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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:

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

Case studies

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.