Jenner & Block Secures Trial Victory for Chance the Rapper

On March 20, 2026, Jenner & Block secured a trial victory for Chancelor J. Bennett, known as Chance the Rapper, in a multi-year, high-profile breach of contract dispute with his former manager, Patrick Corcoran.

A Cook County, IL jury delivered a complete verdict — a decision with both symbolic and precedent-setting impact on the music industry. On Corcoran’s claim, the verdict marks the first litigated ruling of its kind on the enforceability of oral post-termination provisions in artist/manager agreements.

And, on Bennett’s claim, the jury's message to managers was loud and clear: they are agents, charged with acting in the artist's best interest, and cannot seek to cut themselves into deals meant to benefit artists. That principle, now backed by a jury verdict, stands as a foundation and source of inspiration for independent artists seeking to protect their rights. In recognition of Jenner’s work on behalf of Chance the Rapper, The AmLaw Litigation Daily awarded a shout-out to the trial team in its weekly column, Litigator of the Week.

Following the verdict, Precious emphasized that "This ruling is not only a victory for Mr. Bennett, it is a victory for independent artists everywhere. We are happy for our client who has been standing on principle for years."

The team was led by Partners Precious Jacobs, Wade Thomson and April Otterberg.

© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

Jenner & Block Secures Trial Victory for Chance the Rapper

On March 20, 2026, Jenner & Block secured a trial victory for Chancelor J. Bennett, known as Chance the Rapper, in a multi-year, high-profile breach of contract dispute with his former manager, Patrick Corcoran.

A Cook County, IL jury delivered a complete verdict — a decision with both symbolic and precedent-setting impact on the music industry. On Corcoran’s claim, the verdict marks the first litigated ruling of its kind on the enforceability of oral post-termination provisions in artist/manager agreements.

And, on Bennett’s claim, the jury's message to managers was loud and clear: they are agents, charged with acting in the artist's best interest, and cannot seek to cut themselves into deals meant to benefit artists. That principle, now backed by a jury verdict, stands as a foundation and source of inspiration for independent artists seeking to protect their rights. In recognition of Jenner’s work on behalf of Chance the Rapper, The AmLaw Litigation Daily awarded a shout-out to the trial team in its weekly column, Litigator of the Week.

Following the verdict, Precious emphasized that "This ruling is not only a victory for Mr. Bennett, it is a victory for independent artists everywhere. We are happy for our client who has been standing on principle for years."

The team was led by Partners Precious Jacobs, Wade Thomson and April Otterberg.

© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.

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