Billboard Names Zia Modabber to 2024 Top Music Lawyers List

Los Angeles Managing Partner Zia Modabber has again been recognized in Billboard Magazine's 2024 Top Music Lawyers.

Compiled by Billboard editors, the list features attorneys like Zia, who are making significant contributions to the music industry. "Negotiating recording deals, global tours and catalog sales, their legal savvy drives the music business," Billboard notes, adding, "[T]his year, they have much advice to offer on the rise of generative artificial intelligence."

Zia, who is chair of Entertainment and Media Litigation, has a client roster that includes industry powerhouses such as Live Nation, Insomniac, Trent Reznor, the Estate of Michael Jackson and André 3000. He has been working with Reznor, the creative force behind Nine Inch Nails, for over two decades. Zia is involved in all aspects of Reznor's projects, from Nine Inch Nails to film scoring and entrepreneurial ventures. "Trent's a creative freak of nature," Modabber told Billboard. "I'm excited for what's coming and proud to be even a small part of it alongside his entire team."

On the topic of artificial intelligence, Zia told Billboard that concerned clients should "Have fun with it, just not too much fun — there's lots to figure out to make sure rights aren't trampled."

Asked what he would do if he quit law, Zia said he would "Figure out how to change my genetics into someone with legitimate artistic abilities. I am in awe of artists."

"Billboard's 2024 Top Music Lawyers Revealed," Billboard Magazine, April 1, 2024