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Legal advice and assistance for musicians

Legal Advice and Assistance is a member-only service which provides musicians with access to legal advice and assistance across a broad range of issues, including unpaid fees, disputes and other issues at work.

To learn whether or not you qualify to receive advice in this instance, please read the full criteria for Legal Advice and Assistance depending on your country of residence - check criteria for England and Wales, and criteria for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Contact the MU for legal advice or assistance

Employment related legal advice and assistance for musicians

When an MU member is being offered a contract of employment, or a contract that requires a member to provide personal service, the MU will arrange for a specialist employment lawyer to review it and provide with appropriate advice on the contract.

An employment lawyer will also provide members with practical advice and guidance to negotiate better terms with your employer.

Please note claims in the Employment Tribunal are strictly time limited and members may have as little as three months in which to lodge the application. Potential employment claims must therefore be addressed immediately, and the union contacted for advice at the earliest opportunity.

Contact the MU for employment related legal advice and assistance

Music business contract advice

If you are offered a music business contract rather than an employment contract, such as a publishing agreement or recording contract, you may find our Contract Advisory Service useful.

Learn more about our music contract advice

Non-work related legal advice

If you have a general legal query on a non-work related matter, and you are a paid up MU member, you can contact our Legal Advice Helpline for a free half hour of legal advice from Morrish Solicitors.

Advice offered can include family law, consumer law, property law, wills and trusts as well as many other legal issues.

Learn more about non-work Legal Advice Helpline

Getting support through your legal case

It is common for members experiencing a difficult working environment to be suffering from very high levels of stress, anxiety or depression. Counselling support is provided by the following organisations and the union would recommend members seek such support through their case:

Jonny Goode

When a booking breaks down unfairly it is easy to feel vulnerable and disrespected as a professional musician. I've used MU contracts for years and recommend any solo musicians or bands involved with booking their own gigs to use them, they work!

Jonny GoodeMusician

I wouldn’t have got as far as I did without the MU's help. They have been brilliant in this whole process [employment case]. I would highly recommend the MU.

Steve SheldonGuitarist, theory lecturer, HE tutor

The MU help and support me through all the vital admin and legal stuff that I would just brush under the carpet, hoping it would go away.

Sophie KilburnSinger-songwriter

I would never have been able to stand up to the likes of my employer without the MU's presence, guidance and support.

AndyMusic teacher

I'm glad that I asked the MU for an opinion in the matter, as I otherwise may never have found out. I'm glad to be a member of such a brilliant organisation as the MU.

Joe CartwrightComposer

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

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Contact the Musicians' Union today

The MU has a network of experienced teams available to help musicians in all areas of the industry. If you have any questions about our services, membership or how the MU could help you, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Contact the MU