AceShowbiz - LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Paul Robinson attended the 28th Annual Entertainment Law Initiative Luncheon during the 68th GRAMMY Awards held on January 30, 2026, in Los Angeles, California.

Paul Robinson, general counsel for Warner Music Group (WMG), was honored with the Recording Academy’s 2026 Entertainment Law Initiative (ELI) Service Award on Friday, January 30. Robinson, who has led the legal team at WMG since 2006, was initially slated to receive the award the previous year. However, the 2025 event was canceled due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. At last, he was celebrated at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel during Friday’s prestigious luncheon.

“Even though it’s taken an extra 12 months for me to join this distinguished club, I’m absolutely thrilled to become its 20th member,” Robinson expressed during his acceptance speech, sharing his gratitude for the recognition.

During his speech, Robinson offered invaluable advice to aspiring music lawyers in attendance. His first rule emphasized that “It’s not about you,” urging that the focus should always remain on the client’s needs. He highlighted the importance of detaching personal egos from the legal process.

His second piece of guidance was for lawyers to “ceaselessly adapt and lean into the future.” Robinson pointed out the ongoing technological disruptions in the music industry, referencing the transition from CDs to streaming and now the rise of AI technologies.

“In the immortal words of R.E.O. Speedwagon, ‘Roll with the changes,’” he added. Notably, Robinson's team at WMG has been at the forefront of negotiating licensing agreements with the leading AI music companies, Suno and Udio, showcasing their commitment to innovation.

Furthermore, Robinson emphasized that lawyers should always strive to “communicate simply and concisely,” as well as to “bring positivity to solving problems.” He remarked, “If humanly and legally possible, our advice must include some kind of yes.”

“Let’s face it: we are so fortunate doing what we do,” he continued. “We have genuinely inspiring and enviable jobs in the service of artists and songwriters and their music. Excellence in our profession is what ELI stands for. All of us in this room are standard-bearers.”

In expressing his gratitude, Robinson thanked the Recording Academy for the “incredible honor” of receiving the ELI Award, as well as his family, colleagues, and numerous mentors throughout his career. Among them was Fred Wistow, WMG’s first general counsel, who presented the award.

Wistow praised Robinson as “a man who cares more, knows more, works more and endures more than anyone else around.”

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. also recognized Robinson for his unwavering commitment to the broader music community, further solidifying his impact on the industry.