Michael Cirelli is founder and managing partner of Cirelli Music and Media Law, bringing over 25 years of experience in entertainment and corporate law, with a strong emphasis in music, film, new media, gaming, licensing, publishing, and branded entertainment. This diverse legal background gives Michael a unique perspective that provides him with comprehensive knowledge of the decisions and problems his clients face, distinguishing him from other professionals in his field.  

Over the past decade, Michael has led an expansion of his practice into all areas of the entertainment and media business. His client roster includes some of the world’s most creative and successful artists and producers, promising new acts, major and independent record companies, distributors and publishers, interactive programming and gaming companies, start-up companies, and ventures. In the music realm, past and present clients include, among others, Def Jam Records, Wu-Tang Clan, Nineteen85 (Drake, Travis Scott, Khalid, Nicki Minaj, DJ Khaled, Justin Timberlake, Illangelo (The Weeknd, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Fall Out Boy, Florence and The Machine), Murda Beatz (Drake, Migos, Khalid, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, G-Eazy, French Montana), DJ Green Lantern (Eminem, Jay-Z, Nas), Chromeo, Majid Jordan, dvsn, Sadababy, Skilla Baby, The Sounds, Xzibit, Funkmaster Flex, AV8 Records and Fatman Scoop. Beyond the music sphere, past and present clients include Rockstar Games, Take 2 Interactive, Carson Daly, Drew Sidora, OVO Merchandising and the Shaw Family Archives (exclusive licensor of the works of photographer and film producer Sam Shaw). 

Prior to establishing his own practice in 2004, Michael was the Senior Vice-President/General Counsel for Loud Records, LLC/Sony Music Entertainment. Loud Records was known primarily for its successful hip hop catalogue and home to multi award winning artists Wu Tang Clan, the late Big Punisher, Three Six Mafia, Xzibit, Funkmaster Flex, and Mobb Deep, among others. Michael oversaw the creative and business endeavors of Loud, and guided the careers of its many artists. In addition, he spearheaded the launching of Loud's rock division. As a launching pad to this endeavor, Michael executive produced Loud Rocks, an album that joined musically diverse artists such as Wu Tang Clan, Black Sabbath, System of a Down, Mobb Deep, Incubus, Sugar Ray, Big Pun, Everlast and Xzibit. This project led Michael to executive produce various collaborations between Loud Records recording artists and artists such as Linkin Park, Static X, Korn and Rage Against The Machine. 

Prior to Loud Records, Michael was a Senior Associate at the New York City law firm of Leibowitz, Roberts & Ritholtz, LLP, working on behalf of diverse and various music artists, producers, remixers and corporations such as Metallica, David Bowie, INXS, Maxwell, Lisa Loeb, Sevendust, Dream Theatre, Twisted Sister, Anthrax, DAS EFX, The Fixx, Robin Thicke, New Kids On The Block, John McLaughlin, Gil Scott Heron, Kool & The Gang, Maurice Starr, Atlantic Records, Sony Music, TVT Records, Megaforce Records, New Line Cinema, and Broadway Video. Michael began his legal career as a law clerk for the U.S. Department of Justice, Southern Division. He also clerked in the United Nations Law Department.