Legal Services and Advice

Whatever legal issue musicians are facing, for helping to recover unpaid fees or checking out a contract, the Musicians' Union can help with legal advice and more.

Legal services for members

Contract Advisory Service

We can help you make sure that you sign a fair and legal contract

Partnership Advice

Working in a band or with other musicians? We offer group-specific legal advice

Legal Advice & Assistance

Learn more about how musicians can benefit from specialist lawyer advice and assistance.

Non-Work Legal Helpline

Get quick help on family law, consumer law, property law, wills and trusts, and other legal issues through Morrish Solicitors

Personal Injury Claims

We provide a legal benefits package through Morrish Solicitors for you and your family, from personal injury services to low-cost wills

Unpaid Fee Recovery

We can help when you haven't been paid properly for your work

Ask Us First List

Members can seek assistance before engagements using the Ask Us First List

Legal advice

In Conversation: Exploring Partnership Law

Are you working in a band or with other musicians? Join Musicians’ Union In House Solicitor Dawn Rodger, and Tim Northrop from NMD Solicitors, as they explore what a partnership is in music business, why it’s important, and how to go about getting one.

Legal Webinars

Watch legal advice webinars provided by Scottish legal firm Harper Macleod. MU members can view all recordings to learn the legal side of being a musician. Videos include advice on rights, branding, contracts, sampling, copyright and more.

How to be Release Ready

We've partnered with PRS for Music to help explain how independent artists can protect their work and sign profitable agreements. Available only to MU members.

Over £3 Million Recovered for Musicians

In the last year, MU secured over £3,200,000 for musicians through:

Recovery of unpaid fees
Negotiation of contract settlements
Royalty distribution
Recovery of unlawful pay deductions
Negotiation of redundancy claims
Compensation claims for contractual breaches
Recovery of unpaid holiday pay

Your membership pays off.

Join MU today

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

Latest news and features

New Rules for Pernambuco Bows Come into Force

Following a decision at the CITES Conference of the Parties, new rules governing the international trade of pernambuco bows came into force on 5 March 2026. Guidance from the UK CITES authority explains what the changes mean for musicians.

Published: 06 March 2026

A young man sat at home with a laptop on his knee, typing, while looking at a piece of paper.

MU Launches Guidance to Help Freelance Musicians with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax

Explore the MU’s new guidance for freelancers on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, covering what it is, what you need to be aware of, and practical tips to get ready.

Published: 12 November 2025

Large, modern, empty recording studio. The mixing desk is facing the booth.

Members Advised to Check PPL Performer Line-Ups on Recordings

PPL (the organisation that collects and distributes royalties for recorded music when it’s played in public or broadcast) is currently investigating reports of inaccurate performer line-ups. MU members are urged to report if they see individuals listed who did not perform on their recording.

Published: 26 August 2025

Close up of person in jeans and boots, carrying their guitar case and amp over stone steps.

MU Responds to Birmingham Council’s City Centre Busking Ban

The MU will continue campaigning to overturn the ban as Birmingham becomes the first UK city to entirely outlaw all city-centre busking.

Published: 19 August 2025

Exterior of the Clermont Hotel Charing Cross branch.

MU Partners with Clermont Hotels to Offer Members Discounted Rooms in London

Our new partnership with Clermont Hotels means MU members can book discounted hotel rooms at various locations in London, as an exclusive membership benefit.

Published: 01 May 2025

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