Barrister · Entertainment & Media Law

Counsel for the people who make the music.

I represent artists, songwriters, influencers and content creators, and advise labels, publishers and production companies on the deals that shape a career, and act for them when those deals break down. Called to the Bar of England & Wales, with in-house label experience in Los Angeles.

Book a consultation · £300 Areas of practice
2018Called · Middle Temple
LondonBarrister · England & Wales
Los AngelesIn-house · record labels
Zayd in barrister's wig and gown in chambers
Areas of practice

Where I can help

Choose an area to see the work involved. Advisory, drafting and advocacy, from a single clause to a full trial.

    Services

    Work I take on

    Available for one-off matters and ongoing work, in London, Los Angeles or remotely. Every new matter starts with a fixed-fee consultation of £300. Any further work is quoted upfront.

    Contract review & drafting

    Record, publishing, management, brand and sponsorship agreements, checked or drafted from scratch.

    Deal negotiation

    Negotiating terms with labels, publishers, brands and agencies so you sign on fair terms.

    Written advice

    Clear opinions on rights, contracts and prospects, plus rights and catalogue due diligence.

    Disputes & advocacy

    Letters before claim, settlement negotiations, mediation and representation in court.

    Ongoing retainer

    A monthly arrangement for artists, influencers, managers and independent labels who need regular advice.

    Talks & training

    Sessions for artists, creators, managers and agencies on contracts, rights and advertising rules.

    Zayd in black tie at an industry event
    Approach

    I write and release my own songs, so I read a contract the way an artist lives it.

    Alongside my practice I am an independent singer-songwriter. I know what a deal means in the studio, on the release schedule and on the royalty statement.

    I have sat on the label side too, as an in-house lawyer at record labels in Los Angeles. That means advice that is legally rigorous, commercially realistic and written in plain English.

    Experience

    London to Los Angeles

    1. Los Angeles
      In-house lawyer, record labelsBusiness and legal affairs: recording, distribution and publishing agreements, catalogue due diligence and label policy.
      Current
    2. London
      Zayd LegalMusic lawyer, advising artists, songwriters, labels and influencers.
      2020 –
    3. London
      Barrister, RoseCourt ChambersEntertainment and media practice. Legal 500 recognised.
      2018 –
    4. Los Angeles
      LL.M., UCLA School of LawMedia, Entertainment, Technology & Sports Law. Dean's Fellowship.
      2026
    5. London
      Called to the Bar of England & WalesThe Honourable Society of the Middle Temple. Middle Temple Scholar.
      2018
    Legal 500 recognised Middle Temple Scholar Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year California Registered Foreign Legal Consultant
    Zayd Contact

    Tell me about your matter

    A short summary, the parties involved and any deadlines is all I need to start. Everything you send is treated as confidential.

    Consultation£300 fixed fee

    This opens your email app with your summary addressed to zayd@zayd-legal.co.uk. Consultations are a fixed fee of £300. Please don't attach privileged documents to a first message.