There aren’t many people who have the power and charisma to close deals in the entertainment industry, initiate change on Capitol Hill and advocate for equal rights for women and BIPOC. Dina LaPolt, Esq., founder of LaPolt Law, P.C.—the only music-industry law firm founded and run by a sole female attorney—walks the walk.

LaPolt is a champion of fair practices across the biz. She has not only spearheaded ambitious, disruptive campaigns for songwriters and out-of-work music contractors, she’s delivered. The change agent helped shepherd the inclusion of music-related workers affected by the pandemic into federal COVID-relief packages including the Cares Act and Heroes Act.

In 2018 Dina’s advocacy—which includes co-founding Songwriters of North America (SONA)—culminated in the passage of the Music Modernization Act (MMA), representing the first meaningful copyright reform in decades, and led to the Mechanical Licensing Collective scoring a major victory in royalty payments, totaling $424m from DSPs in 2021.

Last year, Dina, a well-known advocate for antiracist initiatives—which she spoke about in her 2016 TEDx Talk—was invited to be on the Executive Leadership Council of the newly formed Black Music Action Coalition.

LaPolt Law represents entertainment superstars of music and social media, top industry executives and prominent influencers in fashion and beauty. The firm employs 10 full-time attorneys who work together overseeing one of the industry’s most diverse client rosters.

Sarah Scott is the managing attorney at LaPolt Law, P.C., overseeing all other attorneys at the firm and leading the legal and business-affairs team of firm clients ranging from Cardi B and Britney Spears to electronic duo extraordinaire Galantis. She’s also helping build the businesses of the firm’s fashion and beauty influencers including Jen Atkin and Lacy Redway, and overseeing any royalty or IP catalog sales. Before moving to talent representation, Sarah spent 11 years leading business affairs at a major label, which gives her a unique perspective and how she negotiates on behalf of artists and other creatives.

Mariah Comer, a first-generation college student of Black and Mexican descent who was named after the iconic Mariah Carey, was destined to work in music; her primary focus is the firm’s urban and Black-music division. Mariah’s work encompasses a wide range of transactional entertainment and matters relating to music and brand endorsements. In her spare time, the SoCal native mentors other first-gen college and law school students of color like herself.

Lindsay Arrington, who specializes in matters relating to electronic music, endorsements and independent labels, is passionate about helping the firm’s clients navigate new and cutting-edge opportunities, including NFTs and blockchain music distribution, music-related software and game development and startup streaming services. Lindsay has been a featured speaker at Midem and Amsterdam Dance Event and co-edited the International Association of Entertainment Lawyer’s (IAEL) book.

Complete LaPolt Law profile

All 2021 Attorneys Special profiles