David M. Ehrlich has led a diverse career in the entertainment industry. Born in Detroit, MI, and raised in New York City, Ehrlich’s early exposure to the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. In Los Angeles, CA, he honed his skills as an attorney representing artists from a wide range of industries.
He is the founder of the New York-based entertainment and media practice law firm David M. Ehrlich & Associates, which offers comprehensive legal services across a wide spectrum of sectors that include music, film, television, fine arts, sports, mobile, gaming, interactive media, and live theater. For more than 20 years, David M. Ehrlich & Associates has presented new and established artists on a variety of transactions and provided legal help and counsel in areas such as contract law, trademark law, A&R, radio, management, press, touring, publishing, and concert promotion. David Ehrlich has represented clients from Seattle, Washington to New York.
Ehrlich’s academic journey began at Cornell University, where he pursued his Bachelor of Science degree He continued his academic pursuits at the esteemed Boston University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor (JD) degree in 1986, laying a solid foundation for his future legal career. With a deep-seated passion for the law and a keen interest in entertainment, Ehrlich embarked on his professional journey, becoming a member of both the New York and Connecticut bars as he prepared to make his mark in the dynamic world of entertainment law.
Ehrlich’s career trajectory saw him navigate various roles and environments. Each contributed to his growth and expertise in the field. He started his career with Epstein Becker & Green P.C., where he gained invaluable experience in legal practice and honed his skills as an attorney. It was his fascination with entertainment law that propelled him to pursue opportunities in the music industry, leading him to join EMI Records, one of the most renowned record labels in music history. His tenure at EMI Records allowed him to immerse himself in the intricacies of the music business, fostering relationships and gaining insights that would prove invaluable in his future endeavors.
Seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth, Ehrlich made the pivotal decision to relocate to Los Angeles after his time at EMI. This move would mark a significant chapter in his career. In Los Angeles, he joined Myman Abell Fineman Greenspan. At this prestigious entertainment firm, he represented a diverse clientele in film, television, and music, further expanding his first-hand experience and establishing himself as a trusted advisor within the industry.
In 1998, Ehrlich returned to New York, eager to explore new horizons and opportunities. He accepted the position of Vice President and East Coast General Manager with Priority Records, a subsidiary of EMI Music Group, where he played a pivotal role in driving the label’s success on the East Coast. He then joined Universal Records as an A&R Consultant, leveraging his expertise to identify talent and capitalize on emerging trends in the music industry.
Ehrlich’s entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking mindset led him to explore new frontiers in the entertainment landscape. He served as content counsel for Zingy, a music collaboration platform, and later as Chief Music Industry Strategist and Counsel for Rednote, which evolved into Audiobyte, a pioneering platform for social media sound-byte sharing. These experiences allowed Ehrlich to stay at the forefront of technological innovation while contributing to projects that would shape the future of the music industry.
Before establishing his own firm, David M. Ehrlich & Associates, Ehrlich enjoyed a successful tenure as an attorney and personal manager, representing Grammy-winning artists and producers such as Nickelback, Wu-Tang Clan, and Prince Paul. He also founded music publishing companies like Infamous Beats Music and Song Collect Music Publishing, showcasing his entrepreneurial acumen and commitment to supporting artists’ creative endeavors.
Ehrlich’s keen eye for talent and his knack for identifying emerging artists have earned him a reputation as a tastemaker in the industry. He played a pivotal role in discovering talents like Nickelback and Tina Parol. He then helped launch their careers. In addition to his work with artists, Ehrlich has contributed to the entertainment industry in other ways, such as by producing the soundtrack for the Oscar-winning film “Training Day” and consulting for the video gaming industry on issues such as content and intellectual property rights.
Ehrlich stays actively involved in talent scouting and development, nurturing the next generation of artists and helping them navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry. He has worked with artists across various mediums, providing strategic guidance and support to help them achieve their creative goals.
Today, his roster includes a diverse array of talent, from Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar winners to up-and-coming artists looking to make their mark in the industry. His corporate clients span television production companies, advertising agencies, mobile application companies, software developers, record labels, and music publishers, showcasing the breadth and depth of his expertise.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ehrlich has bridged the worlds of talent, production, and technology with content and intellectual property at its core. His broad experience, keen insights, and unwavering dedication have made him a significant figure in the entertainment industry.
David Ehrlich personal website for more information.
