Debra A. White

Debbie White is a widely recognized entertainment industry veteran and vice chair of the firm's renowned Music Industry Group. 

As a dynamic and influential figure in the entertainment industry she is known for her strategic counsel and adept negotiation skills. Her vast experience in the music and entertainment industries allow her to represent a wide array of clients, including recording artists, songwriters, management companies, major brands, publishing and record companies, entertainment companies, and digital platforms.

With a deep understanding of the entertainment business and her clients' objectives, Debbie serves as a trusted advisor, providing strategic guidance to structure and negotiate some of the industry's most transformative deals. Her results-driven approach and extensive experience in handling cutting-edge entertainment transactions empower clients to thrive in today's fast-paced, technology-driven landscape. While she regularly works on high-profile, cutting-edge deals for some of today’s biggest artists, Debbie also takes pride in representing up-and-coming talent, helping them navigate the ever-changing entertainment industry while protecting their interests. She goes to great lengths educating her clients to ensure they understand their options and the rights being granted.

Debbie is well-known for negotiating a myriad of music and entertainment transactions, from multimillion-dollar recording contracts and unique global distribution deals to agreements involving music publishing, worldwide tours, catalog sales, film soundtracks, Broadway cast albums, merchandising, endorsements, licensing and innovative joint ventures.

A significant part of her practice involves collaborating with artists and company clients to develop comprehensive business and copyright strategies. These efforts are aimed at maximizing revenue while preserving and enhancing their brand and reputation.

Her experience representing talent, combined with an in-depth understanding of licensing and publishing rights, uniquely positions her to address the complex issues that arise when artists work with subscription streaming services and other new media companies. She also leverages her talent and recording relationships to negotiate strategic marketing partnerships, tour sponsorships, brand integration agreements, and celebrity product endorsement deals on behalf of brands, advertising agencies and Fortune 500 companies.

Debbie is consistently recognized as one of the top music and entertainment lawyers by leading industry publications. She was named Billboard’s “Lawyer of the Year” and is regularly featured in Billboard, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter’s most prominent rankings, including “Top Music Lawyers,” “Music Legal Elite,” “Most Powerful Women in Music,” “Power Lawyers,” "Elite Dealmakers,” underscoring her influence and leadership in the entertainment law sector.

In addition to her work in the music sector, Debbie also represents actors, fashion designers, athletes, chefs, models, and high-level industry executives. She advises these clients on a wide range of entertainment matters, including helping them expand their interests through ventures such as book publishing, fragrance and cosmetic licensing agreements and non-scripted television deals.

With an international scope and a growing footprint in Asia’s entertainment and media sectors, Debbie represents major global players—including China’s largest tech company and the most successful K-pop band in history, highlighting the breadth of her work across markets and industries.