Lewis Brisbois Expands Entertainment Law Practice with Dual Hire in Nashville

Nashville, Tenn. (July 15, 2022) - Lewis Brisbois is pleased to welcome entertainment attorneys Matt Cottingham and Austin Wells to its Nashville office as partner and associate, respectively, in the firm’s Entertainment, Media & Sports Practice. The duo joins Lewis Brisbois from a boutique entertainment law firm and bring with them extensive experience as well as several high-profile clients in the music industry, including Brittney Spencer, Lily Rose, Ashley Cooke, Chris LaCorte, and Matt Roy.

A 2022 Billboard Top Music Lawyer with more than a decade of experience in the entertainment, intellectual property, and business law space, Mr. Cottingham represents both individuals and companies in the entertainment industry. He regularly advises recording artists, songwriters, record producers, independent music publishers, new media companies, and independent record labels in an array of matters. Similarly, Mr. Wells represents a diverse group of creators, entertainers, musicians, and entrepreneurs in a variety of transactions, including recording agreements, publishing agreements, and production agreements.

In discussing his move to Lewis Brisbois, Mr. Cottingham explained that he was drawn to the firm’s national platform as well as the opportunity to grow the Entertainment, Media & Sports Practice further. “This was an opportunity to get in on the ground floor and to help build the Nashville office, while coordinating with the other entertainment lawyers in New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles” he said. “I am looking forward to being at a powerhouse firm with a variety of different practice groups and working with those teams to access whatever firm resources we need for our clients.” Likewise, Mr. Wells noted, “This is an opportunity for me to follow a mentor of mine and help build something unique in the Nashville music space.”

Entertainment, Media & Sports Practice Chair Steven C. Beer expressed enthusiasm about the arrival of Messrs. Cottingham and Wells, explaining, “We are especially pleased that Matt and Austin have joined our Nashville team and look forward to their leadership on a national level. They bring to Lewis Brisbois specialized experience that will significantly benefit our clients, particularly in the music area, and we look forward to collaborating with them.”

Mr. Cottingham earned his law degree from The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He is admitted to practice in Tennessee. Mr. Cottingham can be reached at Matt.Cottingham@lewisbrisbois.com.

Mr. Wells earned his law degree from the Belmont University College of Law, where he obtained a certificate in Entertainment and Sports Law. He earned his undergraduate degree from Davidson College, where he played Division I football. He is admitted to practice in Tennessee. Mr. Wells can be reached at Austin.Wells@lewisbrisbois.com.