Valensi Rose Partner Michael R. Morris has been retained as counsel by SONA (Songwriters of North America), including for its recent launch of the SONA Songwriter Assistance Fund.
The fund is providing $1,000 emergency grants to songwriters facing economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“As a trade organization for songwriters, and as songwriters ourselves, we are all too familiar with the immediate need for relief our community faces,” said SONA Executive Director Michelle Lewis.
The grant process is overseen by an executive committee of songwriters and industry professionals, including Jess Furman, Brendan Okrent, Catharine Wood, Leona Lewis, Autumn Rowe, Leland and JHart.
To apply or donate to the SONA fund, visit www.songwriterfund.com.
SONA advocates on behalf of professional songwriters in regard to digital rights, streaming, government regulation and other issues.
Michael is advising SONA on a range of organizational and governance issues, and helped structure the Assistance Fund so contributions would be tax-deductible for donors. The Fund has received pledges of support from Sony/ATV Music, Spotify, Concord Music Publishing and other members of the music industry.
A former trial lawyer for the IRS and a certified specialist in taxation law, Michael's entertainment industry clients include producers, record labels, composers, music publishers, actors, talent agencies, motion picture companies, post-production houses and Grammy-winning recording artists.
He has been named a Southern California Super Lawyer (2006-2020) and one of “L.A.’s Top 100 Lawyers” by the Los Angeles Business Journal.