SYDNEY, Australia — The landscape of the Australasian legal sector underwent a significant transformation on July 1, 2026, with the official launch of Hewitt Glass Law. Headquartered in the creative hub of Surry Hills, Sydney, the firm represents the next chapter for two of the region’s most respected entertainment attorneys, Rob Glass and Julian Hewitt.
Following the dissolution of the influential firm Media Arts Lawyers—where both partners served as key pillars—Hewitt Glass Law has arrived with an immediate, high-profile roster and a clear mission: to provide sophisticated, globally-minded legal counsel to the architects of the modern music and arts economy.
The Genesis: A Calculated Evolution
The establishment of Hewitt Glass Law is not merely a change of address, but a strategic realignment. The firm rises from the legacy of Media Arts Lawyers, founded by industry titan David Vodicka. As Vodicka transitions to his new venture, David Vodicka Music & Entertainment Lawyers, Glass and Hewitt have seized the opportunity to streamline their practice and focus on a high-growth, boutique model tailored to the rapidly changing demands of the digital-first entertainment sector.
The transition, which culminated in the July 1 launch, was months in the making. According to insiders, the move was designed to consolidate the duo’s individual strengths into a more agile structure. By operating from their new office at Suite 5B, Level 1, 2-12 Foveaux Street, the firm is positioned at the intersection of Sydney’s most vibrant cultural and commercial districts.
A Roster of Heavyweights
The immediate gravity of the firm is perhaps best illustrated by its client list. Upon its debut, Hewitt Glass Law disclosed a portfolio that reads like a "who’s who" of the Australian music export machine.
Clients under their representation include international superstars and critical darlings alike, such as:
- Electronic & Dance: RÜFÜS DU SOL, Dom Dolla, CYRIL.
- Indie & Alternative: Angus and Julia Stone, The Avalanches, Courtney Barnett, DMA’S.
- Pop & Roots: Tones And I, The Veronicas, Fat Freddy’s Drop.
- Corporate & Label Entities: Future Classic, NLV Records.
This diverse roster underscores the firm’s versatility, managing everything from the complex touring logistics of electronic acts to the intricate intellectual property and publishing negotiations required for established indie icons.
Chronology of Excellence: The Path to Independence
To understand the significance of Hewitt Glass Law, one must look at the trajectory of its founders. Both Rob Glass and Julian Hewitt are not newcomers to the high-stakes world of entertainment law; they are veterans who have been recognized consistently by Billboard as members of the elite "Top Music Lawyers" list.
- 2020–2023: During this period, the pair solidified their reputation at Media Arts Lawyers, navigating the industry through the tumultuous waters of the global pandemic. They became known for their ability to secure lucrative catalog transactions and manage high-level international deals for Australian talent.
- 2024–2025: As the global demand for Australian content surged—driven by streaming services and a resurgent live touring market—Glass and Hewitt handled more than $300 million in commercial transactions. This period was marked by an increased focus on M&A and corporate strategy, setting the stage for their independent launch.
- July 2026: The official launch of Hewitt Glass Law. The firm opens its doors with a clear mandate to bridge the gap between creative artistic pursuits and the cold, hard realities of global commercial scaling.
The Strategic Vision: Beyond the Contract
In an exclusive conversation regarding the launch, both partners emphasized that their practice is built on a foundation of "enthusiastic scholarship." They define themselves not just as lawyers, but as students of entertainment history and cultural development.
"The reason we got into this area of law was passion—for music, but also as enthusiastic students of the history of the entertainment business and the culture," said Glass and Hewitt in a joint statement.
This philosophy informs their service model, which covers:
- Music & Publishing: Comprehensive handling of recording contracts, publishing rights, and global distribution.
- Entertainment & Content: Legal frameworks for film, television, and cross-platform media production.
- Corporate & M&A: Advising artists and independent labels on mergers, acquisitions, and long-term value creation.
Implications for the Australasian Market
The launch of Hewitt Glass Law comes at a critical juncture for the Australian music industry. As local artists achieve unprecedented levels of global penetration, the complexity of their business affairs has reached new heights.
"Australian artists and entertainment businesses are achieving success on a scale that would have been difficult to imagine even a decade ago," noted Rob Glass. "As those careers and businesses become more sophisticated, the legal and commercial challenges become more complex as well."
The firm’s entry into the market signals a professionalization of the local sector. As artists shift from being mere "content creators" to becoming "rights holders" and "business entities," the demand for legal counsel that understands both the nuances of copyright law and the mechanics of private equity has never been higher.
Julian Hewitt added a strategic note regarding the changing landscape: "Artists, creators and rights holders are thinking more strategically about ownership, growth and long-term value creation than ever before. Our goal is to help clients navigate that environment with advice that combines deep entertainment industry knowledge with strong commercial and corporate expertise."
Market Outlook: Why Now?
The firm is entering a market characterized by high volatility and high reward. With the rise of AI, shifting streaming royalty models, and the consolidation of global media giants, artists are facing a "make or break" era regarding the ownership of their masters and publishing rights.
Industry analysts suggest that the "Hewitt Glass" model—a specialized, boutique firm with deep corporate expertise—is the ideal response to this climate. By remaining independent, the firm avoids the potential conflicts of interest inherent in larger, general-practice firms, while maintaining the global network required to manage international tours and publishing deals in the U.S., U.K., and beyond.
Future-Proofing the Industry
Looking forward, the firm’s leadership is overwhelmingly optimistic. They view the current shifts in the industry—the fragmentation of media, the growth of independent distribution, and the empowerment of artists—not as threats, but as "the moments where the most interesting opportunities present themselves."
For clients, the value proposition is clear: Hewitt Glass Law offers a bridge between the artistic vision of their clients and the commercial realities of the global market. As they settle into their Surry Hills office, the firm is already signaling its intent to shape the next decade of Australian entertainment.
For those interested in the firm’s ongoing developments or seeking representation in this evolving space, further information is available at hewittglass.com.
In a world where the lines between art and commerce are increasingly blurred, Hewitt Glass Law appears ready to act as the primary translator, protector, and architect of success for Australia’s creative class. As the industry watches on, the firm’s early moves suggest a commitment to the long-term, sustainable growth of its clients, ensuring that Australian talent continues to resonate on the global stage.
