Peter T. Paterno - a Los Angeles, CA Music Lawyer

Los Angeles Music Lawyer

Updated: 03/10/2026

Areas of Practice

Music
Entertainment
Intellectual Property
Film & Television

Attorney Information

Overview

When Peter Paterno left his job writing software for NASA in order to attend law school, the space program suffered a minor setback and the creative community gained a skilled and tireless advocate.

Over his career, Mr. Paterno has nurtured the careers of dozens of multi-platinum recording artists, structuring, negotiating and documenting the myriad of agreements required by successful artists. He is also intimately involved in the formation, purchase and sale of numerous entertainment companies ranging from production, publishing, recording and film companies to merchandise and consumer electronic enterprises (including a well known company engaged in the distribution of headphones, along with a streaming music business). Mr. Paterno also has extensive experience in all aspects of copyright and trademark law, tax planning relating to the entertainment industry, litigation management, and live theater production.

In 1990, Mr. Paterno started and became the first president of Hollywood Records, the Walt Disney Company’s popular music record label, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer, Michael Eisner.

Mr. Paterno graduated from Harvey Mudd College (B.S. in mathematics, with distinction 1972); University of Hawaii (M.A. in mathematics 1973), and University of California at Los Angeles (J.D. 1976).

Awards and Honors

Honors

Super Lawyer By Super Lawyers Magazine
Billboard Magazine, Top Music Lawyers List

Education

Legal Education
- University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law, Los Angeles, California, 1976
  J.D.
Non Legal Education
- Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, California, 1972
  B.S.
  Honors: With Distinction
- University Of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1973
  M.A.

Current Employment Position(s)

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Partner
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Bar Admissions

California, 1976

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Contact

Los Angeles, CA

1900 Avenue of the Stars
Twenty Fifth Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90067 - 4506

Directions

Phone: 310-282-8937

Fax: 310-282-8903

Email: Send a message

Website: https://www.khpslaw.com

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Peter T. Paterno - Los Angeles, CA