Jeffrey S. Becker

Jeffrey S. Becker is a Chicago partner who focuses on entertainment and media law, intellectual property, commercial disputes, and employment matters. He represents musicians, producers, songwriters, publishers, record labels, athletes, authors, filmmakers, creative professionals, and entertainment businesses. He advises clients on contracts, licensing, publicity rights, ownership issues, and litigation. His practical guidance helps clients protect creative assets, structure business relationships, resolve disputes, and pursue new opportunities across evolving entertainment markets.

Jeffrey earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law, where he served on the DePaul Law Review and joined the Order of the Coif and Phi Kappa Phi. He received his B.A. from Illinois Wesleyan University. His legal education included judicial externships with two federal judges. His academic training supports his ability to analyze complex intellectual property questions, negotiate agreements, and prepare strong, effective litigation strategies.

Jeffrey negotiates recording contracts, publishing agreements, music licenses, distribution rights, production pacts, sponsorships, endorsements, and artist management agreements. He resolves royalty, ownership, contractual, and intellectual property disputes involving creative collaborators and entertainment companies. His experience also includes advising authors on rights clearances and athletes on publicity and brand partnerships. He combines litigation insight with transactional planning to identify risks, protect revenue streams, and support durable professional relationships throughout creative careers.

Jeffrey S. Becker teaches as an adjunct professor at DePaul University College of Law and serves on the Recording Academy’s Chicago Chapter board. He helped advance Illinois legislation protecting artists from unauthorized AI-generated uses of their voices and likenesses. He also supports creative professionals through volunteer work with Lawyers for the Creative Arts. His teaching, advocacy, and industry involvement strengthen his counsel for clients navigating technology, copyright, and media markets.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP
• Member, Chicago Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• DePaul University College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Illinois Wesleyan University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)