Atty. L. Lee Phillips

Atty. L. Lee Phillips

A leader in the music industry for over 40 years, Lee Phillips has earned a reputation for intelligence, creativity and integrity in representing major musicians, recording artists, composers, record companies and publishing companies. Lee focuses primarily on contract negotiations within the music industry and acts as the general legal advisor to a multitude of artists and companies in this field.

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Profile Summary

About L. Lee Phillips at a glance

L. Lee Phillips is a entertainment attorney based in Los Angeles, California, practicing at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP. Admitted to practice in California, State Bar of California and District of Columbia, District of Colombia Bar. Educated at Cornell University (J.D., 1964). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Music (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Media Law (2026). Serands clients in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • A leader in the music industry for over 40 years, Lee Phillips has earned a reputation for intelligence, creativity and integrity in representing major musicians, recording artists, composers, record companies and publishing companies
  • Lee focuses primarily on contract negotiations within the music industry and acts as the general legal advisor to a multitude of artists and companies in this field
  • His clients have included and include a variety of internationally renowned performers and celebrities including Brian Wilson, Burt Bacharach, The Eagles, Kenny Loggins, Randy Jackson, Steve Perry, Tracy Chapman, Barbra Streisand, Prince, Michael Jackson and many others
  • Lee’s broad base of knowledge enables him to provide his clients with strategic and tactical guidance, as well as the gamut of legal advice ranging from litigation, licensing and corporate issues to copyright, privacy, tax issues and the sale of publishing catalogs, among other matters
  • Lee began his career as a tax trial attorney with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C
  • He started in private practice in California in 1963 and steadily developed his entertainment clientele
  • In 1977, he joined the firm that was eventually named Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Practice Areas Explained

L. Lee Phillips's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases L. Lee Phillips handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Entertainment & Sports Law

Entertainment lawyers for music, film, sports contracts, talent representation, and IP licensing.

L. Lee Phillips is one of 45,946 entertainment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse entertainment attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Los Angeles are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Los Angeles or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about L. Lee Phillips

Where is L. Lee Phillips's law office located?
L. Lee Phillips's law practice is located in Los Angeles, California. The firm is Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does L. Lee Phillips handle?
L. Lee Phillips focuses on entertainment. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
Where did L. Lee Phillips go to law school?
L. Lee Phillips earned their education at (J.D., 1964).
How can I contact L. Lee Phillips for a consultation?
You can contact L. Lee Phillips directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has L. Lee Phillips received?
L. Lee Phillips's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Music; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Media Law; Best Lawyers in America — Sports Law; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
Cornell University
- 1964

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Entertainment Law - Music
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Media Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Sports Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Named by The Hollywood Reporter to the “Power Lawyers: Top 100 Attorneys in Entertainment,” 2007 through 2015
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Named one of "Music's Most Powerful Attorneys" by Billboard, 2015
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Named 2014 Entertainment Lawyer of the Year by the Beverly Hills Bar Association
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Spirit of Life Award, City of Hope Music Division
- 2026

Bar Admissions

California, State Bar of California
District of Columbia, District of Colombia Bar

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