Blacks Solicitors has appointed a partner to head up the new music law arm of the firm.
Pete Bott, who trained at Leeds-based Blacks and then worked at boutique music firm Sound Advice (Legal) LLP in London, brings with him a decade of specialist experience in supporting successful musicians, writers, producers and other music talent, as well as independent record labels and managers.
His expertise spans the key areas of music law, including major and independent record label and publishing deals, music distribution, management, sync licensing, and merchandise.
Commenting on his appointment, Bott (pictured, left) said: “London has been well known as the centre of the UK’s music industry for years. The Covid pandemic and evolving technology have helped to change that and given musical talent the opportunity to really thrive outside of the capital.
“After seven years of honing my craft at specialist law firms in London, I felt that it was time to return home to Blacks Solicitors and Yorkshire to offer my support to northern talent in an area of the country where music law specialists are sadly few and far between.”
Bott aims to expand the music law side of Blacks and establish a team of home-grown legal talent that will support clients in a complex and challenging sector.
He will also provide training to more junior team members in this niche area of legal expertise, and bring on additional senior level team members.
Beth Brindley, the first apprentice to qualify at Blacks, will initially support Bott in client work as he looks to grow the team.
Expanding on his reasons for rejoining the team at Blacks, Bott added: “The culture at Blacks Solicitors was key in my decision to accept this exciting opportunity. It’s well known as a fantastic place to work with a strong community feel. Everyone works closely together and is open to knowledge and experience sharing, which only makes us stronger as a firm.
“This will give me a great support network for my specialist music work and also allow Blacks Solicitors to offer a wider range of legal services to music clients than are usually offered by music specialist firms. I’m also looking forward to getting stuck into the social side of the firm and getting my colleagues down to client gigs in the city!”
Bott works with a number of well-known clients, including Leeds Conservatoire, While She Sleeps, Hybrid Minds, DnB Allstars and Bring Me The Horizon, who headlined this year’s Leeds & Reading Festival and opened the BRIT Awards in collaboration with Ed Sheeran.
Chris Allen (pictured, right), managing partner at Blacks, commented: “Pete’s appointment provides Yorkshire’s growing base of exceptional creative and music talent with a credible alternative to London-centric professional advice. We will work closely to grow this new specialism available to clients, and lay the groundwork for a strong team of legal professionals that will give us the edge over our competitors.”
Image source: Blacks Solicitors
