My Story
From music industry insider to entertainment attorney. Discover how my unique background helps me protect artists like you.
I Became a Music Lawyer for a Reason
I didn't become a music lawyer by accident. I became one because I watched too many artists sign deals they didn't understand and pay for it later.
Before law, I was already inside the music business. Managing artists. Running a label. Working A&R. Negotiating deals. Sitting in rooms where people were expected to say yes because "this is how it's always done."
I saw how easy it was for artists to lose control of their work without realizing it. That stuck with me.
My Path to the Law
I earned my law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law after studying Psychology at the University of South Florida. During law school, I interned for the Honorable Eduardo C. Robreno at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
That experience shaped how I think about the law. It reinforced that the law should protect people, not confuse or intimidate them. Especially people who don't always have access to good information or representation.
Music was never far from the picture, even then.
Life Inside the Music Industry
Long before opening my own firm, I co-founded Cigar City Management. For over a decade, I've worked directly with independent artists helping them build real, sustainable careers. That meant developing releases, booking tours, negotiating contracts, securing sync placements, and handling the day-to-day reality of being an artist. I learned where leverage actually comes from and how fast things can fall apart when artists don't have the full picture.
I later worked in A&R and client development at Symphonic Distribution, helping artists and labels navigate distribution, royalties, and digital growth. That gave me a deep understanding of how money and rights actually flow in today's music business.
Why I Started Randy Ojeda Law
After years on the industry side, one thing was clear to me. Traditional legal services were not built for musicians.
Hourly billing made people afraid to ask questions. Legal jargon created distance. Too many artists felt like they had to trust deals they didn't fully understand. So in 2021, I started Randy Ojeda Law to do it differently.
Flat fees.
Clear explanations.
No unnecessary legal speak.
My goal is simple. I want my clients to understand exactly what they're signing and what it means for their careers now and in the future.
Who I Work With
I work with artists at every stage.
My work includes contract reviews and negotiations, producer and publishing agreements, trademark filings, sync licensing, catalog strategy, and helping clients untangle royalty and rights issues when things go wrong.
Speaking the Same Language
I don't believe legal advice should feel like a foreign language. As the co-creator and host of Cigar City Radio, I've spent nearly a decade interviewing artists, producers, managers, and industry insiders across genres. Those conversations taught me how to explain complex industry concepts in a way that actually makes sense.
Whether I'm breaking down a record deal or explaining a publishing split, my job isn't just to protect you legally. It's to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
How I Approach the Law
I'm licensed to practice law in Florida and am in good standing with The Florida Bar, but my approach isn't just shaped by case law.
It's shaped by time spent backstage, in studios, on tour, and inside label offices.
I don't believe artists should feel intimidated by contracts.
I don't believe legal support should be out of reach.
And I don't believe you should have to choose between protecting your rights and accessing quality representation.
What It Comes Down To
At the end of the day, my role is simple.
I help artists protect what they create and build careers on their own terms.
If you want a music lawyer who understands both the legal side and the reality of the music business, and who treats you like a person instead of a billable hour, you're in the right place.