Entertainment attorney Shardé Simpson is pioneering improved legal support for Black creators through the launch of Hello Wilma, a subscription-based legal platform debuted on May 20, 2026. This innovative service aims to provide independent artists, producers, and creatives with accessible, professional contract templates to protect their work without the need for full-time legal counsel. Hello Wilma complements Simpson’s boutique law firm, The Simpson Group, PLLC, which she relaunched earlier in February 2026, both driven by a shared mission to democratize quality legal resources for creators at all career stages.

Simpson’s career began in 2008 with Roc Nation, where she advanced from executive assistant to key roles in A&R and legal affairs, gaining critical insights into music industry deal structures and legal nuances. She identified a significant gap in affordable legal support for independent creatives, inspiring Hello Wilma’s development to fill that void and empower those who cannot bear the costs of traditional law teams. Her approach prioritizes client understanding and advocacy, valuing impact and education over volume, underscoring her commitment to elevating creators’ knowledge about deals and contracts.

Transitioning from practicing law to launching a tech platform posed learning challenges for Simpson, who embraced the technical demands of software development and coding with the help of a dedicated development team. She integrates artificial intelligence into Hello Wilma as a supplementary tool for contract summaries and understanding but emphasizes that nuanced legal drafting requires experienced human oversight. This combination ensures the platform remains grounded in expert legal knowledge while leveraging technology for broader access.

Looking forward, Simpson plans to expand Hello Wilma’s offerings to cover comprehensive legal needs in the music industry, including songwriters’ agreements and sample clearances, aiming to streamline project clearances for creatives. Through her dual ventures, she aspires to inspire Black women in law, entertainment, and entrepreneurship by breaking barriers and creating inclusive, supportive spaces. Simpson hopes her work will meaningfully transform how the music industry supports and respects independent artists and creatives outside the mainstream.