how do lawyer become an entertainment agent

by Ms. Rosa Medhurst 6 min read

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree. The first step to becoming an entertainment lawyer is earning a bachelor's degree. ...
  2. Pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) After graduating with a bachelor's degree, aspiring entertainment lawyers can apply to law schools. ...
  3. Apply for law school. After passing the LSAT, you can begin applying for law school programs. Consider researching and exploring programs in your desired field.
  4. Earn a law degree. The next step in becoming an entertainment lawyer is earning a law degree. The common degree for entertainment lawyers is the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
  5. Consider a certificate. Some law schools offer an entertainment law certificate. This can help you begin or advance your career.
  6. Pass the bar examination. After graduating from a law program, aspiring lawyers must take and pass the bar exam. ...
  7. Gain professional experience. After passing the bar exam, lawyers can begin practicing law. Many entertainment lawyers begin their careers as legal associates.

Full Answer

When should you hire an entertainment lawyer?

The most common reason that an entertainer hires a lawyer is to review, draft, or negotiate a contract. But you might also hire a lawyer if you need to litigate, for example if your producer breaches a contract, or if your manager has stolen money from you.

What is the job description for an entertainment lawyer?

  • #1 thing is network. Meet people in the industry whenever you can. ...
  • Start to think about what you want to do and if being an Entertainment Attorney is really for you. ...
  • Try to learn. There are lots of books and blogs out there, lots of ways to learn about the industry. ...
  • Figure out what kind of music you like. ...

What is the curriculum of an entertainment law degree?

The Curriculum. As a first-year law student, you will follow a designated course of study that may cover many of the following subjects: Civil procedure —the process of adjudication in the United States such as jurisdiction and standing to sue, motions and pleadings, pretrial procedure, the structure of a lawsuit, and appellate review of ...

Do you need an entertainment lawyer?

You're finally getting roles in local plays or movies and you're seeking broader exposure. Or maybe you just wrote a screenplay and a few producers are showing interest. These are all perfect examples of times when you might need an attorney with a special knowledge of the entertainment business.

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What is the role of an entertainment lawyer?

What is an entertainment lawyer? Unlike divorce or corporate lawyers, an entertainment lawyer represents and protects the interests of creatives, companies and others in the many areas of the entertainment industry, such as film, television, new media, theater, publishing and music.

Are entertainment lawyers in demand?

Entertainment Lawyer Growth Trend Jobs for lawyers, including entertainment lawyers, are expected to increase 9 percent in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS.

Do entertainment lawyers make a lot of money?

The average annual salary for Entertainment Attorneys is approximately $117,600. The salary range for Entertainment Attorneys runs from $77,000 to $186,000.

Can a lawyer also be an actor?

You can definitely do both! I have been a practicing lawyer for about 8 years and I regularly participate in musical theater productions at my local community theater. My exposure to theater has definitely helped me in my legal career. If you're comfortable on a stage, you can be comfortable in a court room!

What should I study for entertainment law?

The common degree for entertainment lawyers is the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree....During this time, you may choose to study topics such as:Copyright law.First amendment practices.Intellectual property law.Negotiations.Income taxes.

How much do celebrity lawyers get paid?

Celebrity attorneys charge a flat fee plus a commission, and generally earn $100k – $2 million.

Do Entertainment Lawyers work with celebrities?

Who deals with an entertainment lawyer? Some entertainment attorneys work as a celebrity's personal lawyer, but the majority of work with celebrities' agents and managers. These clients have a team of business and legal advisors which include agents, managers, and other attorneys.

Who is the highest paid lawyer?

Top 10 Highest Paid Lawyer In The WorldRichard Scruggs — Net Worth: $1.7 Billion.Joe Jamail Jr. ... Willie Gary — Net Worth: $100 Million. ... Roy Black — Net Worth: $65 Million. ... Robert Shapiro — Net Worth: $50 Million. ... John Branca – Net Worth: $50 Million. ... Erin Brockovich – Net Worth: $42 Million. ... More items...•

What type of lawyer gets paid most?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.

