Jodie Shihadeh, the founder of Shihadeh Law, P.C., is renowned for her exceptional deal-making skills in the entertainment industry, catering to a clientele of global superstar recording artists, music producers, songwriters, television personalities, management and production companies, professional athletes, and business executives.
Recognized as one of the top music lawyers, Jodie Shihadeh earned a spot in Billboard Magazine’s prestigious Top Music Lawyers in 2020, 2022, and 2023. She was also honored in Variety Dealmakers Elite NYC 2018 for her remarkable expertise in negotiating deals.
Jodie’s journey began with her pursuit of education at Fordham University School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor degree. During her time at Fordham, she served as the President of the Media & Entertainment Law Students Association and held the position of Associate Editor of the Intellectual Property Media & Entertainment Law Journal.
Prior to her legal studies, Jodie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Boston College, where she gained valuable industry experience as an A&R intern at Universal Motown & Republic Group.
Currently, Jodie Shihadeh is an esteemed member of both the State Bar of California and the New York State Bar, further solidifying her legal expertise and professional standing.
Success Story
When reflecting on her journey, Jodie Shihadeh acknowledges the significant challenges she encountered along the way. After spending nine years as a partner at another entertainment law firm, she made the pivotal decision to establish her own law firm in 2020 amidst the global pandemic.
Undoubtedly, this was the most daunting challenge she had faced in her professional career. However, it turned out to be the best decision she ever made. Despite the obstacles, her firm experienced exponential growth in the subsequent year, all while she navigated the responsibilities of becoming a new mother.
Balancing the demands of motherhood, the rapid expansion of her business, and the trials of postpartum recovery proved to be unique challenges that set her apart from her competitors. Nonetheless, Jodie triumphed by relying on her intuition and the unwavering support of her clients, who recognized and valued her exceptional work.
Her determination led to the successful transition of her biggest clients to the new firm. Crucial to the early profitability of her business was Jodie’s deep understanding of the evolving market dynamics and the changing expectations of lawyers during the pandemic.
As established entertainment law firms downsized their office spaces and shifted to virtual networking events, Jodie capitalized on this shift and launched her firm with minimal capital investment. This astute strategy enabled her to build her business while adapting to the new normal.
Throughout this transformative period, Jodie benefited immensely from the unwavering support of her husband, who encouraged her to start her own firm rather than joining another. Additionally, her college mentor played a vital role in guiding her through the process of leaving her previous firm and embarking on her new venture.
Reflecting on her journey, Jodie emphasizes the importance of drawing on her prior experience as a managing partner to establish her own business from the ground up. She meticulously laid the groundwork for growth, making informed decisions and prioritizing the development of a strong business infrastructure.
By familiarizing herself with the necessary insurance coverages and state benefits, she gained a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of her business, allowing her to make informed decisions and ensure efficient operations while scaling.
As both an entrepreneur and a parent, Jodie discovered that the traditional “9-5” workday is an illusion. Instead, she learned to structure her day in a way that accommodates both her professional and personal responsibilities, recognizing the need for flexibility.
When offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, Jodie emphasizes the importance of making decisions that facilitate sustainable growth in the future. She advises against taking shortcuts that compromise the business infrastructure, stressing the significance of establishing a strong foundation from day one.
Investing in essential support, such as an IT team and a finance/accounting team, is crucial for success. Jodie firmly believes that building a competent team is one of the best investments an entrepreneur can make.
Furthermore, she encourages entrepreneurs to persevere and not be discouraged by initial setbacks or rejection. Instead, she advises staying focused on long-term goals, adapting strategies as necessary, and continuing to push forward.
Jodie also advocates for female entrepreneurs to recognize their worth and demand what they deserve in the workplace. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for promotions, raises, and professional advancements from day one, rather than waiting for validation.
Jodie advises female executives to embrace their value and avoid delaying actions that could lead to financial growth and professional success.
Moreover, she strongly advocates for the utilization of paid parental leave offered by companies, acknowledging its positive impact on developing strong family bonds and combating postpartum depression. By taking advantage of these benefits, parents set an example for their colleagues, promoting the importance and value of paid leave.
As an entertainment lawyer specializing in representing creatives and their companies, Jodie Shihadeh plays a vital role in their careers. She serves as their first line of offense in negotiations and their first line of defense in legal matters.
Beyond deal-making, Jodie collaborates closely with her clients and their professional teams, providing guidance on career-building strategies and encouraging them to explore diverse opportunities within the entertainment industry.
Her counsel extends to smart business and legal decision-making, ensuring her clients avoid potential pitfalls that can derail their careers. Jodie strongly believes that hiring an entertainment lawyer as soon as an entertainment deal is presented is essential, as it ensures a thorough understanding of contracts and safeguards against detrimental agreements that can harm careers.
Jodie Shihadeh’s success story serves as a testament to her resilience, intuition, and commitment to building a thriving business while navigating the challenges of motherhood.
Her expertise and dedication have positioned her as a trusted advisor and advocate for her clients, propelling them to new heights in the competitive entertainment industry.
If you would like to get in touch with Jodie Shihadeh or her company, you can do it through her- Linkedin Page
