Lizzie Payne-James

Partner, Head of Music

A dynamic and trusted lawyer, Lizzie is recognised for advising her stellar practice of critically acclaimed artists and respected independent rights-holders and agencies. Lizzie is personable and passionate about her work and delivers commercial, practical advice.

Lizzie advises on the full array of music industry matters including recording agreements, publishing agreements, live agreements and brand agreements. Lizzie enjoys working with her colleagues outside of the Music group to deliver a holistic approach to her clients, drawing on shared expertise from Film & TV projects to corporate investments. She also enjoys working for select clients outside of the music sector who are known for their creative talent and entrepreneurial drive.

Lizzie has been independently ranked in her field by legal directory Chambers & Partners.

Lizzie read Chinese Studies at Cambridge University and lived in Beijing as part of her course. After completing her LLB, she trained at the global law firm Hogan Lovells and was seconded to the firm’s Hong Kong office before completing her training in the firm’s Intellectual Property department. Upon qualification, she combined her vocation with her passion for music, and over the years has enjoyed the occasional opportunity to use her Mandarin on behalf of her clients.

Beyond her client work, Lizzie was instrumental in establishing the firm’s vacation scheme to level the playing field for entry level new joiners at Lee & Thompson. She continues to champion internal initiatives that foster inclusion, collaboration and shared values across the firm.

“Lizzie is a very good lawyer with a very good profile.”
Chambers & Partners