Which celebrity has a law degree?

Gerard Butler Not only was he head boy at high school, but he also managed to get a law degree at the University of Glasgow.

Why do celebrities need lawyers?

Attorney Irwin Rappaport, who represents producers, says, “It's always best to have a lawyer involved for the sake of protecting the actor's interests, giving a perspective that the manager and/or agent might not have, and establishing a relationship of trust between lawyer and client that hopefully will only grow as ...

Which actor has a law degree?

John Cleese This actor of Monty Python Flying Circus fame earned his degree in law at Downing College, Cambridge.

Unions, Groups, Social Media, and Associations

Entertainment Attorneys and students of entertainment law can join the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers. Moo also suggests networ...

What Is The Single Biggest Suggestion You Would Give to Someone Wanting to Get Into This Career?

“Try and have more of a broad set of classes you take. For example, learning tax law was really helpful for me but I also wish I would’ve learned l...

What’S The #1 Mistake People Make When Trying to Get Into This Career?

“It’s great to have drive and focus and I respect that. It’s great to be passionate but the reality is that the entertainment industry is only so b...

What Is The Question People Should Ask About This Career but Rarely do?

“The thing they should ask themselves beforehand is ‘Is this something I really want to do?’ They should really investigate and learn what it means...

If You Could Describe in One Word What Makes You Successful, What Would It be?

“Perseverance. Honestly, there’s going to be a lot of stuff that goes wrong along the way and that’s just life in general. There have definitely be...

What are the responsibilities of an entertainment lawyer?

Job Responsibilities. Provide legal counsel to businesses and individuals in the entertainment industry; negotiate contracts and handle issues related to defamation, copyright, and intellectual property; argue in court when necessary. Licensure.

What is entertainment law?

Entertainment lawyers focus on the entertainment industry. They work with contracts in the music, television, film and publishing industries. They advise clients on the terms of the contract, alert them to any concerns with the contract, and may also draft contracts for companies or individuals.

What degree do you need to be an arbitrator?

They need a bachelor's degree, a familiarity with the law, and the ability to recommend contract terms for the parties to agree on.

What are some examples of legal representation?

Typical examples include writers' strikes, defamation suits and contract negotiations. You can represent individuals, like actors and directors, and firms, such as production companies. You'll apply your extensive training in areas such as copyright, contract and intellectual property law.

What do lawyers need to know?

Lawyers require extensive legal knowledge . They must have a Juris Doctor degree, and must also pass the bar exam before they can practice law. They often specialize in a specific field of law, such as criminal law, business law or immigration law. Entertainment lawyers focus on the entertainment industry. They work with contracts in the music, ...

What degree do paralegals need?

They are required to have an associate's degree.

What do entertainment lawyers major in?

Many Entertainment Lawyers majored in Legal Studies or Music Industry Studies as undergraduates. A degree in Music Industry Studies or something similar can give the future Lawyer an understanding of the many areas of the music business before they hunker down and dive deep into the law at law school.

What is entertainment attorney?

Entertainment Attorneys help their clients to understand legal agreements, ensuring that the terms are in their clients’ best interests. They work with Recording Groups, Record Producers, Songwriters, Music Publishers, Record Label Executives, Music Producers, and Composers. They negotiate recording, merchandising, touring and publishing contracts, as well as Producer agreements.

How much do entertainment attorneys make?

Entertainment Attorney salaries can range from $77,000 to $186,000. Moo says “there are a couple different ways” Entertainment Attorneys are paid. “The flat fee for reviewing contracts is the most common because it’s the most affordable, especially for newer musicians.

What do people think of entertainment attorneys?

When most people think of Entertainment Attorneys they envision a flashy, high-powered office and an intense workload. While this is certainly the case at many big-name firms, other Attorneys find this type of corporate environment doesn’t sit well with their creative clients.

Do music lawyers get paid?

Music Lawyers on staff at law firms receive a regular salary. On the other hand, Music Lawyers who work for themselves (aka freelancers) charge a set fee for certain services and longer-term project, an hourly rate for shorter-term projects, and a retainer for regular, ongoing projects.

