(310) 277-8011

Michael R. Morris

PRACTICE AREAS:

  • Tax and Wealth Planning Group
  • Entertainment Group
  • Business and Finance Group

Michael R. Morris has blended his tax law expertise with his passion for music and entertainment, resulting in a practice that is unique.

As a former trial lawyer for the IRS and a Certified Specialist in Taxation Law, Michael provides insightful resolutions to his clients’ complicated tax, estate and business transaction issues. In the entertainment industry, Michael has developed a strong reputation of providing valuable and effective business solutions in areas such as copyright and contractual matters.

Although Michael’s core competency is within the tax arena and entertainment, he has developed significant expertise covering a wide range of businesses.  His diverse  client base includes  major studio executives, recording artists (including Grammy winners), production companies, film and TV composers,  talent agencies,  payroll companies,  skin healthcare companies, post production houses, software companies, and an award-winning winery.

BAR ADMISSIONS:

  • Arizona, 1978
  • California, 1981
  • U.S. District Court Central District of California, 1980
  • U.S. Tax Court, 1978

EDUCATION:

  • University of Arizona College of Law, Tucson, AZ , 1978 – J.D.
  • Honors: With Highest Distinction
  • Honors: Order of the Coif
  • LR: Arizona Law Review, Case Note Writer, 1976
  • University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1975 – M.A.
  • Honors: MC

PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP:

  • Southern California Super Lawyer 2006-2025
  • USC Tax Institute – Planning Committee 2022-2025
  • CalCPA Education Foundation Entertainment Industry Conference – Planning Committee and Speaker, 2005-2025
  • CalCPA Education Foundation Entertainment Industry Conference – Co-chair 2013, 2014, 2015
  • Los Angeles Business Journal, “L.A.’s Top 100 Lawyers” 2009
  • Past president California Copyright Conference 2005

AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

  • Tax Controversy
  • Transactional Matters
  • Estate Planning
  • Music
  • Entertainment
  • General Business Law

NEWS AND EVENTS

Michael Morris To Speak at CalCPA Entertainment Industry Conference

Michael Morris To Speak at CalCPA Entertainment Industry Conference

Valensi Rose Managing Partner Michael R. Morris will speak about “Copyright Termination Rights: Recent Cases, Planning Techniques, and Tax Consequences”...

Michael Morris Is Named Managing Partner of Valensi Rose

Michael Morris Is Named Managing Partner of Valensi Rose

Michael R. Morris has been named Managing Partner of Valensi Rose, succeeding Rachelle Cohen. He previously served as the firm’s...

Michael R. Morris Is Recognized By State Bar

Michael R. Morris Is Recognized By State Bar

Michael R. Morris, Managing Partner of Valensi Rose, was recognized by the California Board of Legal Specialization of the State...

INSIGHTS

What Cox v. Sony Means for Music Industry Professionals

What Cox v. Sony Means for Music Industry Professionals

On March 25, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued one of the most consequential copyright rulings for the music industry...

Songwriters Get Double Shot at Copyright Ownership

Songwriters Get Double Shot at Copyright Ownership

A federal court has given songwriters a notable victory, ruling that they can reclaim their copyright not just in the...

How the OBBBA Affects High-Net-Worth Taxpayers

How the OBBBA Affects High-Net-Worth Taxpayers

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4 of this year, contains hundreds of provisions...