Robin J. Gordon

Attorney at Law | Entertainment, Music Business & Copyright Law Attorney
Dennis Lord, Attorney at Law, Heritance Law, Nashville, TN

Dennis Lord is an attorney, executive and an award winning songwriter.

Within two years of his arrival in Nashville in 1986, Lord became an A-list songwriter penning Travis Tritt’s first major hit, the award winning “Country Club”. His songwriting has resulted in several other notable recordings, as well.

During the 90’s Lord practiced entertainment law, working with songwriters, artists, music industry executives and companies. In keeping with his reputation as a fierce advocate for songwriters and intellectual property, Lord also served on the Board of the Nashville Songwriters Association, Int’l., leading its legislative efforts in Washington, D.C.

Lord was recruited by SESAC in 1997 and became Executive Vice President of this closely held organization in 2005, working with its principals in all areas of the business; from licensing to operations, litigation and creative affairs. Lord managed SESAC’s efforts in affiliating Rush, Zac Brown, composers Randy Newman and Jonathan Wolff (Seinfeld), the Kurt Cobain Estate and Adele, among others.

In 2017, Lord opened his legal and consulting practice, assisting entertainment and media professionals along with recording, music publishing, private equity and select music technology companies in the areas of law, business and strategic planning.

BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH DENNIS

Areas of Practice

  • Entertainment & Music Business Law
  • General Contract Drafting and Review

Education

  • Colorado State University, BA, Political Science, 1984
  • University of San Diego and Vanderbilt University Schools of Law, JD, 1987.

Bar Admissions

  • Tennessee

Honors & Community Involvement

  • Listed as one of Billboard Magazine’s Top Music Industry Attorneys – 2016
  • Listed as one of Billboard Magazine’s Top Nashville Power Players –2016 & 2017
  • Chairman, Board of Directors, Americana Music Assn Foundation (2019-2022)
  • Member, T.J. Martell Foundation National Board of Directors — Nashville (2009 – Present); Chair of Scientific Advisory Committee
  • Member, National Recording Preservation Board of the Library of Congress, Board of Directors (2002 – 2010)
  • Member, NARAS Nashville Chapter Board of Trustees (2007 to 2011)
  • Member, Academy of Country Music
            Board of Directors (2002 – 2009)
            Executive Committee (2005 – 2009)
  • Chairman of the Board, Academy of Country Music Charity – “Lifting Lives” (2007- 2009)
  • Member, Board of Directors, First Community Banks, Houston, Texas (2007-2009)
  • Nashville Songwriters Association International – Composer award for superior creativity in words and music of a song.
  • Nashville Songwriters Association International – Presidents Choice Award for ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the integrity of copyrights for all songwriters.
  • BMI- Millionaire’s Award for extraordinary amount of performances of a   composition.
  • Americana Music Association – The 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive.
  • Member, Gospel Music Association
        —  Member, Board of Directors (2002 – 2005)
  • Member, Americana Music Association
        —  Founding Member/Past President, Board of Directors (2000-2003)
  • Member, Nashville Songwriters’ Association International
        —  Member, Board of Directors (1992 – 1997)
        —  Member, Board of Directors’ Executive Committee
        —  Chair, Committee on Legislation
  • Graduate, Leadership Music, Class of 2003
  • Graduate, Scarlett Leadership Institute at Belmont University – 2007

Memberships and Accreditations