Zia Modabber, managing partner of Katten's Los Angeles offices and chair of the Entertainment and Media Litigation practice, was selected again to Billboard Magazine's annual list of "Top Music Lawyers." This is the fifth consecutive year in which Zia was recognized by Billboard Magazine as one of the music industry's most prominent legal minds.
Billboard Magazine lauded its 2023 class as "an essential resource for the music industry's rising artists, songwriters and superstars alike." With decades of experience in counseling clients in the music industry, Zia has represented some of the biggest recording artists in the business, including Trent Reznor, Michael Jackson (now his estate), Stevie Wonder, Live Nation and Usher.
"I'm fortunate to represent so many exceptionally gifted performers, including one of my longest clients, Trent Reznor," Zia told Billboard Magazine, referring to the Nine Inch Nails frontman and Academy Award-winning composer of several film scores. "Since we started together over 20 years ago, my role has evolved to where I now function as a sort of outside general counsel. He is an absurdly talented recording artist, songwriter and performer."
Discussing important issues in the industry, Zia told Billboard Magazine that fair compensation of musicians remains a pressing concern. Looking ahead, he further noted that artificial intelligence will have significant implications for the music industry, as "it's about to force a host of new challenges."
"Billboard's 2023 Top Music Lawyers Revealed," Billboard Magazine, April 3, 2023