Sophia Sofferman, who graduated from the University of Miami School of Law's Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law program in 2021, has been recognized on Variety magazine's annual New Leaders list. This esteemed list honors individuals who excel behind the scenes in areas critical to the entertainment industry—from legal expertise and production management to strategic partnerships and talent development.
Variety's New Leaders list "identifies the unsung professionals who bridge the gap between vision and realization, connecting concepts with execution, and linking talent with platforms," noted the publication.
Sofferman's selection acknowledges her impressive contributions and leadership across the entertainment industry. A Connecticut native, she is a member of Pryor Cashman's Media + Entertainment Group, where she maintains a hybrid practice of complex entertainment transactions and litigation focusing on music-related legal matters. Her clients include media and entertainment companies, record labels, music publishers, artists, songwriters, and production houses. Before her current role, she was legal counsel at Rimas Entertainment.
"I came to Miami Law as an attorney who had already spent several years in practice, looking to sharpen my expertise in entertainment law by receiving an LL.M. and build my niche within the music industry. I left with invaluable practical insights and an exceptional professional network," said Sofferman.
The EASL program at the School of Law stands out for its hands-on, practice-oriented learning led by distinguished faculty and industry practitioners. The program equips students with the skills needed for success in competitive sectors where legal, business, and creative industries intersect.
"Relationships built during my time at Miami Law have evolved into meaningful professional connections and collaborations. However, one of the most rewarding aspects of this recognition is being able to contribute to the community that gave so much to me, including lecturing at Miami Law," says Sofferman.
Sofferman was a Weinberger Scholar—a scholarship endowed by Joseph Weinberger to support top students pursuing careers in entertainment law. She won the prestigious Grammy Awards Writing Competition through the Entertainment Law Initiative with her paper, "It's My [Recapture Right], And It's Now or Never…"
Since earning her LL.M., Sofferman has remained deeply involved the EASL community, consistently finding ways to give back. She frequently guest lectures and for the past three years has served as lecturer in music law for practicing attorneys visiting the School of Law from ISDE in Madrid, organizes and moderates panels at the annual Global Entertainment and Sports Law + Industry Conference, supervises students in the Music Law practicum, mentors aspiring attorneys, and serves on the EASL Young Alumni Advisory Board.
"Sophia is a brilliant attorney and a kind and caring person who genuinely wants to provide opportunities and guidance for the next generation of industry professionals," said Greg Levy, associate dean and director of the EASL Program. "There's nothing that brings us more joy than seeing our graduates grow into industry leaders, and no one is more deserving of this recognition."
Read more about Miami Law’s entertainment, arts, and sports law area of study.