Do entertainment law firms have business hours?

Most entertainment law firms have set business hours, yet at the same time Attorneys have to be willing to put in the work whenever it’s necessary, whether that means studying contracts over the weekend or meeting clients for dinner. “I do stuff when I need to do stuff,” Moo says.

What is entertainment lawyer?

Entertainment lawyers are law professionals who represent the artists, employees, and companies involved in the entertainment industry. Keep reading to learn more about the entertainment lawyer.

Why do entertainment lawyers need to be familiar with the entertainment industry?

Because the industry utilizes so many different fields of practice, entertainment lawyers must have extensive knowledge about multiple legal categories. They must also be familiar with various sectors of the entertainment industry, though some choose to work in just one sector such as music or film.

What is a litigation lawyer?

Litigation-based lawyers on the other hand, are focused on defending clients in lawsuits and pursuing lawsuits on behalf of clients. These attorneys must be familiar with both criminal and civil laws. For instance, a litigation lawyer may represent a musician being sued by a production company for copyright infringement.

What do lawyers do after graduation?

After graduating, many lawyers begin their careers by working as law clerks after graduation. Since it is a very specialized field, it is not uncommon for entertainment lawyers to work in a different area of law before finding a job in the entertainment industry.

How much do attorneys make?

The median wage for attorneys in the U.S. is $119,250 as of 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”) Occupational Outlook Handbook. This accounts for all lawyers, as the BLS does not distinguish by area of practice.

What is a large law firm?

Larger law firms are likely staffed to handle a wide variety of legal specialties. They may also employ both transactional and litigation lawyers. Smaller firms or private practices generally focus on a specific area within litigation or transactional law.

What is a masters in law?

A Master of Law degree (M.L. or LL.M) is available for students wanting to take a closer look at the law after receiving their Juris Doctorate degree. The degree is internationally recognized, and it can broaden a person’s career horizons.

What is entertainment law?

It’s a collection of different types of laws, which are related to the media and entertainment industry. It includes litigation and transaction laws, and also impacts the laws such as state and federal laws, common laws created on the court, and rules created by government agencies.

What are the practices in entertainment law?

The Following are the Practices in Entertainment Law: Labor and employment – to make sure that staff and talents are following labor and employment laws, which include worker’s compensation, safety regulations, fair hiring practices, and maximum working hours allowed .

Is entertainment law a fast paced career?

Practicing entertainment law can be a fast-paced and challenging career that provides a rewarding and steady job about how to become an entertainment lawyer.

Is continuing education mandatory in entertainment law?

The old ones are being revised, and a lot of cases are being created and trying to be resolved. Continuing your education isn’t mandatory in the legal field, but if you’re planning to pursue a career path how to become an entertainment lawyer in a specific field, such as an entertainment lawyer, professional development ...

Can a private attorney work as an in-house counsel?

They can work as in-house counsel wherein the client is the employer, or as a private attorney who can have individual talents or corporate entities as clients.

Can entertainment lawyers practice outside of major cities?

Entertainment lawyers can still practice outside these cities; however, work can be limited. Unlike in the past, a lot of production in the entertainment industry takes place in minor cities today. Other entertainers, local bands, radio talents, and television talents residing in their city also need entertainment lawyers on their side. Although entertainment lawyers won’t get to practice full-time outside major cities , they can still handle entertainment cases for their litigation and transactional law practice.

What is an entertainment agent?

Entertainment agents act as middlemen, working with both artists and venues to book concerts, gallery showings and acting jobs. These agents are masters of negotiation and work hard to make sure deals between companies and artists make the largest amount of money possible for both parties involved. Becoming an agent can be difficult, but ...

How to be successful as a talent agent?

Find clients. The most important step towards success as a talent agent is finding clients. Your clients can be any type of entertainer: actor, singer, dancer or artist. Don’t be picky or overly specific about the type of artist you want to represent in the beginning, because your first clients will be the hardest to find.

