Nick’s practice focuses on the music business, which subdivides into negotiations and agreements relating to recording rights, music publishing, songwriting, producing, management and agency arrangements, distribution (both of records and home video products), licensing arrangements and joint ventures in all these areas. He also has broad experience in sales and acquisitions of entertainment companies and catalogs of songs and master recordings, as well as new media transactions, such as electronic distribution and licensing.
The independently researched 2006 edition of Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business specifically cited Nick as one of the city’s "leading individuals" in Media and Entertainment commercial practice. He was further praised in the book as "a great lawyer to go to in conflict situations… You know that his work will be exemplary." Nick also was listed in the 2006, 2007 and 2008 editions of New York Super Lawyers/ Manhattan Edition, among 5% of Manhattan attorneys. According to the magazine, this selection was based on an independent survey of 59,000 Manhattan lawyers and an evaluation by a "blue ribbon panel of preeminent peers" in each area of practice.
Nick has represented all the major record labels on various matters (EMI, Sony BMG, Universal, Warner Music) and many of the smaller labels as well (Roadrunner, Rykodisc, Windup). Many of these matters have involved complex distribution arrangements, large catalog purchases and licenses, and joint venture agreements.
In connection with the digital technology areas, he has represented major distribution services and content providers.
He represents senior level music executives in connection with their employment agreements.
As a speaker, Nick has lectured on various music industry panels and has presented Continuing Legal Education programs on new technology, recording agreements, minor’s performance agreements in the entertainment business, publishing rights and distribution arrangements.
He teaches Entertainment Law as an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law and has guest lectured at other educational institutions, seminars and forums, including the New York Law Journal seminars, Cardozo School of Law, and the Stellar Network. Nick is a graduate of New York University School of Law and became a member of the New York State Bar in 1973.
In his own words: "Attorneys may differ on what they find interesting in the practice of law. For me, it’s the problem solving - bringing together disparate interests of opposing parties, to bridge what at first appears to be a gulf between them."
Practice Areas
