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(Chicago) \u2013 Akin announced today that Rory Wellever has joined the Chicago office as head of its music practice, bringing deep music industry experience that expands the firm\u2019s media, entertainment & sports practice and strengthens its leadership in corporate and finance transactions across the music market.<\/p>\n
Rory practices at the intersection of intellectual property, media & entertainment, technology and commercial transactions. He advises clients on music rights and royalties and represents sponsor clients, publishers and record labels as well as songwriters and performing artists in various types of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), outsourcing, business-to-business and business-to-consumer licensing, joint development and data privacy. With a background in the entertainment industry, Rory counsels clients and industry stakeholders on matters involving new and emerging media, entertainment and publishing matters, including music, film, television, literature, marketing and advertising.<\/p>\n
\u201cRory\u2019s arrival is a significant step in the continued evolution of our market-leading media, entertainment & sports practice,\u201d said Akin co-chair Abid Qureshi. \u201cHis deep knowledge of music\u2011industry transactions further expands our established strengths and offers clients a comprehensive platform across a wide range of media asset classes while reaching new client profiles.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRory is an all-star in the music industry, having advised on top-tier matters related to the music and entertainment sector and represented sponsor clients, publishers and record labels as well as songwriters and performing artists,\u201d said Chris Spicer, head of the firm\u2019s media, entertainment & sports practice. \u201cRory\u2019s background will play a key role in broadening our offering and deepening our reach across the music sector. We\u2019re thrilled to welcome him to the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAkin\u2019s sophisticated platform leverages global reach and an extensive client-base with a clear commitment to expanding in the music and entertainment space,\u201d said Rory on his move to the firm. \u201cThe firm offers the scale, talent and strategic vision needed to build a premier music practice alongside a best\u2011in\u2011class media, entertainment & sports team, and I look forward to providing my clients with the full scope of Akin\u2019s capabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rory\u2019s arrival follows a series of recent additions to the Chicago office, including investment management partner and partner-in-charge of the Chicago office\u00a0Wendy Dodson Gallegos<\/a>, infrastructure M&A partners\u00a0Jason Wagenmaker<\/a> and\u00a0Joshua La Vigne<\/a>, investment management partner\u00a0Jessica Pan<\/a> and tax partner Chis Odell.<\/a><\/p>\n Rory joins Akin from Kirkland & Ellis where he was a partner.<\/p>\n