Davetta L. Selma

About Davetta L. Selma

Davetta L. Selma is an attorney at Universal Music Enterprises, the catalog division of Universal Music Group. She is tasked with solving legal and business issues relating to contracts, copyrights, trademarks, rights of publicity, audio and visual clearance, licensing, royalties, and artist research. She advises, interfaces, and coordinates with all internal divisions of her label (A&R, Finance, Content, Marketing, Publicity, Sales, Production, Promotions, Film/TV, and Licensing). Davetta has closed deals on projects for artists such as James Brown, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, John Lennon, Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra, The Supremes, Chuck Berry, Ringo Starr, LL Cool J, Janet Jackson, The Temptations, Nat King Cole, Chuck D, and many more. A California native, Davetta obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in Sociology; and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern Law School. During law school, Davetta served as President of the Black Law Students Association, took first place in the Western Regional Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition, and received a public service distinction. Following law school, Davetta interned at The White House under the President Barack Obama Administration. Davetta is an active member of the State Bar of California. When she is not lawyering, Davetta enjoys giving back to her community by mentoring other first-generation college and law students like herself. In addition, she maintains a passion for live music, dance, and the arts.

Experience

1. Attorney, Business & Legal Affairs

   Universal Music Group

   Apr 2018 — Present · Santa Monica, CA, US

Education

• Southwestern Law School

  Juris Doctor

• University of California, Berkeley

  Bachelor of Arts

• Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies

  High School Diploma

Skills

• Courts
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Contracts
• Public Speaking
• Legal Research