How to be a better negotiator?

Learn exactly what it is that your client is looking to schedule so that you know what kind of venues to negotiate with. Be sure to communicate consistently with your client to make sure that you're up to date with their expectations. This will make you a much better negotiator, because you'll be up to date on exactly what your client needs and wants.

How to find the best gigs for an artist?

Find venues or jobs. Always work to find the best venues or gigs for your artists: make sure that the venues match their style and type of work. Call booking agents at the venues or companies to see what is available, and learn about the terms of the contracts they offer to artists.

When do you draw up a contract?

Always make contracts. When you enter into an agreement with a new client, always draw up a contract. You may trust your client a great deal, but you’ll still need the protection of a contract if something goes wrong.

Which city is the best to find Broadway singers?

New York would be a great city to find Broadway singers to represent, while Los Angeles is full of actors. Keep in mind that these cities are expensive to live in and very competitive when it comes to finding work, but they have plenty of clients that need representing.

What is an Entertainment Agent

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an entertainment agent. For example, did you know that they make an average of $20.43 an hour? That's $42,488 a year!

Entertainment Agent Jobs

Our AI resume builder helps you write a compelling and relevant resume for the jobs you want.

Average Salary for an Entertainment Agent

Entertainment Agents in America make an average salary of $42,488 per year or $20 per hour. The top 10 percent makes over $61,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $29,000 per year.

Online Courses For Entertainment Agent That You May Like

An immersive experience in the world of sports that will take students through the four stages of a professional athlete's career. Utilizing lectures, guest speakers, reading assignments and hypothetical walkthroughs, students will learn how the best sports agents manage clients at each of these four stages.

How Do Entertainment Agent Rate Their Jobs?

Rate how you like work as Entertainment Agent. It's anonymous and will only take a minute.

What is entertainment lawyer?

What is an entertainment lawyer? Unlike divorce or corporate lawyers, an entertainment lawyer represents and protects the interests of creatives, companies and others in the many areas of the entertainment industry, such as film, television, new media, theater, publishing and music.

What to do if you already have an entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles?

If you already have an entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles or entertainment lawyer in NYC, consult with them about how to move forward in such circumstances . Depending on the nature of your role on the project, they can advise about seeking in-state legal advice.

Why is an entertainment lawyer important?

Especially when it comes to negotiating contracts and handling potential litigation matters, an entertainment lawyer is key to best protecting your interests.

How long does it take to become a lawyer in California?

Between a conventional four-year undergraduate program, law school and bar exam success on the first try, a person looking to be licensed as a California entertainment lawyer may do so in approximately seven years.

Can an emerging creative lawyer be an entertainment lawyer?

And while true that these professionals can foster your career and provide some of the same benefits as an entertainment lawyer, namely industry connections and career advice, neither have the legal expertise of an entertainment lawyer.

Do entertainment lawyers provide free consultations?

Yes, most entertainment lawyers will provide a brief complimentary consultation. Keep in mind, though, that this consultation isn’t about getting free information for a legal issue. Rather, the consultation is to determine if that particular lawyer will be a good fit for your needs. 10.

Can an entertainment lawyer be hired as an employee?

Unless you are potentially forming a company that would require the ongoing services of an entertainment lawyer, they would not be hired as an employee. Rather, they are a contractor who is part of a law firm or the proprietor of their own business.

The role of an entertainment attorney in the entertainment industry

This article has been written by Neha Varhadi, pursuing a Diploma in Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Laws from LawSikho.

Introduction

Entertainment law is also commonly known as Media Law. It deals with the legal services provided within the entertainment and media industry. Some law fields are extremely specific.

What is Entertainment law?

Entertainment practically, represents motion pictures, television shows, cinema, plays, etc. It represents glamour, creativity, diligence, and imagination.

Conclusion

As the field of entertainment is constantly evolving so is the law relating thereto. With the current escalation in technology the interest in searching and acquiring new, unique, and different mediums of entertainment like web series, OTT platforms, etc. is on the rise.

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