Warner Music Group's top lawyer Paul Robinson was handed the Recording Academy's 2026 Entertainment Law Initiative (ELI) Service Award at a luncheon in Los Angeles, finally receiving the honor after being set to receive it last year due to the cancellation of the event.
The award comes after a 12-month wait for Robinson, who has been the top lawyer at WMG since 2006. According to him, he's "absolutely thrilled" to become one of just 20 members of this prestigious group.
During his acceptance speech, Robinson shared four key pieces of advice with young music lawyers in attendance. Firstly, he stressed that a lawyer's agenda should always be centered around their client's needs. Secondly, the importance of ceaselessly adapting and leaning into the future was highlighted, acknowledging that the music industry has undergone massive technological disruption over the years.
Robinson also emphasized the need for clear communication with clients and colleagues alike, adding that positivity plays a crucial role in solving problems and ensuring that advice is as positive as possible. He concluded by saying that he's fortunate to have an inspiring job that enables him to make a difference in the music industry.
The award has been given out annually since 2006 and recognizes those who make significant contributions to the entertainment law community. The Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr, praised Robinson for his commitment to the broader music community, describing him as "a man who cares more, knows more, works more and endures more than anyone else around."
The award comes after a 12-month wait for Robinson, who has been the top lawyer at WMG since 2006. According to him, he's "absolutely thrilled" to become one of just 20 members of this prestigious group.
During his acceptance speech, Robinson shared four key pieces of advice with young music lawyers in attendance. Firstly, he stressed that a lawyer's agenda should always be centered around their client's needs. Secondly, the importance of ceaselessly adapting and leaning into the future was highlighted, acknowledging that the music industry has undergone massive technological disruption over the years.
Robinson also emphasized the need for clear communication with clients and colleagues alike, adding that positivity plays a crucial role in solving problems and ensuring that advice is as positive as possible. He concluded by saying that he's fortunate to have an inspiring job that enables him to make a difference in the music industry.
The award has been given out annually since 2006 and recognizes those who make significant contributions to the entertainment law community. The Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr, praised Robinson for his commitment to the broader music community, describing him as "a man who cares more, knows more, works more and endures more than anyone else around."
. it's amazing what he shared in his speech - i totally agree with him about focusing on clients' needs and adapting to the future, especially in the music industry where things are always changing 
. and clear communication is key, don't you think? it's great that he emphasized positivity too, problems can be so draining if we're not careful 
. congrats paul robinson!
. Now, he's one of just 20 members of this prestigious group and it's awesome to see him receive the award finally after that last year's cancellation 
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He also said something about positivity playing a crucial role in solving problems... ain't that just the truth 
. It's great to see the Recording Academy recognizing people like Paul Robinson who are making a real difference in the entertainment law community 
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. his acceptance speech was super inspiring, especially when he talked about putting clients first and adapting to change - totally relevant for anyone in the music industry today 
. love that he emphasized positivity too, you gotta have a good vibe to tackle all those pesky legal issues 
. what's really cool is how this award has been going on since 2006, and it's finally paid off for Paul Robinson after that crazy cancellation last year 
. can't wait to see who gets the ELI Service Award next year