entertainment law.
- Draft and negotiate complex agreements, including recording contracts, licensing deals, publishing agreements, and touring contracts.
- Provide counsel on copyright registration, intellectual property disputes, and infringement claims.
- Represent clients in dispute resolution processes within the entertainment industry.
- Collaborate with industry stakeholders to ensure compliance with local and international copyright laws.
Avant Garde Management INC.
06.2005 - 06.2012
- Provide full administrative support to entertainment attorney and management team.
- Scout for new clients and talent.
Assistant
Atlantic Records/ The Blue Print Group
06.2008 - 06.2009
- Provided full administrative support to A&R executive and management team.
- Scout for new clients and talent.
Executive Assistant
Law Offices of Ronald E. Sweeney
07.2000 - 07.2004
- Provided full administrative support to entertainment attorney.
- Managed, assimilated and distributed all producer, artist, employment and side artist agreements.
- Proofread/edited all legal documents for accuracy, format, grammar and punctuation.
- Coordinated all international and domestic travel arrangements including hotel accommodations and transportation.
- Prepared monthly reports for managing partner of firm.
- Scheduled all meetings and conferences.
- Attended meetings and took minute dictation.
Intern/Assistant Artist and Repertoire
Epic Records
06.2002 - 08.2002
- Provided full administrative support to A&R executive.
- Planned consulting sessions for select clientele.
- Served as a liaison between potential artists and Sony Music.
- Assisted with event presentations, community service involvement and preparation of all correspondence and press releases.
- Maintained calendar, scheduled meetings and appointments and maintained all files in addition to other administrative duties.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, History
Manhattanville College
Purchase, NY05.2005
Music Publishing 101 - Music Industry Entrepreneurship
Berklee College of Music
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
Pace Law School
White Plains, NY01.2012
Skills
- Contract Drafting & Negotiation
- Intellectual Property Protection
- Copyright and Trademark Law
- Licensing & Royalty Agreements
- Entertainment Industry Compliance
- Client Representation
- Business Affairs & Risk Management
- Music Publishing Contracts
- Recording & Distribution Contracts
Affiliations
New York State Bar, 01/01/14
Activities
Manhattanville Men’s Soccer Team
Timeline
Associate
Ron Sweeney & Company, LLC
02.2022 - Current
General Counsel
Sweeney, Johnson and Sweeney, LLC
02.2013 - 02.2022
Assistant
Atlantic Records/ The Blue Print Group
06.2008 - 06.2009
Avant Garde Management INC.
06.2005 - 06.2012
Intern/Assistant Artist and Repertoire
Epic Records
06.2002 - 08.2002
Executive Assistant
Law Offices of Ronald E. Sweeney
07.2000 - 07.2004
Music Publishing 101 - Music Industry Entrepreneurship
Berklee College of Music
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
Pace Law School
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, History
Manhattanville College
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