Global law firm Reed Smith announced that Jackson Abbeduto has joined as counsel in its Global Entertainment and Media Industry Group, based in the firm’s Century City, CA office.
Prior to joining Reed Smith, Abbeduto spent almost a decade at Universal Music Publishing Group and three years at Google / YouTube. Throughout his career, Abbeduto has developed a proficiency in complex legal matters at the intersection of music and technology. Most recently, he was part of the New Media team at the boutique Beverly Hills law firm Granderson Des Rochers, where he negotiated deals on behalf of both rightsholders and digital service providers in the areas of music streaming, AI, fitness, gaming, web3, and more.
“I was very excited when I heard that Jackson would consider a move to lead our digital practice in the United States. Jackson’s reputation is sterling in the marketplace, and I knew he would be the perfect fit with our culture, drive and ambition,” said Stephen Sessa, the co-chair of Reed Smith’s Global Entertainment and Media Industry Group. “Music is very important to our overall practice strategy, and considering our partner Gregor Pryor is the leading digital music lawyer in Europe, Jackson will have all the resources necessary to help us be on the forefront of advising clients in the US on all cutting-edge digital issues.”
Sessa added, “Our goal is simply to have clients know that Reed Smith is a one-stop shop for experienced, insider, unparalleled advice for every type of music deal whether it be general talent advice, corporate, M&A, licensing, distribution or digital. Jackson strengthens our team of experts who render the best advice which is practical, and solution driven.”
Abbeduto joins a team of accomplished music-focused entertainment and media attorneys at Reed Smith. Recognized by Variety and Billboard as among the leading music practices in industry, the firm’s depth of experience in all areas of the music business separates it from its peers. Reed Smith maintains a significant talent practice representing the biggest music stars in the world. Additionally, the firm can lay claim to the world’s leading catalog practice which regularly represents labels, publishers and private equity funds in the purchase and sale of musical compositions, master recordings, name and likeness rights, income revenue streams and various other appurtenant rights related to music assets. Considering that the music practice is core to the Entertainment and Media Group at Reed Smith, and the firm is always looking to service its clients at the highest level in all areas of the music business, the addition of Jackson is axiomatic.
“I’m so excited to join the best music team in the business, at one of the world’s most prominent and respected law firms. When Steve Sessa asked me to join his group and build the digital practice here in the US, I knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. Reed Smith has an incredible platform and all the resources necessary to best serve its clients. I’m truly honored to be here and thrilled about the prospect of working with clients in this space.”
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