July 20, 2026
Willkie partners Alex Weingarten, Michael Gottlieb, Shane Nix, and Beau Stapleton have been named to Billboard’s “2026 Top Music Lawyers,” an annual list recognizing the music industry’s leading dealmakers, advisors, and litigators.
They were recognized for their success in cutting-edge transactions and high-profile disputes, as well as for their legal savvy—which Billboard notes "is essential to the music business now more than ever" as the use of generative AI tools in music increases.
Alex, Managing Partner of Willkie's Los Angeles office, has been recognized by Billboard every year since 2018. He is widely recognized as one of the entertainment industry’s top trial lawyers, representing clients in all facets of entertainment, probate, and business litigation.
Michael, Chair of the Crisis Management Group, and Co-Chair of the Media & First Amendment Practice Group and the Strategic Motions & Appeals Practice Group, has been recognized for the second consecutive year. One of the country’s leading litigators, Michael represents clients in complex litigation at the trial and appellate level, government investigations and enforcement actions, and high-profile disputes.
Shane, partner in the Tax Department and the Entertainment Transactions Practice, has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year. A trusted advisor to the entertainment industry, Shane counsels a wide array of clients including songwriters, recording artists, record labels, actors, producers, directors, athletes, and other celebrities on the tax aspects of complex business transactions.
Beau, partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department and the Entertainment Transactions Practice, has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year. He advises artists, composers, producers, executives, investment funds, studios, media companies, and directors on many of the entertainment industry's most profitable and impactful deals.
View Billboard’s “2026 Top Music Lawyers” list here (subscription required).
They were recognized for their success in cutting-edge transactions and high-profile disputes, as well as for their legal savvy—which Billboard notes "is essential to the music business now more than ever" as the use of generative AI tools in music increases.
Alex, Managing Partner of Willkie's Los Angeles office, has been recognized by Billboard every year since 2018. He is widely recognized as one of the entertainment industry’s top trial lawyers, representing clients in all facets of entertainment, probate, and business litigation.
Michael, Chair of the Crisis Management Group, and Co-Chair of the Media & First Amendment Practice Group and the Strategic Motions & Appeals Practice Group, has been recognized for the second consecutive year. One of the country’s leading litigators, Michael represents clients in complex litigation at the trial and appellate level, government investigations and enforcement actions, and high-profile disputes.
Shane, partner in the Tax Department and the Entertainment Transactions Practice, has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year. A trusted advisor to the entertainment industry, Shane counsels a wide array of clients including songwriters, recording artists, record labels, actors, producers, directors, athletes, and other celebrities on the tax aspects of complex business transactions.
Beau, partner in the Corporate & Financial Services Department and the Entertainment Transactions Practice, has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year. He advises artists, composers, producers, executives, investment funds, studios, media companies, and directors on many of the entertainment industry's most profitable and impactful deals.
View Billboard’s “2026 Top Music Lawyers” list here (subscription required).
