Pryor Cashman Partners Benjamin S. Akley, Ilene S. Farkas, Andrew M. Goldsmith, Brad D. Rose, James Sammataro, Frank P. Scibilia, Benjamin K. Semel, Mona Simonian, and Donald Zakarin were recognized in Billboard's 2026 list of “Top Music Lawyers.”

The list, which “comprises the attorneys guiding superstars and industry-driving companies” whose “legal savvy drives the music business,” was selected by Billboard editors based on firm and peer nominations, client stature, career momentum and performance metrics.

The recognition reflects Pryor Cashman’s continued work at the forefront of the music industry, representing major music companies including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, while also advising artists and other music industry clients on high-stakes copyright disputes and complex negotiations. Over the past year, the team has secured significant litigation victories for all three major music groups and helped clients, including Ty Dolla $ign and Pitbull’s Mr. 305 Inc., resolve copyright and song-copying disputes. The team also achieved a successful resolution in a copyright action involving Karol G’s “Gatúbela.”

Ilene provided insight to Billboard on the team’s work over the last year:

“We’ve done so many of these cases and so well that our clients trust us to handle them in a way that increases the chances for success. They know that not only are we very competent and steeped in all the changing nuances of copyright law, but we’re also very fluent in the music itself.”

Additionally, James explained that part of the team’s expertise is “understanding the landscape and knowing when to press an issue and when not to press an issue.”

The full list of honorees and the Billboard feature can be found below (subscription may be required).